Artist Shawn Dunwoody
Hall Manor in Harrisburg is set to get some added color in the coming weeks.
Harrisburg-based Sprocket Mural Works announced that eight artists are preparing to paint murals throughout the housing development community from June 22 to 28.
Three city artists, as well as five nationally known artists, have been commissioned by Sprocket to paint several wall murals, a sidewalk mural and a mural on a basketball court.
“We chose each artist for a reason. They were selected from more than 440 applicants we received in January,” said Lex Jones, Sprocket’s communications chair. “Each one brings something different to the project. They are all incredibly talented. It’s such an all-star team.”
As part of the project, Sprocket will paint the exterior of the Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg as well.
In preparation, Sprocket volunteers conducted significant community outreach, surveying hundreds of Hall Manor residents. Results showed that residents were interested in art that featured inspirational people, nature and a variety of cultures represented. In April, artists each presented two concepts, and volunteers went door-to-door and hosted a pizza party at the Boys & Girls Club to make the selections. A total of 1,238 votes were cast.
Sprocket’s project works in partnership with the Harrisburg Housing Authority and its South Harrisburg Choice Neighborhood plan.
Artists for the project include Sharnee Burnett, Dionn Williams and Sarah Eberly, all Harrisburg-based. Additionally, Colombian-American artist Sofia Rami will work with Harrisburg artist Reina R76. Washington-based artist Miles Toland, North Carolina-based artist Osiris Rain, Bay-area couple MJ Lindo-Lawyer and Joshua Lawyer, and Rochester-based artist Shawn Dunwoody, will round out the crew.
Ramirez will lead volunteers and members of the Boys & Girls Club in painting a sidewalk mural leading to the building.
Community volunteers help prime walls.
“I hope these murals allow the people of the Hall Manor community to find pride and ownership in the public art that will shape their environment. I hope the kids from the Boys and Girls Club will see the power of creativity and leave the experience feeling more confident in themselves,” she said. “This mural will be a connecting pathway from the residential buildings to the community spaces, filling the corridor with color and joy.”
Burnett will paint a wall mural of writer Maya Angelou, a figure chosen by the community.
“Giving the community something beautiful and having the opportunity to connect with them throughout the process means a lot to me,” Burnett says. “I’m truly excited to experience the journey of creating this mural from start to finish. Having the chance to paint a historical figure to uplift the community is an honor.”
For more information about Sprocket Mural Works, visit their website.
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