Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Nearly 30 painted planter boxes coming to Allison Hill, local artists encouraged to take part

Nearly 30 planters along Derry and Market streets will be painted.

As spring rounds the corner and more people are ready to get outside, Sprocket Mural Works wants to bring more art for your stroll through the neighborhood.

Volunteers from Sprocket, a nonprofit, plan to kick off the annual Harrisburg Mural Festival by painting nearly 30 new planter boxes, provided by Tri County Community Action, on Derry and Market streets in Allison Hill.

Their goal is to commission artists from the Allison Hill neighborhood, as well as artists from the city at large. Today, Sprocket announced a call for artists to submit designs for these paid positions.

“We are looking forward to connecting with artists from Allison Hill—that’s what is so valuable about this community-focused project,” said Meg Caruso, co-founder Sprocket. “More than a dozen planters will benefit and beautify the immediate Allison Hill neighborhood. Additionally, these planters will become works of art that uplift and recognize local artistic talent for years to come.”

Sprocket members are looking for artists to highlight the culture and diversity of Allison Hill in the paintings, as well as what they love about their city. The deadline for artists to apply is April 30, and the painting will take place between May 22 and June 20.

Tri County Community Action officials look forward to the event, as it fits with the goals of their neighborhood action plan for Allison Hill.

“We are excited to work with Sprocket Mural Works and local artists to beautify the city, and we look forward to unique and diverse designs that reflect this vibrant community we love,” said Julie Walter, neighborhood revitalization manager at TCCA.

Sprocket completed a similar beautification project in the past, painting the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District’s planters and the neighborhood’s electrical boxes.

On a larger scale, Sprocket has contributed 45 murals to Harrisburg since 2014.

The 2021 Mural Festival will be Sprocket’s third biennial summer festival. In addition to the planter project, Sprocket will transform the Mulberry Street Bridge with murals, reconfigure Midtown’s unused Patrick Alley into a pocket park and celebrate Black lives through mural art.

Also, in partnership with the Philadelphia area’s Center for Creative Works, an organization that empowers artists with intellectual disabilities, Sprocket plans to bring Brandon Spicer-Crawley back to Harrisburg to continue beautifying a brick wall on the Millworks Lumber Storage Building, near the Broad Street Market.

Sprocket is currently seeking additional partner organizations, as well as potential locations for future murals, in Allison Hill. They are also looking for corporate sponsors of all sizes to become involved in the 2021 festival.

To apply to the Allison Hill planter project’s call for artists, visit Sprocket Mural Works’ website. For any additional information see the website, as well. To contact a Sprocket member, email hello@sprocketmuralworks.com.

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