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City of Chelsea (2019) Print
2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public art installations
└ Public art installations
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.
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See More Projects Like This One
Cusick, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: Community spaces on the reservation lacked cultural expression, leaving the powwow grounds and walking routes without art. The tribe launched a utility box art project, installing eight vibrant wraps along high-traffic areas after soliciting designs from local artists. Many of the community's elders helped select artwork that reflects tribal heritage, strengthening intergenerational ties. The colorful additions have sparked pride and conversations about future murals and sculptures. "The new boxes look great... they add so much color to the walking path," said one resident.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Parkersburg, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: Downtown PKP wanted to build on its efforts to bring public art to Parkersburg. Over the years, the nonprofit created selfie stations and displayed welcome banners in the central business district. This project added a 40-foot mural. Downtown PKB held community listening sessions, where they asked residents what they love most about their town, as well as about their hopes for the future. Using the responses, a team of artists developed a design depicting a collage of smiling faces, local landmarks and butterflies. During four public paint parties, 300 volunteers worked to install the mural on the side of the Parkersburg Art Center. Project organizers say the collaborative effort culminated in public art that beautified Parkersburg's downtown.
Loogootee, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: As part of efforts to create a new, multi-use community space, the Loogootee Beautification Committee commissioned a local artist to create a massive mural downtown. Community members worked with the artist to plan the artwork, which they then installed on the side of an abandoned building on Loogootee's main square. Work occurred as the City prepared to renovate the building and revitalize the area. In the future, the City hopes to hold its annual festival at the site of the mural. Project organizers also report the project helped gather community feedback, which will inform future placemaking projects.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Chelsea, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Reconnect Communities
Description: Many older adults struggled with food insecurity, chronic conditions and limited access to culturally responsive care. La Colaborativa expanded home deliveries, mobile produce events and community meals to provide reliable, nutritious food. Staff offered screenings, nutrition education and help navigating systems while wellness check-ins built trust. One participant said weekly visits made them feel remembered and more confident managing their health as they began attending community gatherings. The work strengthened stability, improved chronic condition management and created a sustainable model linking food, social support and preventive care.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Chelsea, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Chelsea lacked spaces that reflect its Latinx culture, leaving older adults without a welcoming place to gather while accessing essential services. La Colaborativa addressed this by creating La Plazita, an outdoor pavilion connected to the new Survival Center, featuring covered tables, art and music. Completed in late 2023, the plaza now hosts cultural celebrations and offers respite from daily challenges. It has become a multi-generational hub that restores a sense of identity and is expected to inspire similar spaces in other communities.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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