AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Blacksburg Regional Art Association (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public art installations
└ Public art installations
To help downtown recover from pandemic isolation, the Association created a mural that celebrates nature and local heritage. An artist age 50-plus designed the 20-by-10-foot piece featuring Stroubles Creek and native plants, turning a blank wall into a vibrant landmark. The mural now anchors plans for an art walk and streetscape, drawing older adults and other residents into public spaces. "It was my pleasure to participate in such a great event," said one supporter, noting the mural's role in showcasing local talent and sparking renewed interest in public art.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Henderson, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: As part of efforts to revitalize the Army Street corridor, the City of Henderson commissioned murals to decorate concrete benches along a pedestrian thoroughfare. The City hoped the 12 colorful benches would draw visitors to downtown businesses, including the Purple Penguin Snowcone Shack and City Lights Art Gallery. Today, the murals offer pedestrians -- and other visitors to the Downtown Senior Center -- a popular spot to snap a photo or sit down and rest. Project organizers say the art installations also sparked the City to develop its Arts and Culture Master Plan. And in the years since, funding for public art in Henderson has increased, resulting in 10 new mural installations.
Chelsea, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: With the addition of public art, a block of Division Street became a welcoming, safe passageway through downtown Chelsea for pedestrians and cyclists. Community members created 25 pieces of art to adorn the street. Artists painted three full-scale murals, including one created alongside students from a local school, as well as several mini murals. Local older adults also installed art panels. To improve mobility, the City added new sidewalks and repaved the roadway. This project spurred local artists and creatives to form a network and increased support for public art among local property owners. Project organizers say its success represents an important first step to link the heart of downtown with Chelsea's waterfront.
Dodge City, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: This project created murals in the downtown district reflecting the area's history and diversity.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Christiansburg, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Older adults in rural Virginia faced isolation during the pandemic, lacking internet access and basic computer skills. To close this gap, the group launched a Mobile Literacy Lab stocked with laptops, hotspots and other tools to deliver classes and tutoring. Two 10-week courses and five workshops taught email basics, safe browsing and virtual meeting skills. The lab now enables older adults to manage tasks like job searches and online communication. "This one hour class helped me more than anyone else in months," said Ellen, who learned to secure her email accounts. With new partnerships and a waiting list for future classes, the lab is set to remain a cornerstone for inclusive learning.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Salem, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Older adults often lacked guidance on affordable home safety upgrades and legal planning, leaving them vulnerable to falls and uncertainty about aging in place. The library hosted four expert-led workshops on topics from elder law to home modifications, drawing 122 attendees. Early participants received practical items like nightlights and jar openers, and 100 aging-in-place workbooks were distributed. Attendees said the sessions were "very informative," with one noting, "The elder law talk really helped me know what I need to do to protect myself." Afterwards, many began planning to contact local agencies or pursue safety improvements.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Virginia State Office
901 E Byrd Street
Suite 1005
Richmond, VA 23219
United States