muralist | chalkboard artist |
teaching artist
Tammy Barnes (they/them) is a Washington, DC-based muralist, teaching artist, and chalkboard sign maker working at the intersection of public art, education, and community storytelling. Their work spans large-scale community murals, custom signage for local businesses, and visual arts education for youth and older adults—often focused on amplifying overlooked voices and creating accessible, welcoming spaces for creative expression.
They teach in greater Baltimore at the Chesapeake Arts Center and have led workshops for older adults with the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities’ Create & Thrive! program. As a sign painter and chalkboard artist, they’ve created illustrated menus and custom signage for beloved DC-area businesses including Andy’s Pizza, Bread Furst Bakery, Break Furst Café at The Phillips Collection, The Artemis, and Open City at the National Cathedral.
Tammy’s murals appear across multiple DC wards, including their first at Neval Thomas Elementary in Ward 7, and others featured at the Anacostia Murals Fest in Ward 8, in local restaurants, Metropolitan Police Department, and Sasha Bruce Youthwork facilities. Their work extends to Prince George’s County and Baltimore, MD, reflecting a deep commitment to place-based storytelling and community connection.
They are the lead artist for a team awarded the FY25 Color the Curb: School Safety Program grant—a CAH, DDOT, and DCPS initiative supporting ground murals near public schools. Through the grant, their team is partnering with Maury Elementary to co-create a traffic-calming mural with third-grade students.
Tammy regularly facilitates community murals at festivals and volunteer-led events, with a strong emphasis on public engagement and collaborative expression.
Their practice prioritizes sustainability by using recycled paints, reinvesting local resources through environmentally conscious artmaking. They are the former Treasurer of the Board for Artbae Foundation and an active member of several regional artist collectives.