Tempe Marketplace and Desert Ridge Marketplace have partnered with local artist, Courtney Larsen, to design one-of-a-kind interactive chalk walls in The District of each shopping center. The goal of these art pieces is to spread positivity and invite the community to share their thoughts with others. The wall at Desert Ridge Marketplace, named “Miracle Maker,” highlights how one is in charge of their own destiny and encourages viewers to dream on. Tempe Marketplace’s chalk wall theme, “Words To Live By,” promotes positive affirmations for guests to live their best lives. The chalk walls are open to the public now.

Courtney Larsen is the lead artist and designer behind Spindles Design Co., a fine art stationery and custom mural business. Larsen has a Bachelor of Fine Art from Arizona State University and started her business in 2015 creating custom chalkboard signs and wedding invitations. She currently spends her time painting statement murals, designing luxury fine art wedding invitations, and making one-of-a-kind artwork. Larsen's artistic style is colorful and bold. The custom chalkboard murals she designed and painted for both Tempe Marketplace and Desert Ridge Marketplace invite guests to interact with the artwork, leave their own mark, and participate in a community conversation.

“I was excited to create something unique and eye-catching for each location and was particularly inspired by the idea of community interaction and contribution,” said Larsen. “I wanted each mural to be colorful and inviting and loved working on pieces with such a positive message. Each design was dreamed up to complement their specific location and spread joy to people passing by, while inviting them to share in an optimistic future.”

Both chalk walls make for an inviting atmosphere and engaging activation inside the shopping centers. Guests are encouraged to tag @desertridge and @tempemarketplace when sharing photos on social media. For more information, visit tempemarketplace.com/ and shopdesertridge.com/ .
The safety of shopping center guests is a top priority. Guests are encouraged to “share thoughts, not germs.” Hand sanitizing stations have been placed near the interactive chalk walls and guests are encouraged to dispose of their chalk after each use.

Tempe Marketplace is located at 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe. Desert Ridge Marketplace is located at 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix.