*Denton Burrows (Left), Evan Lovett (Center), and Felipe Ortiz (Right) with their latest murals in Atlantic City.*

Atlantic City's vibrant art scene received an extraordinary boost this August with the return of three acclaimed muralists, each leaving an indelible mark on our city's public spaces. Their projects enrich our cultural landscape while also highlighting the significance of public art in fostering community and identity, drawing inspiration from the people and the wildlife that call Atlantic City home. With the rehabilitation of a beloved classic and the reinstallation of two stunning works, we celebrate making them accessible to all once more.

Denton Burrows returned to lovingly rehabilitate his iconic mural, A Little Bit of Everyone, at 1512 Pacific Avenue. A cornerstone of Atlantic City's public art collection, time and the elements had taken their toll on the public artwork. Burrows meticulously worked to restore the mural to its former glory, addressing wear and tear and environmental factors that had dulled its brilliance while also adding new vivid colors and birdlife to his mural. The impact of the restored mural on the community has been immediate and profound, reigniting conversations and appreciation for this powerful work.

Detail of some of Burrow’s 2025 additions to *A Little Bit of Everyone*

“While painting, I engaged with many people down on their luck. I treated them with respect and they returned the favor,” Burrows reflected. “I like to think that the process, my time there and the picture for my portfolio are for me, but the final physical product is for the people who see it every day. Public art is for everyone, but can be most impactful for those who need a positive and colorful change in their reality. Atlantic City and this mural will always have a special place in my heart and I look forward to my next time there.”

Joining Burrows in this artistic resurgence were two other exceptional talents: Evan Lovett and Felipe Ortiz. Both artists have previously brought their talents to Atlantic City, but due to demolitions and other degradation, their murals required reinstallation at new sites. In both instances, the muralists revisited their subject matter, but with a renewed approach and sharpened skills with their mural work.

Evan Lovett's NJ Osprey Project soared back into view, also at 1512 Pacific Avenue, honoring New Jersey's magnificent raptors. Lovett, known for his intricate detail and treatment of bird subjects, previously created this powerful environmental statement in ode to the local environmental effort to monitor and track the health of osprey populations in our state. With over 800 nesting pairs of ospreys in coastal NJ, the NJ Osprey Project installs and maintains osprey nesting platforms, which an estimated 75% of our local ospreys rely upon. Lovett toured the marshlands by boat before embarking upon this mural reinstallation, collecting new reference photographs to inform his artwork.

“Returning to Atlantic City to paint again was a true delight,” said Lovett. “Although my original mural, celebrating conservation and the New Jersey Osprey project, had disappeared, I was thrilled to see the community's enthusiasm for bringing it back. Designing a new piece for a fresh space was an exciting challenge, and I'm hopeful I've done it justice. I'm excited for the new mural to become a beloved and timeless part of Atlantic City's vibrant landscape.”

Meanwhile, Felipe Ortiz's Oystercatchers was returned to the city’s public art catalogue. Celebrated for his dynamic, energetic style and abstract treatment of nature, Ortiz’s new work can be found on the rear of 10 S. New York Avenue, visible from Kentucky Avenue, just a few short blocks from the dual installations of Burrows and Lovett.

“Atlantic City saw the first version of this oystercatcher mural in 2019, but unfortunately, we lost the mural due to renovation to the building it was painted on,” commented muralist Ortiz. “Six years later, the Atlantic City Arts Foundation has kindly invited me back to repaint another version of the mural. I personally felt my art had improved in the last six years and I was happy to get a chance to restore this mural. The second time around felt like a much closer experience, not only to the city, but the natural environment of New Jersey. My familiarity influenced my artistic approach, as I adapted the theme and style to a new wall. I experienced firsthand the social challenges that the city faces, and even through the difficulties, felt encouraged to try to offer a change through visual art.”

The mural subtly reminds us of the local ecosystem. Its luminous colors and engaging composition draw viewers in, igniting appreciation for the coastal environment. A prominent coastal bird, oystercatchers were once hunted for their plumage to near extinction in North America before the passage of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918; today they can be seen along coastal New Jersey in flocks during breeding season.

Ortiz has long been fascinated with oystercatchers, observing, “I have seen oystercatchers in different countries along my travels in North and South America, and have had the opportunity to paint several murals highlighting this beautiful bird. Their slick and swift flight form along with their elegant feather patterns captured my attention. They have a very unique feature, which is a long and bright orange bill that allows them to easily open up shellfish, including oysters, one of their favorites.”

These re-installations and rehabilitation efforts underscore the significant impact of public art in Atlantic City. Murals like A Little Bit of Everyone, NJ Osprey Project, and Oystercatchers are more than just paintings on walls; they are integral components of our city's cultural identity. When these artists first visited Atlantic City in 2019, there were around 40 murals across our 48 Blocks, and the Orange Loop was in its infancy. Returning in 2025, they were met with a lively cultural hub on New York, St. James, and Tennessee Avenues, and over 100 murals by locally & globally-renowned artists. They both propelled and experienced our city’s ongoing transformation. Public art transforms ordinary spaces into extraordinary canvases, fostering a sense of pride and community engagement. By bringing art directly to the people, we encourage public interaction, dialogue, and a deeper appreciation for creative expression.

The Atlantic City Arts Foundation was supported in these three projects by the NJ Economic Development Authority’s A.R.T. – Phase I Grant Program, which funds restoration projects throughout the city. Concurrent support includes the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and the Midtown Community Development Corporation, local authorities and organizations that fully appreciate the efforts to beautify Atlantic City with world-class public arts. We thank our sponsors for supporting the arts in Atlantic City.

Migratory muralists fly into Atlantic City to refurbish and reinstall their public art

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Migratory muralists fly into Atlantic City to refurbish and reinstall their public art

Missing Zebra Returns to Atlantic City

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