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Strengthen ND (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public art installations
└ Public art installations
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.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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See More Projects Like This One
Farmington, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: Downtown Farmington's alleys lacked safe inviting spaces for cultural engagement, limiting walkability and social connection. The council converted an alley into a pocket park with walking pavers and murals, including a Navajo Code Talker portrait and cultural symbols. Older adults volunteered as guides and storytellers during art walks, sharing local history. The space now hosts jazz nights, art classes and receptions, creating a lasting venue for connection.
Austin, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: This project will create a 104-foot mural on the Austin urban loop trail, celebrating the city's 1871 railroad history. Featuring 13 panels of local art, this project promotes outdoor recreation and community well-being.
Lake City, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: This project will develop a downtown walking trail to support outdoor recreation and wellness. The trail will feature art, fitness courts, and engaging signage, enhancing health and well-being for residents, especially those over 50.
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Rolette County, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Project organizers planted fruit trees and native plants, enhancing a new garden on the Turtle Mountain Chippewa powwow grounds. The community gardening space featured turtle-shaped pots, which hold flowers and plants -- such as sweet grass and silver sage -- needed for traditional medicines. The Committee hopes fruit from the trees will feed community members and visitors to the annual Powwow celebration. Additionally, the popularity of the turtle-themed planters inspired a fundraising idea. Powwow organizers plan to create similar planters to sell in the future, with proceeds going toward running the Powwow.
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