Beyond the Brushstrokes: What Art Teaches Us About Working Together

Community art can take the form of a vibrant mural or a table filled with drawings, but beneath the surface lies a beautiful, messy, and meaningful process.

Recently, I had the opportunity to help organize a two-part art event celebrating Upper Allen Township's 175th anniversary: a kids' art competition and a community art project that invited people of all ages to contribute their creativity to a collective mural.

What amazed me the most wasn't just the final artwork; it was everything that happened in between and after. I witnessed collaborations where parents and kids worked together on the creative process, with children lighting up when their ideas came to life, and quiet moments of decision-making focused on including everyone. Every aspect mattered, from organizing supplies and collaborating with potential judges and volunteers to set up the space and encouraging someone who thought they "weren't an artist" to make their mark. 

Art has a unique way of creating space. It fosters connections that feel less forced and helps people feel seen. And it doesn't need to be monumental to have an impact. This experience reminded me of how creativity can subtly weave its way through a community, leaving lasting impressions long after the paint dries. Moments like these reinforce why I continually use art not merely as a medium, but as a method. Whether shaping community narratives, exploring systems through abstract forms, or using art to support storytelling in advocacy work, I am always drawn to how creativity builds bridges between people, ideas, and the unspoken emotions that connect us. I've noticed that people, and often myself, struggle to connect creative work, such as art, with other professional roles, which in my case intersect with community development, non-profit work, research, and policy. However, the truth is that these skills are deeply transferable: collaboration, problem-solving, visual thinking, and building from ambiguity.

Ultimately, it's about collaboration and creating environments where people can engage, express themselves, and connect. Experiences like this make me think more deeply about what it means to create space not just for art, but for belonging, expression, and connection. I hope that organizations, local governments, and community partners can intentionally make room for creativity in the everyday fabric of public life.

Nearly 40 individuals from Upper Allen Township to Harrisburg, PA, participated in the Community Art Project, contributing to the creation of the final piece that came together as one.