WARREN COUNTY, N.J. – A series of newly painted crosswalks across Warren County is bringing color, creativity and community spirit to local schools, thanks to the efforts of the nonprofit Conscious Community Creations, Inc.
The “Conscious Community Crosswalks” project was managed by the group, which was founded in 2023 to revitalize small rural towns through large-scale art projects. Interim Washington BID Executive Director Kristy Romanowski, who also leads the nonprofit, said the initiative was supported this year by a mini grant from the Warren County Division of Cultural Heritage.
Artist Kelly Henshaw designed the crosswalks in honor of her late mother, Jean Henshaw, who worked at Taylor and Memorial schools for more than 35 years and passed away from cancer. “She mentioned that her mom would have loved this project and would have been out there painting with us,” Romanowski said. “When I first mentioned this project to her, she said she had to be involved — it’s a special connection she felt.”
The crosswalks, completed in August, feature bright, nature-focused designs with bees and butterfly-friendly themes. So far, nine crosswalks have been painted: four at Memorial School at the intersection of McDonald; two at Taylor Street School on School Street and on Stewart; and three at Belvidere High School. Two additional crosswalks are expected to be finished by the end of September at School Street and Church.
Romanowski said the community response has been “heartwarming,” with many residents stopping by during the painting to say how joyful the art made them feel. “It’s been an incredible way to start connecting the community through art,” she said.
Conscious Community Creations has additional plans, including a large mural on the train tracks in Washington — pending permission from Norfolk Southern — and projects to paint electrical boxes and fire hydrants in partnership with JCPL and American Water. Future plans also include art competitions, such as graffiti contests, and expanding mural work throughout the county.
“Our mission is to enhance small rural towns through artistic projects like murals and beautification spaces,” Romanowski said. “We want to make Warren County a more vibrant, economically viable, and revitalized community.”
The nonprofit is currently seeking sponsorships to fund supplies and pay artists for future projects. More information is available at cccnj1.org.
