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Cornerstone West Community Development Corporation (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public art installations
└ Public art installations
During the planning stages for a mural at the 4th Rodney Park, Pastor Lottie Lee-Davis -- a community leader and the project's main partner -- was killed in a car crash. The original goal for the mural was to depict positive imagery for neighborhood children to look up to as they played. After Pastor Lottie's death, organizers used the mural to honor the woman who was a beloved leader and advocate for the 4th Street corridor's residents. Local artists Crae Washington and JaQuanne LeRoy Daniels made Lee-Davis the central figure in the mural, surrounding her with bold colors and words representing career aspirations of the area's children and teens. Since the mural's installation other improvements have come to the park, including new greenery and a bike repair station. Cornerstone West has also worked to implement public art and beautification projects at other nearby parks, including Judy Johnson Park, Cool Spring Park and Tilton Park.
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See More Projects Like This One
Freeport, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: This project set out to enhance a public space in Freeport, giving residents of all ages an appealing place to gather. Organizers worked to identify a space to install a mural, painted by a local artist.
Palmer, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: This project set out to create an arts and cultural trail in Palmer by installing four permanent pieces of art throughout town. To oversee the project -- including artist and site selection and community engagement -- the United Way of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough established a volunteer advisory board. They then selected four local artists. Once completed, the art will be displayed near affordable housing complexes, local business, trails and parks and at Palmer's public library. Each piece pays tribute to local history and identity, with one sculpture depicting the Matanuska Maid and a series of ceramic works evoking the flow and shape of the Alaska landscape.
Camden, AL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: To replace dilapidated seating options in Camden's historic downtown, Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center organized the Sharing Our Stories One Bench at a Time project. The effort involved purchasing, decorating and installing 11 mosaic benches around the Wilcox County Courthouse. Led by local mosaic artist Linda Munoz, residents aged 4 to 80 shared their stories, came up with themes and designs and cut and laid colorful glass onto concrete seats. The benches -- which feature imagery related to life in Camden -- represent more than just a beautiful place to sit. Project organizers say the new benches brought the community together and strengthened Camden's sense of civic pride.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Wilmington, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: Wilmington residents face high rates of inactivity and chronic health issues, worsened by unsafe streets and limited bike infrastructure. In neighborhoods where many households lack cars, poor walkability restricts mobility and access to essentials. Through Open Streets Wilmington, roads were closed to traffic for events promoting active recreation and healthy living. Pop-up demonstrations showcased safer street designs, including a protected bike lane and improved parking on Baynard Boulevard. These efforts led to permanent changes that enhanced bike safety and pedestrian access. "Open Streets turns streets into neighborhoods and residents into neighbors," said one participant.
New Castle County, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: As soon as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, staff at the Latin American Community Center knew they needed to begin outreach efforts to ensure that New Castle's Latino communities received information about staying safe. "Most of our community are essential workers, so it has affected us greatly," said Alicia Dominguez, community engagement coordinator for the ConneXiones initiative. "We have clients who are positive in COVID and aren't able to work." The Center conducted a community assessment and developed an action plan. They then held pop-up testing sites and vaccination events, which reached many residents. In addition, LACC supported programs to connect residents to food assistance and rent or mortgage relief.
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