Los Angeles, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: The Thai Community Development Center sought to beautify Thailand Plaza, a commercial center along Hollywood Boulevard in Thai Town. The more than 1,000 square feet of metal garage doors making up the plaza's faade were a target for graffiti. To solve this, the Center commissioned two artists to replace the tags with vibrant murals illustrating Thai culture. They also repainted the gates of the nearby Brahmin Shrine in deep black and gold. By doing this, project organizers hope to deter future vandalism in the area, inspire a sense of community and draw new visitors to Thai Town. Locals hailed the project during a celebration marking the district's 20th anniversary.

Danville, KY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: Danville was known for the community's commitment to the arts, but the town lacked public art in its downtown. In an effort to bring vibrancy to the town's commercial core, Heart of Danville has supported more than 100 major renovation projects. This project installed the community's first large-scale mural. More than 1,000 residents provided feedback about what should be included in the mural designed by artist Andlee Rudloff. The final design showcases the community's history. To complete the mural, 205 people -- ranging in age from 2- to 80-years-old -- gathered to paint. Project organizers say the mural is the first step toward activating the adjacent parking lot, allowing it to host parklet installations and pop-up events.

Rock Springs, WY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: Part of a multiyear effort to bring public art to downtown Rock Springs, this project added a new mural paying tribute to the area's mining and railroad history. The artwork then spurred redevelopment of an adjacent vacant lot, which is now a pocket park with seating, shade structures and landscaping. To help visitors learn about local history, Rock Springs Renewal Fund added interpretive signage for the mural, and for others installed nearby. Ultimately, the project's success inspired the City of Rock Springs to commission three additional murals for the pocket park. Today, the City hosts mural walks through the central business district.