Tag Archives: Sprocket Mural Works

A Harrisburg Holiday: Summer in Harrisburg can feel like a dreamy vacation, if you make the effort

May 28, 2026 | by Maddie Gittens

Mural by Sprocket Mural Works. Artist: Susan Rende

In April, my husband and I visited Paris for the first time and fell in love with the city.

Along with the beautiful architecture and delicious food, what stood out was the laidback lifestyle. People lingered at café bistro tables for hours, stretched out on the grass in parks, and hundreds of young people socialized by the Seine on a weeknight.

Well, Harrisburg has its own river, with what may be an even better adjacent park than in Paris. I’ve walked the riverfront many times, but I realized I’ve rarely just sat and enjoyed. Inspired by the Europeans, I grabbed some snacks and hit the Susquehanna for a sunset lounge. It was magnifique!

As I wrote in a similar column last summer, Harrisburg has so many hidden gems—even the unhidden ones are mostly still severely underappreciated. Summer, to me, is the perfect time to be a tourist in my own city. So again, I set out to curate a bucket list perfect for a sunny day.

Little Secret

In Paris, we visited several beautiful parks. Harrisburg has its own roster of green spaces. I still stand by the Capitol Park for being one of the best-kept secrets in the city (a park that, in Paris, would’ve been packed).

Downtown, there’s a new pocket park/event space nestled between buildings. Coronet Park opened in April, already with a slate of summer events. The park puts to use formerly vacant land and makes it the cutest little spot to gather for music and socializing. Attending a gathering at Coronet feels like stumbling upon a private patio party, except it’s open to all.

In May, I convinced my mom and sister to read a book by Philly author Jo Piazza with me, and we attended her pop-up bookshop at Coronet. The sun was out, live music was on stage, a pizza truck served pies and Jo chatted with readers. It was such a fun and intimate event.

There are several upcoming events in Coronet Park, including the Tiny Park Concert Series, a biergarten and game night, so grab a friend and check it out.

Dance performance at the Juneteenth press conference.

Party Time

Another very community-focused event, Juneteenth HBG, takes place over the course of a week this month. I’ve attended several of their events over the years, and my favorite was last year’s block party in partnership with the summer SoMa block parties. A group of friends and I hung out until late, snacking, drinking and dancing. The event was packed—and a great way to feel connected to my community.

This exact event isn’t happening this year, but other similar ones are—like the Taste of Black Harrisburg food and art showcase. Pick one or several events from Juneteenth HBG’s lineup; you can’t go wrong.

Regular SoMa block parties are still on this year too. They’re always a fun time—my favorite is the live music—and it’s inevitable that you’ll either run into a friend or make a new one.

Speaking of parties, if there’s one thing that’s guaranteed in summer, it’s that I’m going to have a celebration to attend. For me, in my 20s, that’s weddings, baby showers, house warmings, birthday parties. This spring, I’ve already gone to two weddings and two bridal showers.

Paper Moon Flowers (conveniently next door to TheBurg office) at 916 N. 3rd St. is the perfect place to find a gift, card or flowers. But even when I don’t have an event to attend, I go for myself.

Summer is the perfect time to freshen up my houseplant collection. The owner, Shawn, always has a selection, plus unique pots and even sometimes soil for potting and cute water spritzers. Shawn will send you with the care tag in case you don’t know what you’re doing. He hit the last plant I bought with what seemed like hairspray, shining it up for its debut in my house. He’s always happy to offer advice and tips.

Mural by Sprocket Mural Works

Summer Stroll

When I first walked out of the metro tunnels and up onto the streets of Paris, I was instantly struck by the beauty of the place and the excitement of being in a new city.

Believe it or not, we’ve had many people stop at our office as visitors to Harrisburg who have shared a similar feeling of being taken aback by the historic architecture, beautiful riverfront or quaint streets.

I came across a video of a social media influencer recently who was in Harrisburg and documented his short time exploring. It seemed like, around each corner, he was wowed by something—a streetscape, the Capitol dome, Cork & Fork downtown. While those of us who live or work here can overlook the beauty or even become cynical about the state of the city, newcomers are often impressed by it.

A huge contributor, literally huge, to the city’s beauty is Sprocket Mural Works. The nonprofit has painted over 100 murals in Harrisburg on walls, electrical boxes, statues, planters and more. There are several areas in the city where you can walk for just minutes and spot several murals.

Well, I see many of these murals several times per week just walking around. One is on TheBurg office’s exterior wall, with many more up and down 3rd Street. I’ve even conducted several mini walking tours myself to show friends and a driving tour with my visiting grandparents. However, I have yet to take an official walking tour with Sprocket to find out the history and meaning behind each wall.

Luckily, Sprocket is offering tours this summer, one each month during 3rd in the Burg evenings. You can reserve a ticket (suggested donation $15) on their website.

Before or after the tour, which begins at the Broad Street Market, take a seat at Honey Bear’s cute ice cream counter, right when you walk into the stone market building. Their vegan scoops are non-vegan approved (by me) and delish.

Honey Bear Ice Cream

Picture Perfect

If it helps motivate you to get out and explore, pick a week and make it your staycation in Harrisburg. Put some things you’ve always wanted to try on the calendar. Even if you work, pick new activities, businesses or parks to check out during the extended summer evenings or on lunch breaks. You could also pick a Saturday. I’d start with a chai from one of our local coffee shops and a cinnamon bun from Salted Butter Bakery. Head for a stroll at either Italian Lake or Riverfront Park and to the Broad Street Market for lunch (get a burrito from Yum, Yum! and a coconut lavender lemonade from Lil’s Pretzels and thank me later). Take the afternoon to relax on a park bench or in the grass before heading to an evening event of your choosing. The perfect Harrisburg day!

Activity List

Come along with me! Check off summer activities as you go:

Have a picnic by the river
Attend a Juneteenth event
Listen to live music at a SoMa block party
Attend an event at Coronet Park
Buy a gift or treat yourself at Paper Moon Flowers
Enjoy a cone at Honey Bear’s ice cream counter
Go on a mural tour

For event calendars for Coronet Park and SoMa block parties, visit www.sarabozich.com. For a list of Juneteenth events, visit www.ypoc-hbg.org.

Sign up for mural tours at www.sprocketmuralworks.org.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

August 22, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Jazz Walk will return to Midtown Harrisburg next month (file photo).

This week brought lots of super local news that you won’t find anywhere else. We think we are special in that way, and hope you do too. Catch all of our coverage, below.

The Broad Street Market is in search of new board members to fill three vacant seats, our online story reported. The volunteer board members help make decisions related to the market and support operations.

Friends of TheBurg Bash will return to the King Mansion on Sept. 4 to celebrate all who support TheBurg. Please become our friend, if you haven’t already, and join us to party!

Gruver Farms Winery & Tasting Room opened in New Cumberland this past spring, our magazine story reported. The venue offers a beautiful view and a special focus on dry styles of wine.

Harrisburg officials said that they would send more police downtown and strictly enforce curfew in response to youth engaging in unruly and criminal behavior, our online story reported.

A homeless encampment in south Harrisburg has a move-out deadline of Sept. 22, PennDOT said this week. The large encampment needs to move as the state begins nearby construction on I-83.

Jazz Walk will return to Midtown Harrisburg on Sept. 5, inviting community members to enjoy free performances, our online story reported. The Central PA Friends of Jazz will bring eight musicians and bands to local businesses and venues.

PennDOT announced that it would temporarily close an access point to I-83, as part of the highway widening project, our online story reported. The 19th Street ramp in Harrisburg will close on Aug. 24, and not reopen until a new 19th Street bridge and interchange is completed.

Pink Hands of Hope received its biggest donation to date, all because of an auction accident. Robert Goodall pocket-dialed a bid for a 1968 Mustang, purchasing the antique car, and then giving it to the breast cancer support nonprofit to raffle off. Read the full story, here.

The Plant Witch will open soon in downtown Harrisburg, offering houseplants, crystals and other metaphysical items, our online story reported. The business will cut the ribbon on the shop, located in the Shops on 3rd at 11 N. 3rd St., on Monday.

Sara Bozich has a full Weekend Roundup of events happening in the Harrisburg area. From music to food to fitness, find her listings, here.

Sprocket Mural Works recently completed several new murals in Harrisburg’s Hall Manor housing community. See a selection of photos of the painting process and the finished works, here.

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Hall Manor Hues: Sprocket Mural Works brought big, bold colors this summer to Hall Manor, a housing community in Allison Hill

July 30, 2025 | by TheBurg Editor

In late June, the Harrisburg-based arts nonprofit oversaw the creation of several large-scale murals, a sidewalk mural and a mural on a basketball court, as well as a mural on the exterior of the Boys & Girls Club.

Before the project, over 1,000 residents were surveyed and concepts were presented. Then both local and nationally known artists were commissioned to do the painting, which stretched out over several weeks.

Here, we share a sample of the Hall Manor art project. For more information on Sprocket Mural Works, and to donate, visit www.sprocketmuralworks.org.

Photos by Landon Wise.

Mural by Rough Edge Collective

Sharnee Burnett

Mural by Osiris Rain

Maya Angelou mural by Sharnee Burnett

Mural by Miles Toland

Mural by Sarah Eberly

Mural by Dionn Reneé

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

June 13, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Volunteers worked with Sprocket Mural Works to prime walls in Hall Manor for murals.

We made it through another week here in Harrisburg, so let the weekend begin! If you missed any of our news coverage over the past several days, catch up, below.

A burrata cheese appetizer would go perfectly with any summertime meal. Find Rosemary’s recipe and try it for yourself, here.

Concerts have kicked off for the month in Harrisburg with rock, hip-hop and indie offerings. Take a look at what our music columnist recommends, here.

Home sales were mostly unchanged from a year ago in May, our online story reported. Find out how many houses sold and for how much, in Perry, Cumberland and Dauphin counties.

“Love’s Labour’s Lost” is Gamut Theatre’s pick for this year’s free Shakespeare in the Park production. In our magazine story, find out more about the fun, fluffy play.

Sara Bozich’s Weekend Roundup is your guide to all the best events happening this weekend in Harrisburg, here.

Sprocket Mural Works announced that eight artists will paint murals in Harrisburg’s Hall Manor community, our online story reported. The arts organizations worked with residents to come up with themes for the murals, which will be painted in the coming weeks.

Tent Valley Ministries has made assisting a Harrisburg homeless encampment its mission, our magazine story reported. The organization provides food, clothing and other supplies to the encampment near the PennDOT building in South Harrisburg.

Trivia nights have popped up all around Harrisburg, our magazine story reported. Local venues offer something for everyone—from music trivia to Star Wars trivia.

Veterans Outreach of PA is celebrating the first anniversary of its Veterans Grove tiny home community for homeless veterans. In a Community Comment, co-founder Tom Zimmerman expresses his admiration for the veterans and his thanks to supporters and donors.

“The Voices of Harrisburg” musical competition will honor the memory of Asayah Beatty, a local young man who tragically lost his life last year. In our magazine article, hear what Beatty’s family hopes to accomplish through the event.

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Eight artists to paint murals throughout Harrisburg’s Hall Manor community

June 13, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

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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Bob’s Art Blog: Salons d’ Art Fois Deux and Third in the Burg on the Town

February 17, 2025 | by Bob MacGinnes

Iquan Summers, Darius Levine Davis, Leon Laing, Larry Washington Jr., Bryan King Prolifik,
Dionn Reneé, Julia Mallory, Marion Toro, Reina 76 Artist, Steve Barber, Mohsen Matter, Donny Lyons

Artists of Color Make History

February is dedicated to Black History Month and, in Harrisburg, an exciting chapter has begun for a group of 15 artists of color. The new year had barely started when on a snowy night this Jan. 3, the headquarters of Sprocket Mural Works was the backdrop for a historic moment in Harrisburg’s Black history. It marked the occasion of the first art salon. A dozen artists were assembled by art ambassador Reina R76 and Meg Caruso, executive director of Sprocket, for a photo shoot. The flock of talent found Bryan “King Prolifik” Hickman holding court with Steve Barber, Leon Laing, Julia Mallory, Dionn Renee, Marion N. Toro, Larry Washington, Jr., Donnie Lyons, Mohsen Matter, Darius Davis and Iquan Summers. In addition, Michelle Green, Kourtney Angelina Thompson, and Jemar Sweets are part of the circle but had other commitments. Normally the photo shoot would have been the pinnacle of the night. However, what took place before was truly transcendent.

In a living room setting, mirroring the Paris art salons of the 1920s, Sprocket’s spacious layout was perfectly suited with sofas and chairs ideal for conversation, informal yet intimate. Serving as the night’s moderator, Megan suggested introductions all around as I thanked the group for coming together on this auspicious night as a community of artists. The photo was for a special article in February’s issue dedicated to the arts and Black culture for TheBurg. Forming a closely knit circle, one by one, they shared their stories and journeys of how they arrived there from the winding road of art creation. Over the next hour, tales were revealed—how obstacles became opportunities, and how rejection forged resilience and reward. When the dozen uniquely diverse sagas were completed, it dawned on me that a historic moment had taken place that night—the very first art salon of Harrisburg-Artists of Color. Everyone present was elevated in the evening’s exchange filled with camaraderie and support for each other’s passion to create. It is yet to be determined as February continues to unfold and word gets out, will that early January get-together be the spark to flame the future of Black artists in the city and what form will it take? United they stand…a page in the history of Harrisburg, or a preamble to prominence in the public realm?

Eve Tiday and Creative Minds (Art Salon 2.0)

Eve Tiday & Creative Minds may sound like the latest garage band from Silicon Valley, but is in reality a Millworks vehicle steered by its founder, Eve Tiday, the think-tank guru moderating a group of artists and creatives. Operating under the radar since June of last year, this monthly get-together discusses everything from, of course, art to literature, film, writing, music composition and sundry other topics in a question-led format. Life is full of surprises. P.D. Murray, ex-pat Millworks artist, had shared with me that Eve Tiday was the real deal, and she is. Her age belies her worldly insight, young with a light inside that immediately strikes you as precocious and full of moxie.

Art by Eve Tiday

“Being a digital painter was one of few choices coming out of art school,” Eve shared. Long story short, instead of using paints, pixels are the secret ingredient in her art. Limited edition giclee original digital artworks on archival paper are the end result of an extremely complicated process. They are stunningly photographic in nature.

As for the “Creative Minds,” hers is one of about a dozen or so with an ever-changing core group stemming mostly from Millworks Studios. The group started out of a conversation with fellow artist, Elaine Elledge, a second-floor mate in Studio 212 to Eve and Marjorie Taylor’s Studio 214. Anyone who has ever created any type of art form knows traveling that road can be a lonely journey. Together in conversation, they shared, “Wouldn’t it be therapeutic to be able to discuss those feelings with fellow artists?” Out of that came a melting pot, albeit a small one, of friends who shared similar, like-minded experiences and views. The key to its success is maintaining its less-is-more approach. Eve pointed to the need for “everyone to have a voice, and thanks to its size, there is a joie-de-vivre that is truly genuine and meaningful.” The sense of empowerment gained flourishes out of the support of other members in a safe, public forum able to formulate ideas without any fear of judgement or rejection.

Over its first eight months, the number of attendees fluctuated in size and personalities as friends told friends, “This is good stuff”. A true sense of community is the best byproduct of the gatherings. Eve is only too happy to share their experience with others who may want to start their own group. Contact her at [email protected].

As the new year unfolded on the local art scene, these two art salons have surfaced. Both groups are unique and finding their way. It will be an interesting journey to see what the coming months hold in store for them.

On the Town for 3rd in the Burg

“Black History in the Arts” at the Civic Club of Harrisburg

Civic Club President, Contrena Baltimore and Director of Event Operations Dena Jangdhari proudly announce an evening of “Black History in the Arts,” a symposium of discourse, performance and poetry celebrating the rich and diverse diaspora of Black culture. It will take place at the Civic Club of Harrisburg, 612 N. Front St., for 3rd in the Burg from 6 to 8 p.m. The esteemed Rev. Eric Jackson will be the keynote speaker for the event and award-winning poet Maria James-Thiaw will pay tribute to Black history and its role in the arts. Featured travel photographer, Jemar Sweets of Millworks, will lead a discussion of his work. This memorable evening will be capped off by vibrant live performances showcasing artistic contributions to the community across mediums. A panel discussion of the Civic Club’s Art Unites The World Advisory Council will take place. This prestigious assembly includes Reina R76, Bryan “King Prolifik” Hickman, Mohsen Matter, Jemar Sweets and James Berlus. The event is free and open to the public.

“Trinity to Infinity” at the Art Association of Harrisburg

Art Association of Harrisburg

A trio of artists will decamp at the Art Association of Harrisburg starting this Friday, Feb. 21 for its opening night reception from 5 to 8 p.m. and will run through March 25, highlighting tangible products of their efforts. The exhibit “Trinity to Infinity: Creative Expressions,” showcases their diverse talents, as chimerical ceramist Brian Defrees is bookended by painter Thom Kulp, a mixed media artist who works mostly with acrylics, as well as Chet Davis, a modernist painter enchanted by the human form. The three combine forces in this sure-to-be blockbuster invitational exhibit.

Nate Foster, director of exhibitions, and Alanna Barton, newly appointed assistant curator, make up the team responsible for art shows at the association. “‘Trinity to Infinity,’ is our first invitational of the year featuring three Pennsylvania artists, each with their own mastery of mediums and storytelling ability,” shared Foster. Miss Barton added, “I am looking forward to assisting Nate in my role and see what our professional gamesmanship will bring to the walls.” Foster was equally expressive and shared insight regarding a new second-floor gallery called The Museum Room. With a wink, he said, “We are both happy to give tours of its interior as the treasures were donated to the AAH by a local collector.”

And as for the show, perhaps Thom Kulp put it so well in that the sum is greater than the individual parts, “from the visions of three artists to the infinite diverse expression of their creativity.” Buzz Lightyear may agree, “To infinity and beyond.” But that’s a whole other Story not to Toy with.

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Arts Uplift: Harrisburg’s creative community deserves more appreciation, support

May 30, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

Illustration by Rich Hauck

This month, I get to participate in a special honor.

Sprocket Mural Works asked me to introduce them as they receive this year’s Award for Distinguished Service to the Arts in the Capital Region, a high honor bestowed for 30 years by Theatre Harrisburg.

I’m delighted to say some nice words about this wonderful arts organization, which, in a few short years, has literally changed the look of Harrisburg by mounting dozens of large-scale, public art projects.

This occasion prompted me to think more about the arts in Harrisburg.

Our little city is blessed with many great arts venues and organizations, from theater to music to visual arts. These range from the long established (Theatre Harrisburg and the Art Association, both nearly a century old) to the relatively new (Sankofa, Nyeusi) to plenty in-between.

There’s a lot here.

Having said that, it strikes me that these organizations are fighting the good fight with one brush tied behind their backs. Currently, there’s no organization in Harrisburg specifically dedicated to promoting and advancing the arts. It’s basically everyone for themselves here, like in nearly every other aspect of life in Harrisburg.

In this regard, Harrisburg is an exception. Most cities, even many towns, have an organization charged with advancing the arts in their communities. Sometimes, the city or county government takes the lead. Sometimes, it’s a consortium of artists or arts groups or a local arts council. Other times, an enlightened private entity makes the arts a centerpiece of a development or business plan.

We have examples all around us.

One county over, the Perry County Council for the Arts is a classic arts umbrella, offering everything from art classes to exhibit space to special events and programs. Heading east, Lancaster is famous for supporting its creative community, transforming the Red Rose City into a thriving, regional arts destination. In Lebanon County, tiny Mt. Gretna is essentially a cultural collective occupying a town.

Recently, York’s scene has picked up steam, thanks to arts-centered development, art consortiums and repeated rounds of strategic planning, which has led to a long-term investment in that city’s creative class. Years of organizing, experimentation and effort are bearing fruit to revitalize York through the arts, even attracting creative types to relocate there.

Sure, all of this artistic talent has led to more beautiful and interesting cities. However, many places embrace the arts, at least as much, because a vibrant arts community is a proven moneymaker. They do it out of self-interest, as the arts can be a significant economic driver.

In 2022, Pennsylvania’s creative sector added more than $30.1 billion to the commonwealth’s economy, employing more than 175,000 full-time jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and the National Endowment for the Arts.

“The BEA numbers highlight Pennsylvania’s creative sector contributions to the commonwealth’s economic growth and development, which in turn, enhance the vitality and life of a community, its investors, residents and visitors,” said Susan S. Cohen, chair of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, in a recent statement.

Unfortunately, as our neighbors increasingly have embraced the arts for creative dynamism and economic development, Harrisburg has been heading the other way.

When I arrived here, the long-established Greater Harrisburg Arts Council was in the process of fragmenting and dissipating. Likewise, once-robust community art groups like MetroArts (Jump Street) and Danzante soon ceased to exist. Then, about a decade ago, the city created a Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism, but that initiative fell apart quickly.

The result: a vacuum in arts leadership, coordination, advocacy, planning, direction and funding.

There are those trying to step in. Harristown Enterprises has been branding a new downtown “arts district.” Over in Midtown, Millworks’ studios have the vibe of an artist colony. For our part, TheBurg is revitalizing 3rd in The Burg, which is a type of arts umbrella, albeit for one night a month. We would love to do more, but lack the capacity (i.e. funds) to be both a news organization and an arts organization.

In a way, it’s astounding that Harrisburg has such a robust arts scene, given the absence of top-level leadership. Arts groups, such as Sprocket, deserve tremendous credit for succeeding and making such a difference, raising money for their missions and figuring it all out on their own, on the fly.

I admire Harrisburg’s arts groups tremendously for doing so much, with so little. But just imagine what more could be done in this city with more assistance, with a little more coordination, support and guidance.

Lawrance Binda is publisher/editor of TheBurg.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

November 17, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Little Amps Coffee Roasters and Elementary Coffee Co. this week released their “Phoenix” coffee blend, a collaboration to benefit the Broad Street Market.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and we’d like to say a big thanks to all of our readers and supporters. We are grateful for you! We hope you enjoy this week’s news and feature stories from the Harrisburg area, all linked below.

Bob’s Art Blog discusses the latest “lowbrow” exhibit at the Art Association of Harrisburg and introduces York-based artist Steph Holmes. Click here to read more.

Dauphin County, for the first time in a century, will have a Democratic-controlled board of commissioners next year, our reporting found. Voting totals released by the county Bureau of Elections affirmed a narrow victory for Justin Douglas, who will unseat Republican Chad Saylor.

The Delaware Water Gap is the perfect place to visit in the fall, with everything from dining to entertainment to shopping and beautiful scenery. Read our magazine story for recommendations on what to see and do.

Diverse businesses are setting up shop in downtown Harrisburg, bringing new restaurants, boutiques and spas to the city. In our magazine story, read about the growing trend and hear from some of the business owners.

Gilbert and Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore” is opening at Gamut Theatre this weekend. Find out about the show and what it takes to pull off a musical at Gamut, here.

Harrisburg-based roasters Little Amps Coffee Roasters and Elementary Coffee Co. are participating in a coffee collab with the goal of uniting to help the Broad Street Market, our online story reported. They just released their “Phoenix” coffee blend, which is available in their retail locations.

The Harrisburg School District is weighing several options for reconfiguring its building and grade-level structures, our online story reported. The district has proposed closing several schools and moving students to others.

Home sales in the Harrisburg area slipped in October, but prices increased, our online story reported. In the three-county region, 514 homes sold, a decrease from 589 in October 2022, as the median sales price increased to $267,000 from $245,000.

Lemoyne council member Jesse Monoski announced that he plans to run in next year’s Democratic primary for the 103^rd legislative district, our online story reported. Monoski has served on the council since 2020 and works in the state Capitol as an executive director for the Pennsylvania State Senate Democratic Caucus.

Sara Bozich has some great holiday-themed events lined up for your weekend. Find out what is happening in the Harrisburg area, here.

Sprocket Mural Works and arts advocate Carole DeSoto will receive awards for Distinguished Service to the Arts in the Capital Region, our online story reported. The Arts Awards are presented annually by Theatre Harrisburg.

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Sprocket Mural Works, Carole DeSoto to receive prestigious “Arts Awards”

November 16, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

Sprocket Mural Works and artist Suzanne Rende completed this mural in September in Harrisburg.

A Harrisburg-based mural group and a long-time arts advocate are the 2024 recipients of the esteemed “Arts Awards.”

On Thursday, Theatre Harrisburg announced that Sprocket Mural Works and Carole DeSoto will receive awards for Distinguished Service to the Arts in the Capital Region.

“We deeply appreciate this incredible recognition,” said Meg Caruso, co-founder of Sprocket Mural Works. “This award not only honors our organization, but all the artists, volunteers and sponsors who have contributed so much to the mural arts in central Pennsylvania.”

Founded in 2014, Sprocket has mounted over 100 murals and other public art projects throughout the region.

In 2023, it partnered with Parliament Arts and Royal Square for several large-scale paintings in York. In Harrisburg, it organized a sizable mural on a building on N. 3^rd and Cumberland streets, among other 2023 projects.

Carole DeSoto

The Arts Awards also will honor Carole DeSoto, a long-time volunteer and patron of the arts.

Among those benefitting from her philanthropy are Market Square Concerts, Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, Susquehanna Art Museum, Theatre Harrisburg, Art Association of Harrisburg, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and Gretna Theatre, according to Theatre Harrisburg.

In 2003, DeSoto funded the Elizabethville Library Arts Series (now “Lively Minds”), which presents quarterly educational programs for adults, ranging from author visits and gardening classes to performances by musicians. She co-chaired the fundraising campaign and made the lead gift to build the DeSoto Amphitheatre for the Performing Arts at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art in Millersburg and was honored with the first Ned Smith Center Visionary Award.

Since 1989, the Awards for Distinguished Service to the Arts in the Capital Region have honored artists and arts leaders, philanthropists and visionaries, educators, organizations and companies. TheBurg received the award in 2020.

Theatre Harrisburg will present the 2024 awards on June 1 at a theatrical gala at Whitaker Center.

For more information on Theatre Harrisburg and the Arts Awards, visit their website.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

September 29, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Sprocket Mural Works and Harrisburg Young Professionals officials, among others, cut the ribbon on the newest city mural.

It’s been a dreary, rainy week here in Harrisburg, but a bright spot came yesterday as the October issue of the magazine hit the stands! Make sure you grab a copy this weekend and check out all the fun fall stories we have featured for the month. First, catch up on this week’s news, below.

Dauphin County released a survey about substance use, in hopes of better understanding the issue locally, our online story reported. Officials said that the results will help drive their prevention and educational efforts.

General election mail-in and absentee ballots have been sent out to 15,775 Dauphin County residents. In our story, find more voting information and updates from the county.

Harrisburg presented a mid-year financial report to City Council, in which they stated that Harrisburg is in solid fiscal shape, our reporting found.

The Harrisburg School District appointed a task force to help decide the future of the district’s long-vacant and blighted William Penn building, our online story reported. The group consists of residents, local officials and community members, who will meet for the next three months.

Karen Cullings is retiring as executive director of the Dauphin County Library System after over 30 years with the organization, our online story reported. Under her leadership, the library worked to eliminate barriers to reading, renovate its riverfront location and navigate the pandemic.

Latino Connection announced this year’s winners for its annual Lo Mejor de lo Mejor (“Best of the Best”) awards, our online story reported. Click here, to find out which recipients will be honored at the 10^th annual Latino Ball.

Mayor Wanda Williams shared a positive outlook for Harrisburg at the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC’s annual “State of the City” address this week, our reporting found. Williams shared recent financial, infrastructure and safety improvements, among other city accomplishments.

The Pennsylvania Gourd Society uses a variety of gourds to make different types of art, including pyrography, painting, carving, jewelry making and more, our magazine story reported. Every year, about 1,940 members come together at the PA Gourd Fest in June.

Our publisher thanks readers for loyally picking up TheBurg and reading online, but encourages them to stay away from accessing news through social media. Lately, he said in his publisher’s note, using social media as a news source has become increasingly unpredictable.

Sara Bozich’s Weekend Roundup includes live music, theater, fall festivals and food. Find all of this weekend’s events, here.

Sprocket Mural Works cut the ribbon on its newest mural, in Midtown Harrisburg, our online story reported. The mural is inspired by artist Suzanne Rende’s own garden and depicts flowers, butterflies and bees.

“The State of Downtown Harrisburg: 2023/2024” was just released and highlights the many businesses, projects and activities in and around the downtown, our online story reported. Within the publication, readers can see all the shops, restaurants and venues that the city has to offer.

Whitaker Center announced that Mary Oliveira will become the new president and CEO on Nov. 6, our online story reported. Oliveira will oversee strategic planning, financial stewardship and community engagement.

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