At the Starbucks store on the corner of Massachusetts Ave. and Shepard Street in Cambridge, MA there is a newly installed external mural.  The mural depicts the Porter Square neighborhood and some prominent buildings along the Avenue, along with people, trees, and a stairway.  The mural was created as a collaboration between Starbucks, the neighborhood Arts on the Avenue committee, and students and a faculty artist associated with Lesley University’s College of Art and Design.  Unfortunately, the mural is now in jeopardy of being painted over.

We, the undersigned, strongly urge the landlord of the Starbuck’s building to leave the mural on display.  We find the mural to be an attractive and enriching addition to the Avenue and to public art on the Avenue, as well as a vibrant celebration of the present-day character of the neighborhood.