
The walkway will be painted with handmade stencils of ducks, geese, and other Michigan waterfowl. Over the past two years I have painted neighborhood crosswalks in my Lansing community to promote pedestrian joy and safety. My crosswalk designs are bold and colorful, featuring abstract shapes and patterns as well as representational images of local nature. I like painting directly on the walking surface because it is eye-catching, unexpected the first time you come across it, and accessible to all. Mallard ducks and Canada geese can often be found along the riverwalk. These creatures may blend in with the landscape because they are so common. Here they are celebrated by including them on the pathway. It is our space to share. The birds are in the pattern of duck, duck, and then a goose or something else, because I have fond memories of the game Duck, Duck, Goose.
This spacious, grassy area houses the Brenke Fish Ladder in the historic Old Town Neighborhood. This sidewalk mural will be installed near the playground.
Our Lansing neighborhoods are full of friendly folks, flower gardens, and cars. I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the speed at which vehicles travel along my street. I love walking around with my family, friends, and neighbors to the library, the community garden, and the coffee shop, and I want to feel safe doing this simple activity.
The crosswalk painting projects aim to increase joy while using the sidewalks and slow traffic on the roads. Playful imagery at common intersections brings people out of the commonplace. Walking across the colorful crosswalks empowers pedestrians with a sense of belonging while slowing down vehicles. With these projects, I aim to “be the change I want to see in the world."