‘Inspired by art’: Murals help unite and define Kansas towns, boosting pride, health and economy

By: Morgan Chilson

Outlets: Kansas Reflector

Published: July 27, 2026

Words: 1,755

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 2 days ago

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TOPEKA — Artist Sarah Fizell doesn’t need convincing that public art affects neighborhood pride, community perceptions and even residents’ physical health.

But sometimes the real impact is conveyed in simple words from a little boy, who stopped by as she painted a mural on a Topeka bridge near Ripley Park.

“There was a kid who came and told us that before we painted the bridge, he just had to tell people he lived near where …

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