When it comes to commissioning murals for Atlantic City, the Atlantic City Arts Foundation has passed the century mark.

“Always Dreaming, Always Growing” was unveiled last week along the side of the restaurant Cardinal, becoming the 100th mural brought to Atlantic City by the foundation since 2017. The mural features flowers and insects that one might see while walking around the area, with text that reads “Always Dreaming, Always Growing.”

Artist Manuela Guillén said the mural is meant to represent Atlantic City’s diverse, hopeful residents. “We’re always going to dream, always grow, right now and right after and forever,” she said.

Locals who stopped by the mural praised its bright visuals, and the overall appearance of murals citywide.

“Sometimes [murals] take the bad things about the city, and put such a beautiful light on it,” said Dara Heston. “Everybody wants to talk about the bad, but we’re forcing people to look at the good and then talk about it, too. It’s really awesome.”

“I feel like if I stop and see something, I feel like the kids are even stopping and looking and reading the quotes that are on the walls,” said Melissa Morillo. “They might not know who the artist is themselves, but I think that the paintings and the murals and the quotes are inspiring.”