Artist Spotlight: Britney Colome

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  • Finished mural of three cheerful flower pots (blue, yellow, red) with smiling faces, arms, and legs. The text above reads “What a water-ful life!” and below: “Drains to Blackstone.” The pots are holding hands and dancing across the sidewalk.
    “What a Water-ful Life!” by Britney Colome, 2025. Located at Quinsigamond Elementary School.
  • Finished mural of three smiling cartoon flower pots (blue, yellow, red) with blooming flowers, holding hands and marching. The phrase “What a water-ful life!” is written above. Below the mural, text reads “Drains to Blackstone” next to a storm drain.
  • Partially completed sidewalk mural featuring three colorful cartoon flower pots with arms and legs. The pots are blue, yellow, and red, with smiling faces and blooming flowers. The phrase “What a water-ful life!” is sketched in white chalk above the design. Paint supplies are scattered nearby.
  • Initial stage of the mural showing three flower pots in red, yellow, and blue, each with flowers. The faces and limbs are not yet filled in. The mural is painted along a sidewalk near a street corner and storm drain. Paint cans and supplies are visible in the corner.
  • Partially painted mural of three colorful cartoon flower pots (red, yellow, blue) with smiling faces and walking legs. The flowers are outlined in white. The mural is being painted next to a storm drain, with painting supplies and a backpack nearby.
  • Catch basin mural with a blue water splash shape, cartoon trash items, and an orange fish holding a sign that says “Water you doing? Don’t litter!” Above, it reads “Drains to Beaver Brook.”
    “Water You Doing?” by Britney Colome, 2023. Located at Elm Park.

Walk past the latest catch basin mural in Worcester and you’ll be greeted by a cheerful scene of plants and water, paired with a playful message: “What a Water-ful Life!” This bright, fun piece comes from local artist Britney Colome, whose passion for art and community shines through in every brushstroke.

Britney says, “since I was a little girl I always enjoyed arts and crafts. It was a hobby of mine that I loved.” It wasn’t until college, after taking her first formal art class, that she recognized her potential and made the decision to pursue an art degree. “Since then I have been working towards making it more than just a hobby.”

Britney describes her artistic style as colorful, engaging, and fun. While still exploring her signature style, she draws on skills from painting, graphic design, and still life to create vibrant public art. In fact, “What a Water-ful Life!” is not Britney’s first mural with Worcester Green Corps. In 2023, she painted “Water You Doing?”, a cheerful catch basin mural located at Elm Park, which also brought her playful approach to life and sparked community conversation. For this mural, she decided to try something new. “I wanted to have some fun and explore something different,” she said, choosing a rubber hose animation style for the design.

Britney’s process begins with brainstorming in Procreate, where she jots down ideas and researches themes. In this case, she said, “I wanted to incorporate plants and water into my design. I also wanted to include a fun saying that could show the importance of clean water. It may not be a huge message, but I thought that incorporating some happy plants could help.”

Working outdoors brings its own challenges. Britney notes, “Learning how to adapt in the environment around you whether that includes weather, traffic, and/or people approaching you while working,” is a key part of creating art on the street.

Public reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Since the mural is located at an elementary school, Britney has received many kind words from students and teachers. “For the most part I’ve gotten amazing reactions from my mural,” she says. However, not all interactions have been easy. “There have been a couple times where people will approach me with an authoritative attitude, questioning whether I’m doing something illegal or asking if the city knows what I’m doing.” She makes a point to respond respectfully and explain that the mural is fully permitted and supported by the city. “However, they still seemed bothered but that is beyond one’s control. It doesn’t stop me from doing something beneficial and fun for the community.”

Britney believes public art has a powerful role in shaping how we see our surroundings. “It brings life and color to our community,” she says. “Seeing art displayed in public has made me admire the city more. I tend to look out for more murals because it’s important to appreciate our artists and all they contribute.””

For aspiring artists, Britney’s advice is simple but strong: “Progress pays off as long as you are self-disciplined. Keep trying no matter what it is that you are passionate about! It’s always easy to compare yourself to other amazing artists, but remember that we all start somewhere.”

“What a Water-ful Life!” is part of the 2025 Worcester Green Corps Catch Basin Mural Project, created in partnership with the Worcester Green Corps, Sharinna Travieso, and the Worcester DPW. It is proudly supported by the Mass Cultural Council, the New England Grassroots Fund, and the FY25 State Earmark, allocated by Senator Mike Moore.  

“Water You Doing?” is part of the 2023 Worcester Green Corps Catch Basin Mural Project, created in partnership with the Worcester Green Corps, Sharinna Travieso, and the Worcester DPW. Sponsored by Worcester Arts Council.

Next time you walk by one of Britney’s murals, take a moment to appreciate the joyful scenes and the reminder of the role we all play in protecting Worcester’s waterways.

You can follow Britney’s work on:

Catch Basin Murals

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