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VI Council on the Arts (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public art installations
└ Public art installations
To highlight the culture, history and traditions of the island of St. Croix, the VI Council on the Arts created a new mural. A local artist blocked out the artwork's design, then project organizers engaged volunteers -- including retired community members and people with disabilities -- to help paint. Installed in a busy area frequented by local fishermen, the mural depicts fish and coral native to the Virgin Islands. In the future, the Council plans to work with the community to create more murals.
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Lake City, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: The City of Lake City addressed a lack of safe, accessible places for residents to walk and exercise downtown, a gap that limited no-cost options for physical activity for older adults. Damaged sidewalks and unclear routes discouraged regular outdoor movement and made walking less comfortable. The city repaired sidewalks and created a clearly defined downtown walking trail, supported by trailhead signage and sidewalk decals developed with local partners. Health and recreation organizations helped connect the trail to programs that encourage routine use, including walking as part of personal wellness plans. Older adults now have a safer, more inviting route for daily walking close to other community resources. The trail is positioned as a lasting asset that supports ongoing health efforts and provides a foundation for future improvements.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Pikeville, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: In a rural community with high poverty and an aging population, cultural isolation limited opportunities for engagement. To address this, Pikeville created an Indigenous History mural depicting the Trail of Tears, supported by a skilled artist and QR-coded videos for deeper learning. The unveiling event brought residents together for a guided tour, sparking dialogue about heritage and resilience. Now a permanent feature downtown, the mural serves as an educational tool and catalyst for similar projects, offering older adults a meaningful way to connect with history and foster unity.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Bismarck, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: A deteriorating pedestrian tunnel along Bismarck's riverfront trail discouraged use and raised safety concerns. To address this, the organization engaged 684 residents, including older adults, in paint and mosaic parties to create dozens of mural panels and a mosaic piece. Artists were trained in the Polytab method, ensuring the mural lasts decades and withstands harsh weather. Beyond aesthetics, the project fostered social connection and creative engagement for older adults. Upon installation, the tunnel will be transformed into a welcoming space and local artists will be equiped with sustainable skills.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Frederiksted, VI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Hurricane Maria left the Orchid House at St. George Village Botanical Garden in ruins, exposing orchids and damaging shade structures and irrigation. The Society restored the space by installing a new roof frame and shade cloth, replacing hazardous grillwork and repairing the irrigation system. Volunteers relocated and repotted orchids and refurbished the interior. The renovation revived a historic site and boosted engagement, with membership growing by more than 10 percent. The number of volunteers increased as well. Residents expressed appreciation, saying the garden feels "like a sacred place." The project will support ongoing orchid care and cultural education.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Frederiksted, VI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: Older adults in Frederiksted face serious risks during hurricanes, especially when managing medications, medical equipment and evacuation decisions. Tradewind Foundation addressed that gap by hosting hands-on disaster preparedness training sessions focused on practical steps residents could take before storms hit. Participants learned how to build emergency plans, organize supplies, protect medications and communicate with family and caregivers. Preparedness resources were also distributed for continued use at home. One participant said the training replaced uncertainty with a clear plan for handling medical needs during hurricane season. By improving household readiness and confidence, the project helped older adults feel safer staying in their homes during future emergencies.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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4094 Diamond Ruby
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Christensted (St. Croix), VI 00820
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