MILWAUKEE — Neighbors and volunteers painted three crosswalks along North 40th Street between West Galena and West Roberts streets on Oct. 3, adding bright, flower-themed artwork to a route into Washington Park. The project aimed to support pedestrian safety and create a more welcoming entrance to the park. It was organized by Rooted & Rising – Washington Park, a resident-led group focused on public spaces and arts programming, in partnership with Artists Working in Education, a Milwaukee nonprofit that connects professional artists with schools and public art projects. The painting event was the third installment of Cultural Art Vibes, a free monthly series combining arts, music and family activities. Rooted & Rising Deputy Director Adrian Spencer said the organization wants residents to shape its work and feel a sense of ownership over neighborhood spaces. “Everything we do is community-led,” Spencer said. Milwaukee artist Emma Daisy Gertel designed the crosswalk artwork around themes of diversity, belonging and growth. She used a simple, repeating pattern so people of different ages and art experience could take part while creating a bold design. The project was about more than adding helping hands, Gertel said: It was an opportunity for people to create something joyful and meaningful in their own community and contribute to safety. Local artist and Washington Park neighbor Muta áliah Green joined after seeing people paint. Green said public art can help bring the city to life. Patricia Rodgers, who lives in the Midtown area, brought her two sons to participate. She said she wanted to support the community and show her children the value of contributing to it. Rooted & Rising’s Cultural Art Vibes series uses projects like the crosswalk murals to bring neighbors together and strengthen the Washington Park area. The freshly painted crossings now add a colorful feature to North 40th Street near the park.