Local artist captures Southie’s spirit in StoopFest logo

The StoopFest logo isn’t just a design — it’s a symbol of South Boston’s character, history, and sense of community.

Created by local artist Maureen Garrity, the logo draws inspiration from the neighborhood’s iconic triple-deckers, capturing the welcoming spirit that defines Southie.

StoopFest, a new, free music event organized by the South Boston Chamber of Commerce and South Boston NDC, was created to bring the neighborhood together while supporting local businesses. Scheduled for May 31, starting at 1 p.m., this family-friendly, walkable event will feature live music performances at various venues across the west side of South Boston.

Chamber event planner Jenni McNeill reached out to Maureen about designing the logo pro bono for the new event. “As soon as I saw her work, I knew she was perfect,” Jenni said. “She developed exactly what I had in my head!”

When Jenni was explaining the logo to Maureen, “I immediately was like, ‘I live in this exact house you’re talking about.’ I knew exactly what this could look like. I based the logo on my apartment.

“I feel like it was kind of the perfect project for me,” said Maureen, 30.

Having moved to South Boston just before the pandemic, Maureen, who grew up on the South Shore, quickly developed a deep appreciation for the neighborhood. “There's sort of a stereotype of really young people living here post-college, and then the people who have grown up here and lived here their entire lives. But you realize it’s so much more diverse -- there are so many families, kids, working professionals here. It’s cool to feel like you fit in this community no matter what.”

Maureen, who holds a degree in graphic design from Massachusetts College of Art and Design, is the design director at the Broadway Hospitality Group. She designs menus, print materials, posters, bags, emails, and more. On the side, she creates mostly commissioned artwork, custom gifts, and house drawings, a passion she realized and grew during the pandemic.

She loves being within walking distance of the beach, her favorite coffee spots, and, of course, her job. “I've always wanted to live here; it's just such a nice little tightknit neighborhood. And even though you're in the city, it still feels like a welcoming neighborhood. I love that the work I do is for the community I live in,” she said.

Looking forward, Maureen hopes to stay involved in the event’s branding, possibly designing T-shirts and promotional materials.

As excitement builds for the first-ever StoopFest, Maureen is eager to see the community come together for a celebration of music and local culture. “This is the perfect neighborhood for this,” she said. “We’ve been talking about it in the office and everyone’s already so excited.”

The Chamber and South Boston NDC are grateful for Maureen’s design, which embodies the welcoming spirit that makes South Boston feel like home to so many.

 Follow Maureen on Instagram at @modrewthis or check out her website at www.modrewthis.com.