Be Part of a Permanent Downtown Mural: Ravenswood’s Community Tile Project (Updated Jan 13)
📣 Project Update for Jan 13: First Community Painting Session Scheduled
We’re excited to share that the first official painting session for the Community Tile Mural has now been scheduled.
Our kickoff event will be a Paint & Sip fundraiser held at the Ravenswood Arts Gallery. This special evening will bring together community members to begin painting the ceramic tiles that will become part of the permanent mural on Washington Street.
This event is part of a series of upcoming painting sessions designed to reach different groups within the community. Additional sessions at other locations will be announced soon.
👉 Learn more about the Paint & Sip event and save your spot here!
Pre-registration is required. Participation details, including donation amount, will be finalized prior to the event. Those who save a spot will receive first access once details are confirmed.
Original Post:
Downtown Ravenswood Partners is proud to launch an exciting new public art project — one that will be created by our community and permanently installed in the heart of downtown.
Over the coming weeks, Ravenswood residents of all ages will help create a large-scale ceramic tile mural made up of 300 individual, hand-painted tiles. Each tile is painted by a community member, and together they form one unified piece of artwork that will live on Washington Street for years to come.
This is your chance to leave a personal, lasting mark on downtown Ravenswood.
What Is the Mural Mosaic Project?
The Mural Mosaic project is a community-driven public art initiative. Participants paint individual ceramic tiles, which are then professionally assembled into a single permanent mural by Mural Mosaic, a nationally recognized public art organization.
Once completed, the mural will be installed on the side of a downtown building facing Washington Street — becoming a visible symbol of Ravenswood’s creativity, collaboration, and pride.
Who Can Participate?
Everyone.
This project is intentionally inclusive and open to:
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Children and students
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Families
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Local artists and non-artists alike
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Seniors and community groups
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Anyone who calls Ravenswood home
No artistic experience is required. This project is about participation, not perfection.
How the Tile Painting Works
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Tile painting sessions will be held at Ravenswood Art Gallery, City Hall, the Ravenswood Senior Center.
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All supplies will be provided
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Participants paint one ceramic tile during their session
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Tiles are collected, fired, and assembled off-site
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The finished mural is permanently installed downtown
Painting sessions will be offered both as open community events and as scheduled group sessions with local organizations and schools.
A full schedule of painting dates and sign-ups can be seen below and more detail will be added to this page as we receive it.
Participation & Accessibility
This mural is designed to be open and accessible to the entire community. Tile participation details, including any suggested donation levels, are currently being finalized and will be confirmed following board action later this month.
Our goal is to ensure broad participation across all ages and backgrounds while responsibly covering remaining project costs. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, and additional sponsorship opportunities will be available for those who wish to support the project further.
👉 Participation details including suggested donation amounts will be announced on Jan 20th.
Why This Project Matters
Public art does more than beautify a space — it builds connection.
When this mural is installed, it won’t belong to one artist or one organization. It will belong to Ravenswood. Hundreds of residents will be able to say, “I helped create that.”
This project:
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Strengthens community pride
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Encourages creative expression
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Adds a permanent, walkable destination downtown
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Reflects the voices and hands of the people who live here
Note:
The Mural Mosaic project is currently in its public awareness and interest-building phase. Final participation details, including suggested donation levels and session scheduling, will be confirmed following Downtown Ravenswood Partners’ board action on Jan 20th. Information on this page will be updated as details are finalized.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to participate?
Participation details, including any suggested donation amounts, are currently being finalized and will be announced soon. Our intent is to keep the project accessible to everyone while responsibly covering remaining project costs. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Do I need to be an artist to participate?
No. All ages and skill levels are welcome. This project is designed for everyone.
How long does it take to paint a tile?
Most participants complete their tile in 30–45 minutes.
Can families or groups paint together?
Yes. Families are welcome, and group sessions can be scheduled in advance.
Can I paint more than one tile?
Yes, depending on availability. Additional tiles may be sponsored.
What kinds of designs can I paint?
Participants are encouraged to be creative while staying within general project guidelines. Simple designs, patterns, symbols, and imagery all work well. Staff and volunteers will be available to help.
Where will the mural be installed?
The completed mural will be permanently installed on a downtown building facing Washington Street.
Is there a deadline?
Yes. All tiles must be completed and returned for assembly by mid-March, so participation is time-limited. We hope to have all tiles painted by Fab 28th.
How to Get Involved
Community painting sessions will take place over the coming weeks at a variety of locations, including the Ravenswood Arts Gallery, the Senior Center, and City Hall.
To help us plan and ensure space is available, pre-registration is required for all painting sessions.
👉 Read about the Paint & Sip and save your spot for an upcoming painting event!
Participants who save a spot will receive event-specific details and next steps before each painting session.
Let’s Paint Ravenswood — Together
This mural will tell a story about who we are and who we want to be.
We hope you’ll be part of it.
Interested in painting a tile?
Fill out the form below!
This page will be updated as new painting sessions and participation details are announced. Check back often or sign up to receive updates.
