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About Muni Worm:

This piece honors the 50th anniversary of the MUNI worm logo, which was designed in 1975 by a San Francisco based graphic designer, Walter Landor, an early pioneer in branding and consumer research techniques. Walter Landor also worked on brands with worldwide recognition such as Levi’s, Coca Cola, Shell Oil, World Wildlife Fund, and so many more.

Landor’s  Muni design, nicknamed “the Worm” debuted with a very 70’s looking Sunset livery, deep orange and California poppy yellow. The logo represents movement and interconnectedness.  The flowing lines visualize the energy and movement of urban transportation. Designed for simplicity and recognition, it remains a timeless representation of the city’s Municipal Transportation Agency, which was the nation’s first publicly owned transportation network.  It’s why it is traditionally  called the “people’s railway”.  As San Francisco’s population continues to climb, our reliance on efficient, effective public transportation for all it’s residence continues to be an integral part of the City’s equitable and inclusive culture.

This piece was part of the The Heart is Still Here exhibition at the Harry Williams Creative Gallery in early 2025.  The show is a love letter to the creative and cultural vibrancy of the City by the Bay.

From Miriam to Eddie:

Thank you for your purchase of the “Mini Worm”. I enjoyed stories of your Muni adventures when you first moved up here from Laguna Beach. Thank you for giving him a home, and such a prominent place too! Where you will hang him in your cafe is perfect.

By the way, the first and original Muni worm logo painted by Walter Landor on Flyer Trolley Coach 5001 rolled out for the first time on January 27, 1975. How about that?! The day of your birth. 

Artist Statement by Miriam Sweeney - 2025-04-19:

Drawing inspiration from city aerial views, my work explores the urban landscape that sits somewhere between order and chaos, structure and collapse, expression and control. Seen from above, its pieces emerged like a puzzle, each with its own personality. I paint playful, textured, curvilinear shapes to capture the city streets, its landmarks, the droning sounds of traffic, the chitter chatter of its cast of characters. I hope to evoke the feeling one gets when flying into a new place for the first time. When we try to take everything in, or reflect on the lasting impressions of authentic connections, special places, and their unique stories.

[ 2025-04-13 15:41:56 ]