As a muralist based in Columbus, Ohio, one of the most meaningful parts of my work isn’t just the painting—it’s the people. Creating a mural with community involvement isn’t just about putting color on a wall; it’s about building trust, listening deeply, and creating something that truly belongs to the neighborhood.
Community engagement is the heartbeat of a successful public art project. When people feel seen, heard, and reflected in the artwork, it becomes more than a mural—it becomes a symbol of local pride.
Listening First
Every neighborhood has a story, and my job as a muralist is to help tell it. But before the first sketch, there has to be listening. When I work on a community-based mural, I start with conversations—with elders, with students, with small business owners, and local artists who already have a stake in the area. Columbus is full of vibrant, diverse communities, and each one has a unique voice. My role is to help amplify that voice, not speak over it.
I’ve held everything from structured community meetings to informal chats at local businesses. These moments help me understand the values, concerns, and dreams of the people who will see the mural every day.
Collaborative Design
Once the conversations begin shaping a direction, I work on a design that reflects what I’ve learned. But even then, the process stays open. I share sketches, ask for feedback, and invite the community to challenge me. It’s not always easy—art by committee has its pitfalls—but when it’s done right, it creates something that feels deeply authentic.
In a recent mural project in Columbus, a local church group helped shape the imagery. Their ideas weren’t just included—they became central to the piece. That mural didn’t just live on the wall; it lived in the pride they felt when they walked past it.
Sustaining the Work
The mural may be the most visible outcome, but the relationships built during the process are just as important. I’ve stayed in touch with many of the folks I’ve worked with, and those ongoing connections are what keep the work rooted.
Creating a mural with and for the community is one of the most rewarding things I get to do as a local artist. It transforms walls—and people. In Columbus and beyond, I’ve seen how a mural created through community engagement can uplift a space, spark dialogue, and remind us all of the power we have when we come together.
Art can be many things. But when it’s made with the people, it becomes something far more powerful: a mirror of who we are, and a vision of who we want to be.