CENTRAL AVENUE OF HAPPINESS
Pop-up sidewalk murals in Virginia Beach Town Center inspire the young at heart to dance
VIRGINIA BEACH — Outside of Macaron Tart on Central Avenue in Virginia Beach’s Town Center, a funny little thing has been happening.
Children walking with their parents or grandparents in tow discover abluefeatherymuralonthesidewalk with the words: “The world needs you.”
Suddenly, they come alive.
“They step on it. Dance on it,” said Elena Hocking, owner of the French pastry shop. “The kids love it.”
That’s exactly the effect Katie Caraviello wanted when she came up with the idea for the sidewalk chalk art. As the business development and community relations manager for a real estate firm in Town Center, it’s her job to make the shopping district inviting.
“There’s so much stress going on right now,” Caraviello said. “I was trying to think of a way someone could have a gentle touch while walking around Town Center, and
they would just kind of happen upon this beautiful, cheerful piece of art.”
The Central Business District Association paid local artists Richard Nickel, Aimee Bruce and Victoria Weiss to create the murals that are inspired by Caraviello’s uplifting phrases.
”It reminds us to enjoy those little moments,” said Nina Goodale, the city’s cultural arts coordinator who helped connect the artists with the project. “It encourages people to walk around and to be surprised.”
Five pieces of pop-up sidewalk art will be on display through Sunday near Free People, Macaron Tart, Bluemercury, West Elm and TASTE. Visitors will also find a chalk mural on the steps of Zeiders American Dream Theater on Commerce Street.
This weekend, Town Center is also hosting sidewalk sales, restaurant specials, free samples, prizes and live music. Parking is free.