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City of Beaver Dam (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public art installations
└ Public art installations
As downtown revitalization advanced, residents wanted a way to honor local history. The city launched "Doors to Our Past," turning old doors into canvases for historical artwork. Fifteen doors depicting landmarks and traditions were created through collaboration between residents of all ages. The installation now forms a permanent art trail and has inspired plans for annual additions. One door featuring Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus sparked heartfelt memories of decades spent delighting children during the holidays.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Holdrege, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: A long-vacant building in downtown Holdrege left residents without a safe, accessible place to gather. To address this, the foundation created the Midtown Sculpture Garden, adding ADA-compliant seating, tables, decorative lighting, trees and a mural of a Nebraska sunset. Older adults joined a community painting day and quickly embraced the space, which now hosts casual visits and will serve as a venue for art festivals and musical events. "I'm feeling almost giddy with happy feelings when I hear and read about and see the sculpture garden. This will improve the...future for Holdrege," wrote one local resident, reflecting the pride and connection the project has sparked.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Frederiksted, VI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: To highlight the culture, history and traditions of the island of St. Croix, the VI Council on the Arts created a new mural. A local artist blocked out the artwork's design, then project organizers engaged volunteers -- including retired community members and people with disabilities -- to help paint. Installed in a busy area frequented by local fishermen, the mural depicts fish and coral native to the Virgin Islands. In the future, the Council plans to work with the community to create more murals.
Washington, DC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: Residents and caregivers in living facilities for older adults often feel invisible, a challenge rooted in age stereotypes. Forest Hills of DC launched a temporary public art initiative featuring portraits and personal stories displayed as a large mural during a citywide art festival. The project included a workshop on dismantling age bias and a digital exhibit that remains online. The mural boosted morale, drew broad attention and increased volunteer engagement, with local media coverage and a visit from the mayor. "At Forest Hills, we truly believe in the magic that art and community can bring to our lives," said one participant.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Bowling Green, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: Low-income residents needed clear, practical steps to prepare for tornadoes, floods and fires. Many lacked a plan, supplies and a single place to keep them. Community Action delivered two trainings for AmeriCorps Senior volunteers using SBP guidance. Participants received a Disaster Resilience Toolkit plus a fire blanket, first aid kit and a three-day survival backpack. The sessions walked through what to do before, during and after an event. Early outcomes show volunteers organizing go-kits at home, with follow-up planned to check progress.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Bowling Green, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: In Bowling Green's Delafield neighborhood, many older adults face hazards that make aging in place difficult. HOTEL INC addressed this by offering five home safety trainings for 55 residents and creating a display of affordable accessibility products. Volunteers completed simple modifications in 15 homes and distributed dozens of safety items, while more than 150 motion-sensor night lights were provided through trainings and displays. Residents reported greater independence, such as easier kitchen access and reduced fall risks. The effort built trust and sparked conversations about broader livability improvements like sidewalks and parks.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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