The Why

After years of limited social interaction due to COVID-19, this initiative invites members of the community to interact with each other through art. Each mural offers a conversation via design + color. Better yet, the murals are constantly evolving — each time it rains the colors are washed away leaving a clean slate, allowing new art interactions and conversations to surface over time.

The How

What’s unique about this initiative is that it invites you to get creative with a life-sized coloring sheet. The murals have been created by Anne Totten but leave space for you to “fill in the lines” using free supplies that can be found in the little supply houses adjacent to each mural. (Or you can bring your own chalk. 🌈)

The Where

Murals are located at Lake Lynn Park, Peach Road Park, Powell Drive Park, Roberts Park, Sanderford Road Park, and Worthdale Park with more installation sites popping up in neighborhoods + parks in the future.

Grab some chalk and leave your mark, Raleighites.

Use the buttons below to share this story with someone you think would enjoy trying this out.

EVENTS

Today

National Day of Racial Healing | Tues., Jan. 18 | 6:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Community leaders provide a time + space for people to facilitate trust and see humanity in others.
Backyard Composting and Beyond | Tues., Jan. 18 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Ct., Knightdale | Learn how to start backyard composting, improve your existing compost method + what to do with the compost produced. 🏡

Wednesday

Playmakers Presents: Stick Fly | Wed., Jan. 19 | Paul Green Theatre, 120 Country Club Rd., Chapel Hill | $20+ | Watch the performance about love and family by the Playmakers Repertory Company. 🎭

Thursday

Chamber Professional Women’s Luncheon - January 2022 | Thurs., Jan. 20 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley | $105 | Join this luncheon to learn what bias is, why it happens + how to navigate it.

Friday

Carolina Hurricanes | Fri., Jan. 21 | 7 p.m. | PNC Arena | $42+ | Cheer on the Carolina Hurricanes as they take on the New York Rangers. 🏒

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

PLAN YOUR MONTH

NEWS NOTES

Weather

47º | Sunny | 4% chance of rain ☀️

Eat

Gym Tacos — 3701 Hillsborough St. — will celebrate its grand opening on Mon., Jan. 31 at 12 p.m. This is the taqueria concept’s third location, in addition to Gym Tacos Sports Bar at 220 E. Forks Rd. + Gym Tacos & Tequila Bar at 1540 Dunn Rd. The eatery will serve its popular Tower of Nachos, tacos, quesadillas + more. 🌮

Ranked

No. 5. That’s how Raleigh ranked on StorageCafe’s list of most neighborly cities. The study accessed 30 cities and surveyed 11,000 people about their sense of community, satisfaction with neighbors, involvement in community activities + willingness to recommend the neighborhood to others to determine the rankings. (StorageCafe)

Edu

UNC-Chapel Hill hit its fundraising goal of $4.25 billion one year ahead of schedule. This is the South’s only university to surpass $4 billion in a single campaign. Now, the university is setting its sights on another goal — raise $1 billion for student financial aid. 💰 (The News & Observer)

Try This

Blood supplies are critically low at many NC hospitals. The blood inventory at Duke University Hospital is half of what it usually is. Consider donating blood through The American Red Cross or The Blood Connection — both of which provide blood to hospitals in the Triangle. 🩸 (The News & Observer)

Wellness

Noom’s unique approach to achieving a healthy lifestyle uses psychology to change behavior. Read: They’ll help you understand why you make the decisions you do so you can start making healthier ones. With Noom, you can create a sustainable, healthy routine to achieve your personal goals. 💪*

📸 @raltoday

While we love puns, we try to only make puns about science periodically. You know that had to happen, right?

Funny business aside, the renderings of this future life sciences center are thrilling. Developers are still in the process of approvals with the town of Morrisville, but hope to begin phase one of construction in April or May. They estimate phase one will take five years to complete + that all construction will be finished in approximately eight years.

#DYK that your photos and quotes could be featured in our newsletter?

Just use #RALtoday on social media.

Points Balance

zero? That can't be right

EARN FREE GEAR

Keep earning and learn other ways to earn points here. Then redeem them for exclusive Raleigh swag at The 6AM Shop.

Share now with your friends, family, and all Raleigh lovers! Just click the buttons below:

THE WRAP

Editor's pick: I have absolutely zero artistic ability, but for some reason I feel drawn to Designed for Joy's Makers Retreat on Fri., Jan. 28 through Sun., Jan 30. The Raleigh-based retreat is an all-inclusive girls weekend featuring leatherworking, riveting, industrial sewing + jewelry making. Participants will leave the retreat with their own handmade products like a leather tote bag and 24K gold plated jewelry. Plus, it’s open to all skill levels. A few spots without overnight accommodations are still available. Are you going? Learn more and sign up.

Missed yesterday's newsletter? Read about adoptable pets in the Triangle.

Today's edition by:

Emily

RALtoday Team

Editorial: Anne, Cat, Emily, Megan, Erin

Sales: Charis

Advertise with us.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.