TheBurg

Twenty Harrisburg artists brought their designs to life on large planters in Harrisburg's Allison Hill neighborhood. e beautification project, organized by Sprocket and Tri County Community Action (TCCA), got an enthusiastic response of many submissions from both new and experienced artists all over the city. "Connecting with local artists has been extremely rewarding," said Meg Caruso, co-founder and president of Sprocket. "ere is an amazing amount of talent in this neighborhood. Not only do the artists have the opportunity to express themselves, but they're doing it in a very public way through art that will uplift the community for years to come." Despite a rainy Memorial Day weekend, many artists began painting their planter boxes to launch their projects. Completion coincided with the first day of summer, June 20. "rough June, local artists, the majority from right here in Allison Hill, will decorate the planter boxes with unique artwork that reflects our beautifully diverse community," said Danielle Krebs, Communications Manager for Tri County Community Action, during the project. "Beautification projects like this are key to community development. It provides an opportunity for community members and organizations to get involved and work together while instilling community pride for the residents," Krebs added. Planter artists range in age and ability, from students to longtime Harrisburg residents like Althea Lynn King, 42, who designed a planter depicting "mom squad"-themed artwork. "Being a mom of young Black boys, with everything going on in the world, LOCAL ARTISTS SHINE BRIGHT IN ALLISON HILL you have fear, but you also know when moms come together, they love and protect kids," said King, of her artwork. "Even though it's a small project—for me, it's huge. My love for Allison Hill started because I attended church here for many years, and Allison Hill was always my favorite neighborhood in Harrisburg." Sharnee "Artzbeat" Burnett, 23, a recent graduate of Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, said her planter murals focus on race relations. "I wanted my work to speak on how we are all the same, even though our skin colors are different, and we all have different features. At the end of the day, we are all here trying to live our lives," said Burnett. "I love to help make the community more colorful and happy." Photo by Landon Wise

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