The city of Newark unveiled a new mural that highlights local women and their essential role.

The newly completed "The Golden Life" mural has transformed the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Route 280 off-ramp. The piece highlights women, from babies to elders, who live in the neighborhoods near the intersection.

Newark based artists Rachel Fawn Alban and Armisey Smith worked for over a year putting together the mural. They hosted a free artmaking workshop at the Newark Public Library in the spring of 2023 that invited women and girls of all ages to participate in the creation of the piece.

In partnership with Project for Empty Space, the city of Newark and support from the Asphalt Art Initiative, the artists were able to make their vision a reality.

"Murals are inspiring, they bring life, they bring color, they bring energy, a new positive energy, and the mayor is a big advocate for that," said Michele Truvillion, the manager of Arts and Culture for the City of Newark.

The location was chosen because it's a major intersection for walkers, cars and those using the Broad Street Train Station.

In addition to the mural, an audio component will be added soon of the women who posed for the mural.