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Cruces Creatives (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public art installations
└ Public art installations
To strengthen community ties and reduce isolation among older adults, Cruces Creatives led a paint-by-numbers mural project in downtown Las Cruces. More than 600 residents, including nearly 200 people age 50-plus, helped transform a highly visible wall into an 1,800-square-foot work of art. The mural gives volunteers lasting pride and has prompted continued engagement with local programs. Integrated research will produce the first peer-reviewed study on participatory public art, shaping similar efforts elsewhere. One participant summed up the experience: "Being a team and working together to improve our city feels fulfilling."
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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See More Projects Like This One
Charlotte, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: Charlotte's Little Sugar Creek Greenway is a popular place for pedestrians, but the path through the Parkwood underpass tunnel was dark and uninviting. Working with local partners, Brand the Moth gave the tunnel new life. The organization commissioned two local artists to design a mural, which volunteers helped install during a community paint day. The new artwork represents Charlotte's people, communities and nature. Residents and visitors can now take a walking tour through the mural. Project organizers say they hope the public art project attracts more people to use the greenway.
Newton, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: Downtown Newton needed a way to connect generations and enliven Railroad Park near the train station. Newton Murals & Arts Project created a metal mural featuring Kansas-themed figures and papel picado designs, with local students submitting artwork and welding pieces. Volunteers and students celebrated their work at a ribbon cutting, and the mural now offers travelers and residents a vibrant stop. "It is a wonderful thing to deliver a project in the community that is possible because of all the people who get involved and help make it happen," said a project lead. Plans for lighting and seating will further enhance the space as the mural naturally ages into a lasting attraction.
Elizabeth, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: After the pandemic, residents of Elizabeth faced isolation and lacked safe, vibrant spaces for connection. Kean University Foundation created a walkable art trail with banner murals inspired by residents' stories, plus painted play areas and benches. Older adults collaborated with students and volunteers to design and paint murals, while Echo Show displays in community rooms let residents share photos and stories. The project reduced isolation and strengthened community ties. "I don't think everyone living here knew they could write poems... and they see it every day," said one participant.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Las Cruces, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: To make its downtown more bike-friendly, the Downtown Las Cruces installed 40 bike tacks. Based on feedback from the local cycling community, project organizers painted the racks racer green. Engagement with local business owners and volunteers determined the best locations to place the racks. In the future, Downtown Las Cruces expects placemaking efforts to continue with new shade sails. The City of Las Cruces also has plans for a new green path to facilitate biking and walking.
La Union, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Although La Union's community center campus offered plenty of outdoor space, the space sat largely unused. So La Union Helping Hands set out to activate the area. Volunteers installed a benches and a gazebo for shade onsite. They also added seating and shelter to the nearby bus stop. This allows visitors -- including older adults -- to wait comfortably for the bus. Organizers hope the enhancements foster a vibrant space where residents can connect with each other, instilling a sense of community. Spurred by the project's success, La Union Helping Hands now plans to revamp landscaping, plant a community garden, install even more seating, and improve sidewalks at the community center.
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