By Rachael Hines

Nonprofit group East Somerville Main Streets is creating a new food-themed mural for Deano’s Pizza, located at 15 Garfield Ave, in the east Somerville business district.

The mural is currently expected to be completed by the end of summer, and will feature the artwork of acclaimed artist and storyteller Michael Talbot.

“My aim and approach with this mural was not just to highlight the business and what they do, but provide for the viewers an introspective dialogue to the statement ‘You are what you love.’” said Talbot. For more information about Talbot and his work, go to talbotsart.com, or check out Talbot’s instagram, @talbotsart .

East Somerville Main Streets (ESMS) is a non-profit group that is working to promote business, culture, and tradition in the east Somerville area. In addition to art projects, ESMS offers technical help and assists local store owners with business improvements. In 2021, ESMS has offered pandemic related assistance to local businesses, by offering assistance with COVID-19 relief funding and adjusting to the new normal.

A large portion of the mural’s cost was covered by a grant from the Somerville Arts Council, but individual donations are still needed to complete the project in time. To donate online or to find more information on ESMS, see eastsomervillemainstreets.org/murals.