MORE THAN MURALS (GTFO: NORTH SHORE)

These artists transformed the face of Downtown Lynn—now go and check out their work

PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER GAINES

Sometimes it takes an international creative community to bring out the beauty in a village. Or a town, or metropolis.

If you’re among the punks who clowns on the Commonwealth’s struggling gateway cities like Worcester and Lowell, then you’re no longer just a classist jackass. These days, you’re also missing out on everything from robust art and music scenes to affordable housing and authentic grub, all of which are also found in Lynn and any number of other places beyond Greater Boston.

In order to call more attention to said livelihood and add a decorative sheath that will attract graffiti aficionados from around the world, the visionary team at the Lynn-based nonprofit Beyond Walls held a mural fest for 10 days this month and invited some of the top talents who tackle big beautiful brick buildings. With help from public and private partners and organizations including the Painters and Allied Trades International Union, which together pumped $100,000 into the project plus a week of labor and material to prime surfaces, they got to work. “All in the name of economic development,” as one organizer told us.

The results are worth the trip—no matter where you’re coming from. Here’s a sampling of the artwork that transformed the Lynn facade in a matter of weeks, complete with artist names and corresponding addresses so you can check them all out on your own.