Richmond residents invited to paint street mural for safety

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The City of Richmond's Department of Public Works is looking for helping hands to bring a new street mural to life.

On Saturday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility -- a division within the city's Department of Public Works (DPW) -- will host a Community Paint Day at the intersection of Laburnum Avenue and Hermitage Road.

According to the department, the event is an opportunity for residents to contribute to the mural while encouraging transportation safety.

The mural is part of the "Help Calm Traffic with Color!" initiative, which is a traffic-calming project aimed at increasing caution around pedestrian and bicyclist safety near Linwood Holton Elementary School. The artwork was developed with ideas from Linwood Holton students and coordinated by Sam Skrimpz, a resident artist with the Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility.

The mural will be painted directly onto sections of the street that are not intended for vehicle traffic, serving as a visual reminder to drivers that they are entering a pedestrian area. The department said street murals have proven to help reduce speeds and foster a sense of safety in the community.

“This mural is more than just art — it’s a tool for safety and a symbol of community collaboration,” said Dironna Clarke, the DPW's deputy director, in a press release. “By inviting residents to help paint it, we’re giving them a chance to take part in shaping a safer, more connected neighborhood.”

No art experience is required -- just time, effort and love for the city. To volunteer for the Community Paint Day, click here.