LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — A striking new mural will grace the revitalized Pax River Village Center in Lexington Park, Maryland, embodying the community’s shared history, pride, and aspirations. Set for a public unveiling on September 25, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., the artwork, created by Charlotte-based artist Rosalia Torres-Weiner of Red Calaca Studio, emerges from a collaborative effort led by the St. Mary’s County Arts Council. Community members of all ages shaped the mural’s design through workshops and idea boards, ensuring it reflects Lexington Park’s diverse voices and cultural heritage.
The mural, a centerpiece of the redeveloped shopping center at 21600 Great Mills Road, celebrates the area’s past and present while pointing to a hopeful future, particularly for its Latino community. “This mural is a celebration of who we are,” said Susie Glauner, Executive Director of the St. Mary’s County Arts Council. “It’s a visual reminder that when we come together, we can create something lasting and meaningful.” Torres-Weiner, selected from over 30 artists for her vibrant, community-driven approach, echoed this sentiment: “The mural honors the past, celebrates the present, and uplifts the bright future of Lexington Park’s Latino community.”
Glauner’s leadership was pivotal in steering the project, from artist selection to community engagement. Her team organized outreach events where residents contributed stories and ideas, shaping a design that captures Lexington Park’s identity as a hub near Naval Air Station Patuxent River, home to over 22,000 employees and a cornerstone of St. Mary’s County’s economy. The arts council, founded in 1986 to foster local creativity, secured funding and partnerships to bring the vision to life, with Glauner’s discovery of Torres-Weiner proving a turning point.
The mural aligns with a broader revitalization of Pax River Village Center, led by Atlantic Realty Companies and managed by KLNB. The center now boasts updated storefronts hosting retailers like ALDI, Dollar Tree, and Starbucks, alongside improved walkways and public gathering spaces. These enhancements aim to transform the 120,000-square-foot complex into a vibrant community hub, addressing long-standing calls from residents for modern amenities in Lexington Park, where 27% of St. Mary’s County’s 114,332 residents live.
Torres-Weiner, whose work often blends bold colors and cultural narratives, drew inspiration from Lexington Park’s diversity, including its growing Latino population, which constitutes about 8% of the county. Community workshops held in spring 2025 at the Lexington Park Library and local schools collected input from students, families, and seniors, ensuring the mural reflects themes like unity, resilience, and local pride. The artwork, painted on a prominent exterior wall, incorporates symbols of the area’s military heritage, natural beauty along the Patuxent River, and cultural milestones like the annual Juneteenth celebrations at nearby Freedom Park.
The unveiling event, open to the public, offers a chance to meet Torres-Weiner and learn about the mural’s creation process. Attendees can expect remarks from Glauner, county officials, and community leaders, with light refreshments provided by the arts council. The event marks a milestone in Lexington Park’s ongoing transformation, which includes recent infrastructure upgrades like the $12 million FDR Boulevard extension to ease traffic near Route 235, a vital artery for Southern Maryland commuters.
This project builds on St. Mary’s County’s history of community-driven art, such as the 2019 barn quilt trail celebrating rural heritage. The arts council’s efforts, supported by grants from the Maryland State Arts Council and local sponsors, underscore its role in fostering cultural expression. Since 2002, the council has operated the St. Mary’s Community Gallery, hosting exhibits that draw thousands annually. The Pax River mural, funded in part by a $15,000 community arts grant, exemplifies this commitment, with over 200 residents contributing ideas during the design phase.