LYNN — Beyond Walls has partnered with artist Mariela Ajras and realtor Peggy Pratt to install a new mural on the building of the upcoming Alegría Learning Center on Spring Street.
Ajras is painting the piece on 33 Spring St., which depicts the faces of children from an array of cultures in a vibrant display.
Originally from Argentina, Ajras has been a muralist for more than 10 years, and she is currently touring around the U.S. to paint in various cities. She said that she aims to capture a sense of whimsy and magic with her art.
“I wanted to come up with a design that reflects everyone in the community, not just my desires,” Ajras said. “Beyond Walls helps create an environment that helps me thrive and feel comfortable as an artist.”
Beyond Walls Founder Al Wilson described why Ajras was the “perfect match” to paint the mural.
“She’s able to reflect community and a sense of intimacy through her artwork, which are major components of the piece,” Wilson said.
The team chose the design on Spring Street to showcase children’s innate sense of creativity, which is fitting for Alegría Learning Center’s goals.
“It’s important to showcase who this building is serving, and that is youth. A lot of imagination is going to be happening in these walls everyday, so now it’s on the exterior of the building. It’s going to be a lot of fun for the community. The families and the kids are going to see themselves in this piece,” Wilson said.
Alegría Learning Center will be an institute that is dedicated to helping toddlers and preschool children learn through art and creativity, with an option to participate in a Spanish immersion class.
33 Spring St. used to be a recording studio, and the exterior previously featured a black-and-white painting of an old man wearing sneakers.
Pratt, who owns the building on Spring Street, explained why she chose to repurpose it into a learning center, and why she decided to collaborate with Beyond Walls to revamp its presence in the neighborhood.
“There’s definitely a need for something different here. This is downtown Lynn. It’s urban. It’s growing, and I thought we should offer one of my passions, which is helping the Hispanic community,” Pratt said.
The mural on 33 Spring St. is expected to be completed on Wednesday, and Alegría Learning Center is expected to open in Spring 2026.
