Bloomington's west side is about to get brighter, thanks to a partnership between Sherwin-Williams and the West Bloomington Revitalization Project called "Color the West Side."
Sherwin-Williams donated paint kits to spruce up west side residents' homes and provided instruction on painting an exterior door in two workshops over the weekend.
“Color the West Side” came about naturally after Sherwin-Williams helped West Bloomington Revitalization Project (WBRP) repaint some spaces in its West Washington Street storefront after flood damage two years ago.
WBRP serves Bloomington's 7th ward and portions of wards 6 and 1. The nonprofit provides resources to help enrich and beautify the west side, including a tool library, bike co-op and programs like “Color the West Side.” Prior to his role as board president, Bruce Clark oversaw WBRP’s art and beautification program.
“One of the things that we identified to tie a community together about the whole notion of curb appeal is through the front door,” Clark said in an interview.
WBRP hosted two demonstrations over the weekend, led by Sherwin-Williams sales representative Andrew Demkovich. Participants learned how to clean, sand and paint a six-panel exterior door.
“Andrew did a lot to put the whole kit together and come up with some ideas of how we could go about the process,” Clark said. Colors were narrowed to four through a democratic process, with residents voting for their favorites on Facebook.
Sherwin-Williams donated 50 painting kits that included a brush, roller, paint tray and plastic, plus pints of paint mixed by Demkovich.
People interested in getting a kit filled out a Google form to reserve a workshop spot on a first-come-first-serve basis. An instruction sheet with a QR code contains detailed directions that were reiterated in the workshop. Participants who are unable to paint themselves will be paired with a volunteer or painting professional to complete the job.
“We were talking about what could we do for the community to add some color to it and make it look a little bit better,” Demkovich said during a break between Saturday’s two workshops. Votes were tallied to select four vibrant pallets: Aquarium, Juneberry, Oceanside and Naval.
“A little bit of paint goes a long way, so we had the idea of doing a front door project,” Demkovich said.
During the workshop, participants started asking questions about how to enhance the curb appeal of their homes and what tools and skills they may need to make additional improvements. Clark said a little pop of color on a front door can be a catalyst for community change.
“Especially with the colors that were chosen. We have this beautiful aquamarine; we have this beautiful poppy magenta; a nice, deep navy blue. Those are not your stereotypical colors of doors you may necessarily see,” he said.
Clark expects neighbors will talk to one another to find out how they got the supplies to paint their doors and can draw attention to the services WBRP provides.
“There’s a lot of ancillary effects that you’re not quite sure how it’s going to play out,” he said, “but this seems like the right move to do now, knowing for that person immediately receiving that benefit — they appreciate it. Beyond that, who knows how this is going to manifest, but it’s all in the effort of trying to move in that direction.”
The West Bloomington Revitalization Project plans to host additional workshops in the future. The agency also organizes West Fest, taking place on Saturday, Aug. 19. The annual, free block party features food, music and family-friendly entertainment.
