Painters spruce up Petersburg

PETERSBURG Cracks snake their way along the sidewalk in the 200 block of North Sycamore Street, posing a hazard for passers-by and forming an eyesore for shop owners.

A movement blossomed when Petersburg resident and business owner Kimberly Ann Calos galvanized the artistic community in Petersburg and beyond to address the issue. As a result, nearly 60 artists created 74 paintings to cover the blight that has taken over the concrete.

Called Art Underfoot, this effort to revitalize the city's downtown is a collaboration among Petersburg officials, residents and artisans

Petersburg has plans to replace the concrete with brick sidewalks, but they've been delayed because of the economy. The city aims to finish the project within the next two years, said Joanne Williams, spokeswoman for the city.

"I think everyone is enjoying it, and Ibelieve everyone will enjoy taking a walk in that area and stopping to take a look at it," she said.

Local businesses appreciate the difference the colorful sidewalk paintings have made to the area.

"It's a 180-degree turnaround. It really is. Hopefully, people will come and appreciate it; they already are," said Steven P. Hanna, a lawyer with an office at 212 N. Sycamore St. "You see quite a few people taking a gander at things; it's had a nice effect so far."

Using donated latex-based paint that also is used on tennis courts, artists began adding their artwork to the sidewalk nearly a month ago, but the grand unveiling will be tomorrow at 6 p.m. during Friday for the Arts, a cultural celebration featuring art galleries and live music.

On Saturday, the artists will sell other works of art at a nearby parking lot at North Sycamore and Bank streets from noon to 4 p.m.

The sidewalk artwork is as diverse as the artists themselves. As Calos describes it, "It's a kaleidoscope of images and people."

Paintings range from serene landscapes to a historical-based picture of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee passing with his troops in front of the Petersburg Courthouse during the siege of Petersburg to a portrait of a woman's body with a surgery scar across her abdomen.

When the painting project was conceived, artists jumped at the chance to brighten up their city. Henry E. Kidd, a nationally renowned artist, grew up in the Petersburg area and wanted to do his part.

"I've seen Petersburg in good and bad. I always wanted to see downtown Petersburg come back and revitalize," said Kidd, who painted the Civil War painting and a second piece featuring a ghost in a Victorian dress looking out the window.

Petersburg artist Jerome Wiggins painted seven artworks -- including a park scene, church steeple against the sky and a butterfly -- along the stretch of sidewalk.

"I thought it would be nice to do that for the city," Wiggins said.

Risegun Olomidun worked on his abstract piece as a steady rain was falling.

"Art should always be alive, just like music. My hopes are that my paintings will always be alive and people see something new in it each time," Olomidun said.

Interest in the exhibit is on the rise as more and more people learn about it and visit that section of downtown Petersburg, Calos said. The art will remain indefinitely until the sidewalks are fixed.

Meanwhile, it's a way for the artists to honor their city.

Said Patricia B. Bates, a retired art teacher who painted a mountain lion on the sidewalk:

"It shows a lot for the people of the community that they are taking pride in Petersburg and taking pride in trying to restore it and bring beauty and people back into the community."

Contact Jeremy Slayton at (804) 649-6861 or .