I’ve called Carlisle “home” almost my entire life. My family moved to the area when I was 2. I attended Bellaire Elementary, Wilson Middle School, and graduated from CHS. My sister and mother also graduated from CHS. I played varsity football for Carlisle High School and was voted “most artistic” by my classmates my graduating year of ‘09

I currently live, create art, and also run a small art business called Archetype Angle Art all from my home in Carlisle. I also recently completed the environmental technician training courses held at the Employment Skills Center in downtown Carlisle. This year I had the opportunity to offer my talents to the town I love most and was commissioned to create anamorphic chalk art at the June First Friday event. My art company, Archetype Angle Art, also had a stand and live painted at the Amani Festival this year and we are also being commissioned again to create an interactive mural design for the Harvest of the Arts festival and will have a stand with our art there as well.

I love Carlisle because of its people. I think we are what make it special. Carlisle is rich in history and culture, and for a small town in Pennsylvania, it is unique in many ways. I love that Carlisle’s population is much more diverse than many other small towns in the region. From families from the war college, Dickinson, and CPYB dance school to immigrants and even refugees, Carlisle has always been a town that welcomes everyone without losing the small PA town magic that brings us all together. This is what I love most about our community and town.

One challenge that I experienced in Carlisle was from a volunteer opportunity through The Alliance for Aquatic Resources. A group of about 15 people got together on a Saturday morning at Letort Park and attempted to clean up sections of the Letort stream in Carlisle. I was amazed by how much trash we fished out of the stream! It was an eye opening experience that really put in to perspective how dirty our fresh water resources are. However, it was also proof of how much the community can accomplish when working together towards a common goal with an understanding of what needs done.

I have many hopes for Carlisle’ future, one of them being of course for more murals and more public art! I also would love to see more sustainability and proactive thinking. I hope that more attention will be given to the future of our Letort stream and that community pride and opportunities continue to grow through art and environmental understanding. I also hope the community learns more about the many workshops Dickinson offers for free to anyone living in the community and I hope that info becomes more accessible. I also hope that Carlisle doesn’t just become a town known for cars and car shows, but also becomes a town known for its art, food, music and diversity. I hope the community continues to encourage the many talented artists, dancers, musicians, and chefs that live and work here. – Rob Davis, local artist and Carlisle, PA resident

I’ve lived in Carlisle since my father became a professor at Dickinson College in 1995. I was about one years old. Carlisle is the only home I’ve ever known. I went to elementary school at Bellaire Elementary, then proceeded on to Wilson Middle School and finally I graduated from CHS in 2013! I definitely consider myself a Carlisle native.

I worked in town at one of Carlisle’s longest running businesses – Georges Subs and Pizza – for 5 years. They are a “mom and pop” restaurant dating back to 1958. This past spring was my first time participating in the Amani Festival downtown Carlisle where I had my art displayed and live painted. I will also be participating in the Jason Smith Fun Run where I will be donating my art for someone to win music scholarship.

One of my favorite things about Carlisle is the diversity in the community and the inclusiveness Carlisle provides. Also the vast number of amazing artists, musicians and restaurants that resign in Carlisle is really incredible. I feel proud to live here and only hope to help create, inspire and build the beauty of this town.

Last year Rob and I volunteered to clean up the Letort with a group of people in the community. It was unreal how much litter we as a group were able to collect. I would love to see more of these community clean up days and to also be apart of them. We really made huge impact just in a couple of hours and a crew of great people.  – Caroline Laurent, local artist and Carlisle, PA resident