Lafayette, IN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: Neglected lots in the historic Lincoln neighborhood eroded community pride and left older residents feeling disconnected. To restore the sense of connection, the city partnered with a community arts group and residents to create murals based on stories collected from long-time neighbors. Residents helped choose sites and artists, and a dedication event celebrated the transformation of neglected spaces into vibrant art. The project cleared the lot and sparked new investment while fostering connection. One artist even invited a neighbor to add her own brushstrokes. Another artist noticed how neighbors stopped by with encouragement and support, underscoring the sense of ownership and gratitude.

Henderson, NV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: As part of efforts to revitalize the Army Street corridor, the City of Henderson commissioned murals to decorate concrete benches along a pedestrian thoroughfare. The City hoped the 12 colorful benches would draw visitors to downtown businesses, including the Purple Penguin Snowcone Shack and City Lights Art Gallery. Today, the murals offer pedestrians -- and other visitors to the Downtown Senior Center -- a popular spot to snap a photo or sit down and rest. Project organizers say the art installations also sparked the City to develop its Arts and Culture Master Plan. And in the years since, funding for public art in Henderson has increased, resulting in 10 new mural installations.

Matthews, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: Crestdale, an historic community in Matthews, lacked public art and safe pedestrian connections. A section of the Matthews Heritage Trail ran along a road without sidewalks, creating safety concerns and limiting trail continuity. To address this, the town installed a colorful mural on the advisory shoulder to mark the trail and improve visibility. Residents joined a community event to help paint the mural, and plans include adding a bench for resting along the route. The mural makes the trail easier to navigate, draws attention to Crestdale's history and encourages more people to explore the area.