These neighborhood residents took on the activity with gusto! The success was imminent from the moment everyone brushed their first strokes of paint onto canvas. The positivity was abound, and so was the neighborly comradery. Older neighbors who had lived on the street for decades communing with younger couples and families who had recently moved into the area. Stories of about the neighborhood, backyard deer sightings, and gardening tips in relation to the area’s soil and sun were all shared in between the painting instruction.

It was rewarding to learn/witness how much households crave neighborly connection. And I am proud to think the neighborly bonds both made and nurtured at Painting 101 for EVERYONE will continue to flourish and thrive, creating a more vibrant corner of the Raleigh Court neighborhood.

I believe continuing to meet up, perhaps with a theme/activity/potluck a few times a year for a couple of hours would greatly assist in keeping this diverse group of neighbors feelings connected to one another.