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Blacksburg, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: To beautify a busy corridor in Blacksburg, the project installed a mural paying tribute to the area's natural environment and history. Volunteers worked to install the artwork -- which depicts a flurry of butterflies -- along a busy pedestrian streetscape.
Anchorage, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: Fish Creek Trail is a winding, multi-use path connecting schools, parks and a recreation center in Spenard, one of Anchorage's oldest and most diverse neighborhoods. NeighborWorks engaged six local artists, storytellers and graphic designers to create interpretive panels, which they installed along the trail for residents to view as they walk, ride or roll along. The panels display paintings, watercolors and digital designs, which illustrate participants' personal experiences, family tales, memories of using the trail and a traditional Dena'ina story. Project organizers hope the artwork will generate renewed community pride and celebration.
Lakewood, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: The City of Lakewood turned to public art to reduce social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as encourage residents to walk and bike. The City asked artists and entertainers to plan outdoor activities for children and residents of a senior living compound. Artists created an interactive fence art installation, as well as murals on the pavement along the ArtLine, a walking and biking route in Lakewood's arts district. Additionally, performers meandered along the Artline and interacted with community members during the Project Joy Bomb, a four-hour immersive art experience. More than 400 people lined the streets to engage and hundreds of others watched from vehicles or balconies and porches. The City also installed a Little Free Library along the route, which remains today, along with many of the art installations. In recent years, the ArtLine has continued to add works of art, including new murals.
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Max, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To beautify its downtown, the City of Max added hanging flower baskets, benches and picnic tables, as well as raised garden beds. The undertaking was a community effort for the small town (Max only has 131 residents). A local community club picked out the flowers, with another group of older residents volunteering to plant them and keep them watered. Project organizers say they hope the brightened streetscape encourages residents to get out and stroll through downtown.
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