Joel Bergner for The Devon

Creating a mural for The Devon’s facade marked a significant career milestone for artist Joel Bergner. With the support of WXLLSPACE, he collaborated with Hines to bring his vision to a highly visible and impactful location, elevating his work to a new level of prominence. This project not only showcased his talent but also expanded his opportunities and strengthened his reputation in architectural art. Joel Bergner, an artist, educator, and organizer, is known for his impactful community art initiatives with youth in conflict-affected and marginalized communities around the world—ranging from Syrian refugee camps to American prisons, the favelas of Brazil, and an orphanage in South Africa. His elaborate, large-scale murals seamlessly blend realism with an urban art sensibility, infused with the honest expressions of children and community members.

In each project, Joel guides participants through the process of exploring issues that are important to them, designing their own compositions, and then collaboratively painting a public mural in their community. His artistic journey is deeply connected to his global outreach, alongside his wife, CJ Thomas, who leads dance and theatre workshops, and their two young daughters. This mural at The Devon not only represents a milestone for Joel but also serves as a powerful expression of community, collaboration, and the universal language of art.