Camden, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: This project will support the Golden Brush Collective's creation of a mural in Camden's Centerville neighborhood in order to celebrate the area's cultural history and engage residents in the design process.

St. Thomas, VI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: The Virgin Islands Council on the Arts commissioned local artists -- all of whom were older adults -- to create four murals at a local recreational complex. Intended to extend the Yacht Haven Public Arts Initiative into more neighborhoods, the new murals focus on Virgin Islanders' heritage and history. Subject matter includes an ocean vista with sail boats, a scene from everyday Island life and an homage to local athletes. Project organizers say they hope the new public art instills a sense of neighborhood identity and adds color to walls that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Souris, ND

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: Souris faced vacant spaces and fading identity after its school and church closed, leaving older residents without gathering places. Strengthen ND collected stories and photos from elders and installed a mural on the historic bank building, featuring the former school mascot. A seating area and planned memorabilia displays created spaces for reflection and connection. The mural sparked pride and inspired similar efforts in neighboring towns. One resident said, "This mural reminds me of what Souris used to be. It's more than just art; it's a piece of our history brought back to life."

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.