“Who Painted That Intersection??!” The Sketchy Ninjas and the Power of Temporary Beauty

ByBecky McCray

Store owners in downtown Russellville, Arkansas, opened up on Friday to find their intersection had been painted with retro flowers and “I heart Russellville.” 

“Who painted that intersection overnight??!” 

It was the Sketchy Ninjas.

A retro-style pink flower painted on asphalt
A woman smiles while she paints a red heart on the asphalt in an intersection. The sky is still dark, and she is lit by bright worklights.
Two women are painting flower designs on the asphalt in an intersection. The sky is still dark, and they are lit by bright worklights.

OK, that may not even be their name, because they’re still deciding what to call themselves. 

It’s just a few folks who wanted to do a good thing before the sun came up. They did touch base with the mayor and chief of police. (Please don’t arrest your ninjas, people.) 

“We confirmed with the Mayor to ensure that the street isn’t being torn up really soon so that it would be there for a little while,” ninja Sara Jondahl told me. “But it is temporary as the entire downtown will be paved before Christmas this year.”

I’ll admit that the first thing I thought when I saw the pics was, “That paint will never last in traffic.” Even I start thinking in the Old Way sometimes. I just don’t stop there.

Sara and the Ninjas could have let the fear of criticism stop them. You know someone would say, “Who would bother with that?? They’re going to tear up that street soon. Just wasted effort!” 

Here’s what people actually said: 

Facebook photo of the painted intersection from across the street with the business in the background
Facebook photo from a second story window decorated with string lights, looking down to the painted intersection below

“Unlocked our doors to this sweet surprise this morning. We love Russellville, too!” 

“And just when I needed a sweet reminder #improvements #DowntownVibes #PaintingFairiesCame”

Maybe that’s their new name: Painting Fairies? 

Sara Jondahl is sitting in the middle of the painted intersection at dawn, surrounded by painted flowers and the message I heart Russellville.

This isn’t just a vibe. This is community building. This builds trust. This shows that other people care about your town. This is how to change attitudes. #Improvements 

Need ideas for your own sweet surprise action? Pick from over 100 on our list 99% of things you can do for your town don’t require anyone’s permission.