Republic residents using chalk art to create neighborhood connections

For the past year, Greene County Extension has been encouraging residents in Republic to get to know their neighbors in the belief that strong bonds between neighbors will help create better communities. Towards that end, some Republic residents are decorating their houses with homemade art projects or driveways with sidewalk chalk art.
Helping to organize this effort in their neighborhood are Cathy Baker and Julia Casella. They created themes for neighbors to use when creating art to decorate their homes; for example, the first week they asked neighbors to decorate their houses with funny and/or inspiring sayings. The following week had an Easter theme, and neighbors put up pictures of colored eggs and other Easter decorations in their homes. This week, the theme is “Art Walk,” and neighbors are being encouraged to put art in their windows for kids to see as they walk by.
Casella, who downplayed her involvement in the effort as “minimal,” said she hoped that she will get to know more people in her neighborhood by encouraging them to take part in the neighboring art projects.
“I have lived in this neighborhood for approximately four years,” she said, “and although I have met some lovely people, there are many that I do not yet know.
The idea behind organizing some community activities during this time was to get to know a few more of our neighbors that we have not yet met, but also as a means to check up on one another and be connected. We have an interesting mix of older folks and young families, (and) it seemed that I was in touch with families like mine, with younger children, but not many of our older neighbors. Many of the themed activities we have planned will hopefully involve people of all ages, but also offer the older folks a way to be involved with the younger generation.”
Baker and Casella used social media and more traditional methods of communication to get the word out to their neighbors.
“We decided to start a Facebook page for our neighborhood to help spread the word and get to know our neighbors better,” Baker said. “In two weeks, we’ve had 41 people join. We have just under 80 houses in our neighborhood. We also put flyers in mailboxes to let them know about Facebook group and the weekly themes.”
A number of those participating in the neighboring art projects have opted to decorate their driveways with sidewalk chalk art. Casella said this can be beneficial to those who see it while passing by, and also the families who decorate their homes with it, as it gives their children a chance to get outside.
“We have many folks who walk and bike in our neighborhood,” she said. “Some come from other nearby areas just because it is a quiet residential area with a lot of nice trees and little traffic. As we see more and more people walking and biking by, it is natural to want to share something beautiful or inspiring to all those who pass by. Plus, as a mom to young kids, I am looking all around for ways to get the kids outside within current limitations. Fresh air and art are a great combination for these cooped up little ones.”
Baker said only about a dozen households are taking part in the neighboring art projects, but she’s not bothered by that.
“For me it’s not about the number participating,” she said. “Yes, I’d love for everyone to do it, but I’m grateful for those who chose to participate (and) do something kind and add joy to the neighborhood. People don’t participate for various reasons and that’s okay.”
Casella said she is optimistic that the COVID-19 situation will help neighbors come together and create a bond of unity among them.
“I have every hope that in the long run, this pandemic experience will have many positive effects in our community,” she said. “The negatives are easy to see and list, but I hope that a stronger sense of community spirit will be a positive outcome that we can enjoy for many years to come.”