Project Proposal — Trillium Project

Sidewalk Art

Activating public space using low-cost, high-impact painted art on selected city sidewalks. Sidewalk art will encourage exploration of the city using colorful, energetic, and interactive designs that connect centers of influence such as

Museums
Art Galleries
Antique shops
Restaurants
Public parks and recreation spaces
Downtown businesses
Vacant storefronts/commercial space

Raleigh Rug, North Hills District, Raleigh NC
Artist: Jessie Unterhalter & Katey Truhn

Empty sidewalk along Candyland Children’s Museum

Storefront
Activation

Using photography and artwork provided by Trillium Project artists and the community to transform empty storefront window spaces into artistic displays. Collected photos and displays will showcase the rich culture and personal history of our city, as felt and experienced by those who live and work here.

Participating organizations may include Watch Me Grow Ohio, Portsmouth Skatepark Project, Hilltop Initiative, Time Out For Me, Inc. and more!

Photos for vinyl compositions will be arranged by Trillium Project teams and installed at participating storefronts along Chillicothe and Gallia Streets in the downtown area.

Storefront activation projects will also include 2D and 3D artwork installed by participating artists, and may involve window painting, collage, photography, mixed media, sculpture, pottery, installations, and more.

Anticipated benefits:

Decrease unwanted and illegal graffiti
Increase attention/interaction in downtown
Generate curiosity and engagement
Creative placemaking
Liven up and re-imagine empty spaces
Inspire more creative solutions for community benefit

Unknown storefront images

Empty storefront downtown ACID area

Basketball Court
Murals

We’re improving public recreation space by installing two full-court murals at Mound Park in Portsmouth. Mound Park is a central feature to the Hilltop community, providing free recreational space for community events and activities.

Since 1925, Mound Park has served as public green space for resident picnics, kickball tournaments, and more, and is home to one of the area’s last remaining ancient earthworks.

Anticipated benefits:

Clean, fun, vibrant look
Transformed space
Light colors can decrease pavement temperatures
Seal and protect life of pavement
Increase existing athletic connections and inspire new ones
Deepen community relationships
Promote physical fitness and activity
Host site for public tournaments and fundraisers to support local needs
Fusing sports + art to increase community engagement

Windiate Park, Flint MI
Artist: Jamiersen Green

Mound Park basketball court

The Gateway to Education

Connecting several educational institutions by way of Waller Street, the Gateway to Education is activated using a series of painted murals, crosswalks, intersections, and curb extensions that slow traffic for pedestrian safety while reflecting themes of learning, play, mindfulness, and connection.

Anticipated benefits:

Clean, fun, vibrant look
Transformed space
Light colors can decrease pavement temperatures
Seal and protect life of pavement
Increase existing athletic connections and inspire new ones
Deepen community relationships
Promote physical fitness and activity
Host site for public tournaments and fundraisers to support local needs
Fusing sports + art to increase community engagement

Painted intersection, Huntington WV
Artist: Chelsea Hart

Overpass mural,
Brooklyn NY
Artist: Marka27

Curb extensions
Denver CO
Artist: Ratha Sok

Roadway mural
Billings MT
Artists: Elyssa Leininger, Jodi Lightner, Elley Swan

Murals & Poetry Buttons

We’re taking public murals a bit further by scheduling collaborative community painting days and installing a series of “buttons” around town that recite locally-written poetry, music, history, and more when pressed.

Poetry, literature, and local history used for these interactive buttons will be provided through extensive research conduction by our partners at Scioto Literary, Southern Ohio Folklife, and Scioto Historical.

Additionally, these organizations and their research will help ensure the cultural integrity, inclusion, empowerment, and representation for marginalized populations, such as those who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, in recovery, disabled, youth, and aging.

Anticipated benefits: