Tag Archives: Sprocket Mural Works

The Painted Word: Take an artsy stroll during Gallery Walk 2021

August 31, 2021 | by Bob MacGinnes

Art by Jim Morphesis

The ring of school bells heralds September’s seasonal changes.

This month, the venerable three “R’s” (reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmatic) assume new meaning for the 33rd edition of the citywide Gallery Walk, now representing “rejuvenation,” “renovation” and “renewal.” And one more “R” added for good measure—“rebounding.”

Carrie Wissler-Thomas, CEO of the Art Association of Harrisburg, is the coordinator of this major fall art event. She is most excited about the 60% increase in participating venues this year, appropriately totaling 21 sites for ‘21. Join me as we channel categories collectively.

Take Me To Church: Since Gallery Walk falls on a Sunday, you may want to start the tour at one of four downtown churches. Showcasing a groundbreaking exhibit within the Riverfront Gallery at St. Stephen’s Cathedral is “De-Colonizing The Christ,” featuring 28 works of Christ as non-white or non-European. It is powerful in its scope and vision. From there, St. Michael’s Lutheran Church will feature the paintings of Halifax artist Thomas Wise. Zion Lutheran Church will showcase small prints of Japanese artist Sadao Watanabe. Tours of the church also will be available. Similarly, church tours will take place at Salem United Church of Christ. Look for “From The Broken Pieces” stained glass art from Diane Hoffer, who creates astounding mosaics, while Barbara James, mixed media artist, showcases her realistic works.

History Housed: The components of history and education go hand-in-glove throughout the McCormick Riverfront Library on Walnut Street. During your visit, you can learn about the library’s renovation and expansion next door into the historic Haldeman Haly House, while eyeing the work of several local artists.

Also downtown, Old City Hall has a history of its own, rich and varied. The apartment complex offers visual works from local artists. And, while strolling about Walnut Street, stop into Strawberry Square to check out the work of students of the Capital Area School for the Arts, who created art during the pandemic year, showing how it affected their lives.

Down on the riverfront, the Civic Club of Harrisburg’s Overlook mansion showcases the art of locals and can be viewed while gazing upon the magnificent Susquehanna. Farther down the river, the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion houses the repository of artifacts and adventures from the early days of the county.

Over in Midtown, at the Historic Harrisburg Resource Center, the exhibit “Harrisburg Heritage Highlights through the Decades” features vintage postcards and memorabilia for purchase. Also, author and local historian Rodney J. Ross will sign books for his latest, “Harrisburg and World War II.”

Galleries & Museums: The State Museum of Pennsylvania always has something fascinating within its circular walls. The exhibit, “Witness to History: Col. Paul Evanko’s 9/11 Field Notes,” coincides with the 20th anniversary of 9/11. It details PA State Police Col. Evanko’s race to an emergency command center as soon as he learned the first plane had hit the World Trade Center in Manhattan.

A few blocks away, Gallery@2nd takes the road less traveled, leading to a quartet of like-minded artists offering surreal and abstract approaches that unify their works in the collective experience.

The Susquehanna Art Museum, over in Midtown, is the only dedicated art museum in Harrisburg. It features the final week of the blockbuster exhibit, “The Circle of Truth.” The collection demonstrates how artists view the world as evidenced by 49 evolving interpretations.

Nearby, Robinson’s Gallery offers rare fine prints on view and for purchase, as Midtown Scholar features an art book sidewalk sale out front. Down the street, the resident artists of the Millworks will be on hand to share their work and chat with visitors.

The Susquehanna River provides all the inspiration needed for the gallery, Vivi on Verbeke. Photographer Jeb Boyd, with his virtuosic “Bridges” photographs, captures the fleeting and ever-changing light. Vivian Sterste, co-proprietor, channels her skills on the wheel to create her “Susquehanna River Series” pottery. Together, they present a gallery home that is different with every visit.

A stone’s throw away, Gallery Walk welcomes Harrisburg’s newest art space. The Nyeusi Gallery on 3rd Street specializes in art from Africa and the Caribbean, as well as local Black art. The spacious format is like a breath of fresh air, thanks to owners and curators Michelle Green and Dale Dangleben.

Bite To Eat, Place To Sleep: Add two more “R’s” for restaurant and rest. Mangia Qui is more than a great establishment to dine. Qui Qui Musarra, Staci Basore and Elide Hower will roll out the sidewalk for a plein air demonstration, with local artists painting outdoors. A few blocks away, City House Bed & Breakfast may be the perfect last stop on your itinerary if fatigue sets in. City House presents the paintings of Hershey artist, Joan Maguire, with her watercolor and oil paintings of the sea and shore. If you have a reservation, there are comfy beds upstairs for the weary.

Great Outdoors: Sign up for a guided mural tour. Learn the secrets behind the Harrisburg Mural Festival with artists’ inspirations, themes and techniques. By the end, you may even learn the “mural” of the story. Book your tickets at www.SprocketMuralWorks.com.

Back To The Beginning: This 33rd edition of Gallery Walk begins and ends at the Art Association of Harrisburg with its fall membership exhibition, “Duality.” The opening reception and awards will be held starting at noon with music provided by Hemlock Hollow. Charles Schulz of the Paper Lion Gallery will host the opening reception, with Randy Michener as the exhibition sponsor.

Last year’s Gallery Walk fell under a sparkling fall day and, by all accounts, was received with a tremendous turnout. This year promises even more venues to explore with the added bonus of perhaps not having to wear a mask (at least until Oct. 31).

Gallery Walk 2021 takes place Sept. 12, noon to 5 p.m., at venues throughout Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.artassocofhbg.com/events.

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Harrisburg Mural Fest branches out to Penbrook, Steelton in August

August 9, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

Artist Ralphie Seguinot stands next to his new mural, painted at Recycle Bicycle on Allison Hill.

Two community-focused murals—one in Penbrook and another in Steelton—are slated to be created in August, as the summer-long 2021 Harrisburg Mural Festival by Sprocket Mural Works stretches into neighboring communities.

“While much of our work over the past seven years has focused on uplifting Harrisburg through art, it’s exciting to have the opportunity to spread the joy—through murals—to our city’s neighbors,” said Megan Caruso, Sprocket co-founder and president. “Our partners in Penbrook and Steelton could not be more positive and welcoming, recognizing the value murals will add to their vibrant communities and daily lives.”

Penbrook Borough Building: A montage of children’s faces will comprise a mural, to be created beginning Aug. 12, on the borough’s administrative building, 150 S. 28th St, Harrisburg. The mural, funded by a generous community donor, will face Elm Street Station Park, a small neighborhood park featuring playground equipment for young children.

“This mural is like a cherry on the top of our park rehab project,” said Ben Stokes, chair of Penbrook’s Parks Committee. “The park rehab finished in 2019 thanks to a number of grants, and this mural is the perfect ending. Every time I bring it up at our Penbrook borough meetings, everybody is excited about it.”

First-time muralist Sarah Fogg of Harrisburg is basing the mural design on photographs of actual Penbrook children who attended the borough’s summer camp. The mural’s theme—children—was the top choice of local residents surveyed.

“My approach is to use bright colors, so that the mural looks happy,” says Fogg. “I want to do these kids justice and make sure they’re proud of seeing their faces up on the wall. These kids represent the future of their community.”

Fogg has close ties to Penbrook. As a child, she attended the elementary school serving Penbrook, South Side Elementary, in the Central Dauphin School District. Seven years ago, Fogg returned to the school district as an elementary school art teacher—including a stint at South Side.

Mid Penn Bank, Steelton: Sprocket will create its first mural in the borough of Steelton, beginning Aug. 23. Sponsored by and located at Mid Penn Bank, 51 S. Front St, Steelton, a giant mural wall (124 feet in length, standing 10 feet high) will pay homage to themes chosen by surveyed residents—history, diversity and the people of Steelton.

“We are looking forward to showcasing a beautiful piece of public art at our facility,” said Heather Hall, Mid Penn Bank executive vice president and market president. “As the only bank in Steelton, we are dedicated to providing support to the community in many different ways. We see this mural as a way to honor Steelton’s history and inspire its bright future.”

The artist selected by this project, Matt Halm, hails from another town made famous by its steel production—Allentown. Halm, who has experience creating community murals, invites the public to come help paint the mural on Aug. 28 and 29.

Upcoming 2021 Harrisburg Mural Festival projects include:

Mulberry Street Bridge: Murals will soon span one side of the bridge, in this apprenticeship-type project led by prominent New York City muralist and Harrisburg native Ian Potter, working in collaboration with up-and-coming local artists. One of the largest projects Sprocket has ever undertaken, the bridge project is sponsored by M&T Bank, The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) and The Pennsylvania College of Art & Design.

Pocket park: Harrisburg’s Patrick Alley, already transformed by native pollinator-friendly plants donated by Manada Conservancy and planted by community volunteers including Friends of Midtown, will soon be graced by a large-scale floral and honeybee mural, thanks to grant funding by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Furry Friends: The importance and joy of pet adoption will be highlighted in a mural funded by corporate sponsor Chewy, located at Anastacia’s Restaurant, 1535 N. 6th St, in close proximity to the Friends of Midtown Community Dog Park. This mural is also being produced in collaboration with—and to raise awareness of—the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area.

Strawberry Square: Two new murals will brighten the Strawberry Square shopping district, thanks to development organization and longtime Sprocket supporter Harristown Enterprises.

Celebrating Black Lives: A steering committee of community members is developing a “Celebrating Black Lives” mural theme, identifying a location, and evaluating artist portfolios, from those who identified themselves as local Black artists during Sprocket’s call for artists.

Welcome back, Brandon Spicer-Crawley: One of the 2019 Harrisburg Mural Festival artists, Brandon Spicer-Crawley of the Philadelphia area returns to extend his mural on the Millworks Lumber Storage Building off 4th Street. Sprocket is proud to provide a platform for this both talented and intellectually disabled artist.

Completed 2021 Harrisburg Mural Festival projects include:

Recycle Bicycle Harrisburg: Joyful children on bikes are depicted in a blue and purple-toned mural encompassing two sides of the nonprofit Recycle Bicycle Harrisburg facility, 1722 Chestnut St., in the Allison Hill neighborhood. The mural was completed by Harrisburg artist Ralphie Seguinot in July.

Planter project: Twenty Harrisburg artists completed 20 giant planters placed along Market and Derry streets in the Allison Hill neighborhood to launch the 2021 Harrisburg Mural Festival by showcasing Harrisburg-based artists. The beautification project was in partnership with Tri County Community Action.

Background: The 2021 Harrisburg Mural Festival is Sprocket’s third biennial summer festival. The majority of Sprocket’s 45 murals were created during the 2017 and 2019 Harrisburg Mural Festivals by local, regional, national and international artists. This year, rather than planning a concentrated 10-day mural festival taking place simultaneously at multiple locations, Sprocket is organizing continuous, summer-long mural projects popping up throughout the city.

The mission of Sprocket Mural Works is to uplift Harrisburg through art. Sprocket Mural Works is a citywide mural project that works with neighborhoods, artists and organizations to create vibrant community murals across Harrisburg, with creative action serving as a catalyst for increased community pride and civic engagement in Harrisburg. The organization’s roots go back to 2014, and Sprocket Mural Works became a nonprofit organization in 2019.

Sprocket welcomes additional partner organizations, volunteers, and corporate sponsors of all sizes to become involved in the 2021 festival. The best way to contact Sprocket is via email at [email protected]. For more information: sprocketmuralworks.com; @sprocketmuralworks on Instagram and Facebook; @SprocketMurals on Twitter.

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Pedal & Paint: Sprocket Mural Works teams up with Recycle Bicycle on reimagined mural for new bike shop location

July 30, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

When I visited Recycle Bicycle in Harrisburg in 2019, I’d never seen so many bikes in one place before. At the time, they had a literal mountain of bikes piled in the middle of their warehouse on Atlas Street in Uptown Harrisburg.

That was in September 2019, and volunteers at the nonprofit were preparing to move the thousands of bicycles and equipment out of the building, which had recently been sold. Within a month, they found a new home on Chestnut Street in Allison Hill, returning them to the neighborhood the organization had worked out of for over 20 years before moving to Uptown.

Recycle Bicycle operated out of the Atlas Street warehouse for four years, providing free bikes to community members, teaching them how to repair them and to stay safe while riding.

While the crew packed up, longtime volunteer and board member Jenifer Donnelly climbed the ladder to a loft in the warehouse. Tucked among the tools, she found something familiar.

In 2015, Recycle Bicycle’s building became one of Sprocket Mural Works’ first canvasses in the city. A large mural was installed on the front of the brick building, covering the garage doors and windows with a whimsical scene of children and swirling purples and blues.

Up in the loft in 2019, Donnelly found the stencils that were used to create the work of art.

“That mural became a part of who we were,” she said. “It really was our identity.”

Donnelly kept the stencils, and volunteers pulled off a few panels from the mural as Recycle Bicycle packed up and rolled out, quite literally, headed to their new building in Allison Hill.

Recycle Bicycle settled into its new home, but the building was missing one thing.

In mid-July, I met up with Donnelly and other volunteers with Recycle Bicycle and Sprocket Mural Works as they cut out over 100 stencils for a new mural that would bring the bike shop full circle.

Steering Force

Artist Ralphie Seguinot was the quiet force behind the bright, bold painting on Recycle Bicycle’s Atlas Street mural and the reimagined new piece on Allison Hill.

The mural at Recycle Bicycle’s previous location was one of Seguinot’s first times creating such a large-scale work of art. He was inspired by the nonprofit’s mission of helping those in need in the community and, having two kids of his own, he connected with their priority of serving youth.

Seguinot took art classes in grade school, but never had any formal training. Inspired by famous street artist Banksy, Seguinot started teaching himself how to paint in 2013.

After the Recycle Bicycle mural, he worked with Sprocket to create a similar style mural, again featuring a child, on the side of the Sayford Market in Midtown Harrisburg.

During the pandemic, Seguinot admitted his art took a backseat. He was unmotivated and uninspired—until Sprocket asked him to paint yet another mural for Recycle Bicycle, where it had all started.

“I’m extremely appreciative that they’re willing to have me come back into their space,” he said. “I’m humbled that people enjoy what I’ve been doing.”

The new mural spans the front and sides of the bike shop in Allison Hill. The focus is on a child riding a bike, again with lots of color splashed on the background.

“I really like his art because of the way it makes people feel,” said Megan Caruso, Sprocket Mural Works’ co-founder. “I just find them to be really pure and colorful, and people respond to them.”

Caruso said that, while using stencils is a common form of street art, she didn’t know of any other artists who used stencils to create such large-scale murals.

Volunteer Trish Newdeck helped cut the stencils for the mural, which brought together two organizations that she loved. Through Newdeck’s son, who used to volunteer with Recycle Bicycle, she got to witness the work that they did in the community and fell in love with their mission. Newdeck also volunteered with Sprocket before, helping with the Jackson Hotel mural, which collapsed with the building in 2021, and painting a duck statue downtown.

“I really appreciate the work that both organizations are doing, so it was really a no-brainer,” she said.

In Tandem

The Recycle Bicycle mural is part of the 2021 Harrisburg Mural Festival, which also includes creating a pocket park in Midtown and painting murals to celebrate Black lives.

This project holds a special significance to Caruso, who loves the idea of working with another small nonprofit in Harrisburg.

“There’s a kinship because we are very similar,” Caruso said. “They’re bringing a lot of joy to the community. For us, it’s through art and, for them, it’s through bikes.”

Donnelly explained that Recycle Bicycle raised half of the funds for the mural project through donations from supporters. Having a mural on their new building was important to them and to their mission of creating a community space.

“When you do something like this to a building, it just brings all eyes to you,” she said. “It will seal our identity in the community.”

Caruso was happy to partner with an organization that was excited to display their artwork on their building and that recognized the impact that beautification has on neighborhoods.

“Hopefully, it’ll catch a lot of attention,” she said. “Part of their history from Atlas Street can move to their new home.”

To learn more about Recycle Bicycle Harrisburg, visit www.rbhburg.org.

For more information about Sprocket Mural Works, visit www.sprocketmuralworks.com.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

July 23, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Animals at Speranza Animal Rescue.

There was plenty of news this week in the Harrisburg area. Whether you need advice on a weekend vacation spot, or want to know what possibly could’ve made this month’s zoning board meeting take over four hours, it’s all listed and linked, below.

The Atlas building development project will move forward with input from Camp Curtin neighbors and other community members, our online story reported. The Harrisburg Atlas Building Collective, a group of local businesses, entrepreneurs and community leaders, will partner with developer Adam Maust to conduct outreach.

Author Jeff Arch, a Harrisburg native, spoke with our writer about his book “Attachments.” Our magazine feature tells the story of how Arch persisted in the face of rejection and published a novel that he started three decades ago.

Berks County may be the perfect weekend getaway trip. In our magazine story, read about what the area has to offer, including art, food and history.

A proposed affordable housing development for seniors was the topic of concern among Harrisburg residents at a Zoning Hearing Board meeting this week, our reporting found. Many neighbors to the Bethel Village project, at N. 6^th and Herr streets, were dissatisfied with the number of parking spaces included in the plan.

Harrisburg University will celebrate innovation and community with its upcoming “Tech ‘n Town Week,” our online story reported. The festival will feature concerts, a crypto-currency conference and the return of the university-sponsored e-sports tournament, HUE Invitational.

A pair of local churches developed a bond during the pandemic, despite denominational differences. Our magazine article tells the story of how the Old Catholic Church, Parish of Saint Joseph, and Metropolitan Community Church of the Spirit came together when they started sharing a building.

The Popcorn Hat Players presents “Thumbelina,” the story of a tiny, yet fierce heroine who is kidnapped and then begins an epic adventure homeward to her mother. Our theater reviewer will let you know what to expect from this silly show, playing now through mid-August.

Speranza Animal Hospital runs a no-kill shelter that houses 50 dogs on site (with another 81 in foster homes), 80 farm animals and a collection of barn cats. It’s no easy feat, but Janine Guido makes it all work, providing a second chance to the most abused animals and those who others deem a lost cause. Read more in our magazine story.

Sprocket Mural Works has plans for two large murals in Allison Hill, our online story reported. The nonprofit is seeking community input to help guide the projects.

“Summertime” is a film that plays like a musical, but, instead of breaking into song, the cast members break into spoken word poetry, opening up about their love lives, insecurities and desire to belong. Read more about the movie, playing at Midtown Cinema, here.

An upcoming documentary will honor the lives of Harrisburg young men lost to gun violence, our magazine story reported. In the film, “Our Boys,” by Harrisburg resident Lawrence Greene, mothers and family members of the boys will tell their stories.

Vacant lots are up for grabs in Harrisburg, as residents can lease them for just $1/year, our online story reported. Harrisburg officials said that they can be used for recreation, gardening or open green space.

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Sprocket Mural Works plans two large Allison Hill murals, seeks community input

July 19, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Pizza Boli’s, at the intersection of 13th and Market streets, will be the site of an upcoming mural created by Sprocket Mural Works.

Two large murals are coming to Harrisburg, and community members are encouraged to offer input on them.

As part of the 2021 Harrisburg Mural Festival, Sprocket Mural Works plans to paint large-scale murals in Allison Hill. One will be located at the corner of 13th and Market streets and others will be on the Mulberry Street Bridge—which will be Sprocket’s largest mural project to date.

“We’d love to hear about the public’s hopes and dreams, for what will be two landmark murals being created this summer,” said Megan Caruso, co-founder and president of the nonprofit Sprocket Mural Works. “Community input is vital to guiding the creative vision for both projects.”

Sprocket has released a community survey to hear from people on what they’d like to see as part of the projects. They will also be at the Allison Hill Farmers Market on July 28 and Aug. 4 to speak with community members directly. According to Sprocket, anyone with ties to Harrisburg is welcome to participate in the survey. However, they especially invite participation from Allison Hill residents since both murals will be in their neighborhood.

Also as part of the mural festival, Sprocket is currently working on a mural in Allison Hill at the Recycle Bicycle building on Chestnut Street and recently completed a planter painting project in Allison Hill.

To learn more, visit Sprocket Mural Works’ website. To volunteer with Sprocket’s community survey efforts, which include staffing the farmers’ market booth or going door-to-door, please contact Sprocket’s volunteer coordinator Meghan Weaver via email at [email protected].

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

July 16, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Impact Harrisburg officials announced a grant program for small businesses.

It’s been a washout of a week, weather-wise, but, as always, there has been plenty of local news. Catch up on all of it, listed and linked, below.

Art can be found just about anywhere we look, even in the produce aisle, says our arts blogger Bob in his column. Veering from his typical art show and gallery reviews, Bob reflects on the beauty of nature’s bounty.

Capital Region Water commented on the need for innovation in city infrastructure to handle extreme weather. An authority official explains what CRW has already done to address this issue and what their plans are for the future.

Cook to impress with this summery tomato bread appetizer recipe. Give your guests a taste of this Spanish take on a traditional Italian dish.

Dogs, like humans, have social needs, especially coming out of the pandemic. Our magazine story provides advice from the experts on how to socialize your dog and get that tail waggin’.

Gamut Theatre will have you laughing with its new production, “Thumbelina.” The Popcorn Hat Players, the children’s outreach arm of Gamut Theatre, incorporate plenty of audience participation with enormous enthusiasm and silliness aplenty. Read our review of the show, here.

Home sales showed continued strength in the Harrisburg area in June, our online story reported. The Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR) reported that 819 housing units sold last month, compared to 530 in June 2020.

Impact Harrisburg introduced a new grant program to support small businesses in the city, our reporting found. The program will distribute $300,000 to eligible businesses and nonprofits, with a focus on often overlooked organizations.

Kipona festival will return to Riverfront Park and City Island in Harrisburg, our online story reported. The three-day event will feature food trucks, fireworks, an artist market and Native American and Indian cultural performances.

Midtown Scholar Bookstore reopened recently after a lengthy, pandemic-related closure. Our feature story shares how the bookstore adapted and continues to navigate through this time.

Two Midtown bars have been sold to restaurateur Josh Kesler, our online story reported. He bought 1400 N. 3^rd St., which most recently housed the Third Street Café. The building next door, which once housed another bar, sold separately and is slated to be remodeled into apartments.

Sara Bozich has fun ideas for your weekend including live music, yoga, trivia and outdoor movies. Take a look at her Weekend Roundup, here.

Sprocket Mural Works recently worked with local artists to paint a number of planters in Allison Hill. In our magazine story, hear from artists on the impact the beautification project had on them and their community.

Summer reading programs are in full swing in Harrisburg, our magazine story reported. Local organizations like Tri-County OIC’s BookyMobile are working with underserved children who are struggling to regain lost academics, due to the pandemic.

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Murals coming to Steelton, Allison Hill as 2021 Harrisburg Mural Festival continues

July 2, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Recycle Bicycle Harrisburg’s location on Chestnut Street will serve as a canvas for Sprocket Mural Works artists.

A few more walls in Harrisburg soon will be beautified and brightened by the work of talented muralists.

Sprocket Mural Works announced two upcoming projects, including a mural on the new Recycle Bicycle Harrisburg location and Mid Penn Bank in Steelton.

“As Sprocket approaches the benchmark of nearly 50 murals completed in the city of Harrisburg, it is incredibly rewarding to partner with long-time mural supporters such as Recycle Bicycle Harrisburg, as well as first-time mural sponsors such as Mid Penn Bank,” said Megan Caruso, Sprocket’s co-founder and president. “We invite the public to keep an eye out for their fun murals, being created this July.”

The partnership with Recycle Bicycle, an organization that provides free bikes and bike repair to Harrisburg residents, is a meaningful one for Sprocket. One of the nonprofit’s first murals was painted at Recycle Bicycle’s previous location in Uptown Harrisburg.

The new mural on Recycle Bicycle’s building on Chestnut Street in Allison Hill will pay homage to the original, painted both times by Harrisburg artist Ralphie Seguinot. He will utilize some of the same stencils he created and hand-cut for the previous mural and design it to wrap around the building’s front and side.

“Recycle Bicycle Harrisburg was grateful to have a mural on our old Atlas Street building, and the public has come to associate our organization’s identity with murals,” said Jenifer Donnelly of Recycle Bicycle. “We are excited to continue that relationship—it is our hope that we can bring some brightness to our new neighborhood where we already see the gratitude in those receiving and fixing their bicycles.”

Recycle Bicycle held a fundraising campaign this past May to align with National Bike Month and to help pay for the cost of the mural.

This mural is just one of many projects that are part of Sprocket’s 2021 Harrisburg Mural Festival. It also includes creating a pocket park in Midtown, adding two new murals to Strawberry Square and painting a mural to celebrate Black lives. Sprocket already completed a planter painting project in Allison Hill.

Coming soon, Sprocket also will undertake its first project in Steelton, painting a 10-foot-tall wall on Mid Penn Bank along Front Street. The mural’s theme and artist will be unveiled later this month.

“We are looking forward to seeing the mural design develop from the community’s voices and input, and to showcase a beautiful piece of public art at our facility,” said Heather Hall, Mid Penn Bank executive vice president and market president.

Sprocket, an all-volunteer organization, is currently looking for community volunteers to prep the festival’s upcoming mural sites.

“Nearly 500 volunteers have donated their time to Sprocket’s projects over the past seven years,” said Meghan Weaver, Sprocket’s volunteer coordinator. “People generally volunteer because they’re appreciative of public art in the city, as we become a hub for murals. We are grateful for their support.”

To sponsor or volunteer with Sprocket Murals works, email [email protected]. For more information, visit their website.

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Painting Pride: Local artists invest in their neighborhood through beautification project

June 30, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Althea Lynn King remembers painting her boots with nail polish as a kid growing up in Harrisburg. She was always DIYing, sketching and creating.

Now, she has her own son, whom she homeschools along with her nephew. King still loved art, but, with two little boys running around, time for her own interests often got pushed to the back burner.

“I definitely got lost in being a mom and forgot about me,” she said.

That began to change when King spotted a flyer—a call for artists for an upcoming painting project in Allison Hill. Local nonprofits Sprocket Mural Works and Tri County Community Action were seeking artists to leave their mark on a number of flower planters installed throughout Allison Hill.

King decided to apply, but admitted that she was doubtful she’d get chosen. Little did she know, a few weeks later, she’d be kneeling on Market Street, paintbrush in hand.

King painted what she knew was important to her and to her community—family.

“I wanted to bring the power of mom into it,” she said of her “mom squad” painting.

In both English and Spanish, the phrase “protect our kids, teach our kids,” is painted on the planter.

“For my son to be able to walk by and say ‘that’s something my mom did,’ it’s huge,” she said.

The planter-painting project was meant to add to the beauty of the Allison Hill neighborhood, explained Sprocket co-founder Meg Caruso. But the effects reached further. For King, and many of the other artists, the experience was one of empowerment and pride in their roots.

Stroke of Hope

What began to happen among artists and in the community is exactly what Tri County had hoped for when coming up with the project.

“This is encouraging people to take pride in their community,” said Danielle Krebs, communications manager at Tri County. “It also gave artists the opportunity to be creative and give back to their community.”

Tri County supplied the canvas—large cement planters—along with flowers, and Sprocket helped connect with artists and provided paint. The project kicked off Sprocket’s 2021 Harrisburg Mural Festival, which includes many other projects throughout the summer.

Krebs also saw this as a way to address an aspect of Tri County’s Heart of the Hill Community Action Plan, which they developed with residents’ input. As outlined in the plan, which was updated in 2020, community members expressed a desire for public art and beautification projects in the neighborhood.

For this project, Sprocket looked specifically for artists from the neighborhood and successfully gathered a group of 20 artists, ranging in age and experience.

One of the younger artists is 20-year-old Kiara Dawson, a Harrisburg High School alum.

Dawson has always loved art, she said. She helped design the cougar head painting inside Harrisburg’s Rowland Intermediate School, designed school T-shirts and painted a mural at the high school for her senior project.

But when her former art teacher, Rachel Aslan, encouraged her to apply for the planter project, she was nervous. She doesn’t like being in the spotlight, she said.

However, Aslan successfully got Dawson, as well as two of her students from this past year, to apply. All three were selected.

“We try to talk to our kids about the importance of public art, and this was the perfect opportunity for them to get involved in their community,” Aslan said.

Dawson rose to the occasion, creating a piece that celebrates individuality and showcases her own journey towards overcoming depression and accepting herself.

“My mural gives people hope that things will get better,” she said.

Community Beauty

Artist Tristan Bond is known locally for his art, with murals on the sides of HMAC and Ciervos Pizza. His painting on the planter on Market Street is much smaller than some of his other work, but carries a lot of significance.

Bond has memories of that spot where his artwork now sits. He remembers being a kid, walking with his mom to the fried chicken shop and the five-and-dime store just off the sidewalk. At the bus stop nearby, he used to take a crayon to his coloring book while they waited.

“It’s like it’s come full circle,” he said.

Bond’s mother passed away in February, but sitting on that corner, he could still picture himself up on her shoulders, walking through the neighborhood.

“Being able to touch on the memory of her—it means a lot,” he said.

His painting shows robotic hands planting and watering flowers. He hoped to capture the importance of organic growth alongside continued technological advancement. On one side of the planter, Bond painted “The Hill,” what many of the neighbors call Allison Hill, he said.

“It brings a sense of pride to the community,” he said. “There’s art and beauty in this community. It’s rough around the edges, but there’s so much beauty in it.”

To learn more about Sprocket Mural Works, visit www.sprocketmuralworks.com.

For more information on Tri County Community Action, visit www.cactricounty.org.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

June 11, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley Gittens

The future Menaker Apartments in downtown Harrisburg

We love weeks that are capped off with a new Burg Podcast, and we hope that you do, too. Besides a fresh podcast, we have a full week of news coverage for you, listed and linked below.

Dauphin County has a new commissioner: long-time chief clerk Chad Saylor. Our online story broke the news that he is replacing former commission chair Jeff Haste, who resigned to pursue a private sector opportunity.

Father’s Day is coming up, which means you may be preparing a special meal. In her monthly column, our food writer Rosemary has the perfect grilled dish, with an Italian twist.

Gardening classes were available free last week to Harrisburg residents. According to our online story, participants learned about many aspects of gardening, including composting, recycling and sustainable living.

Harrisburg City Council approved several development projects last week, including the conversion of the former Salvation Army building to apartments. Our news story summarizes their recent actions.

Harrisburg Mural Festival would be nearly impossible without its small army of volunteers. Our June magazine feature tells their story as organizer Sprocket Mural Works kicks off the 2021 festival.

Home sales were strong once again in the Harrisburg area. We have the latest facts and figures in our online news story.

Menaker Apartments reached a milestone this past week, with interior construction starting. The event was marked by a small celebration for the project that will include 28 new downtown units, our news story reported.

Outdoor dining surged in popularity during last year’s pandemic summer. Now, even as the pandemic wanes, diners want more outdoor options, and restaurants are doing their best to satisfy their hunger, according to our magazine story.

Sara Bozich has the skinny on weekend events in and around Harrisburg in her weekly blog. Once the rain pulls out on Friday, great weather is forecast for all the eats and events around town.

Seven Summits have been climbed by only a handful of women in the world. In our magazine story, find out about a local climber who is nearly halfway toward her goal.

TheBurg Podcast returns for its June edition, with host Karen Hendricks expanding upon several stories from the current issue of the magazine. In addition, our editor returns with his “Most Harrisburg Thing.”

The Thousand Steps Trail is one of the most unique hiking experiences in central Pennsylvania. Our magazine story tells how it came to be and how its popularity now presents a unique challenge.

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Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

June 4, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley Gittens

An artist paints a planter as part of Sprocket Mural Works’ latest project.

Even with the long weekend, there were still plenty of happenings in the Harrisburg area this week! If you missed any of our weekly coverage, you can find it all listed and linked, below.

Bob’s Art Blog highlights artists with work in the Millworks and the Susquehanna Art Museum. He invites readers to see the artists in action in their studios during “First Saturday.”

Our cartoonist illustrates how many Harrisburgers feel about the new 5G towers popping up around town. For a laugh, click here.

City officials hope that pending revisions to Harrisburg’s historic district guidelines will minimize confusion, explain options, and encourage owners of historic properties to do their part to protect Harrisburg’s architectural heritage. Read more in our magazine story.

Dauphin County is bringing back their summer festivals after they were postponed last year due to COVID, our online article reported. To kick it off, their Proudly PA event will feature local breweries, wineries, musicians and food vendors.

Downtown Camp Hill is kicking off summer with a day of dining, shopping, art and music. Their “Summer Soirée will take place on June 5, and will include a mural reveal, our online story reported.

Feeding Pennsylvania and the PA Dairymen’s Association kicked off a partnership with Weis Markets to celebrate World Milk Day on June 1. Their goal was to encourage milk donations to area food banks, our online story reported.

Fireworks and food trucks will return to Riverfront Park in Harrisburg for the 4^th of July, our online story reported. The festival returns after the pandemic halted the in-person celebration last year.

Gamut Theatre’s “Shakespeare in the Park” returns this year with performances of “Hamlet,” our magazine story reported. Harrisburg residents and visitors can enjoy these free shows at the band shell in Reservoir Park.

Gardening classes will be available for free to Harrisburg residents, starting tomorrow and running through June 13. Participants will learn about composting, recycling and sustainable living, our online story reported.

Harrisburg received a grant to support the extension of its Boyd Street “Urban Meadow” to the new federal courthouse area, our reporting found. The pathway will be exclusively for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Harrisburg Beach Club is expected to open in July on City Island, our reporting found. Two local entrepreneurs are leasing the City Island Bathhouse along with the beach area behind it. Visitors will be able to eat, drink and relax along the river.

Social media was supposed to bring people together, but instead, it has created division, even here in Harrisburg. Our editor has a few tips for coping with the acrimony that comes with social media use.

Sharkman, Harrisburg’s favorite roller-blading fish, skated through 2020 and brought positivity to residents during a tough year. In our magazine story, we dive deeper with Sharkman to see who he is below the surface.

Sprocket Mural Works kicked off its 2021 Harrisburg Mural Festival with a planter painting project on Allison Hill, our online story reported. In all, 20 Harrisburg-area artists will paint the planters through June 20.

Summertime events are here! Sara Bozich has a list of things to do around Harrisburg this weekend.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, sign up here!

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

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