In June of 2024, local artist Drizzy Hemp hosted Paint the Town in Phillipsburg, NJ. Originally announced on Facebook, Paint the Town connected local businesses and creative spirits of all ages for a day of artistic expression.
A local mom and outspoken voice of the community, Drizzy worked hard to bring this event to life. She coordinated with businesses on South Main Street, procured art supplies generously donated by Walmart and other givers, and provided ongoing status updates as the event plans took shape.
On the morning of June 12, Drizzy and volunteers set up a paint table station on South Main Street; and with Ms. Hemp guiding production, the colorful bedecking of participating shops and businesses was underway.
Creators eagerly took to the streets of Pburg, to adorn the shop windows with happy and colorful artistic displays.
Possibly the best sight of all were the clusters of kids who came out to reveal their artistic talents, in the form of brightly colored flowers, cheerful summer scenes, and heartfelt expressions of love and support for a fellow schoolmate undergoing medical treatments for cancer.
Paint the Town is one of several events in Phillipsburg, NJ hosted by Drizzy Hemp. Her efforts have garnered town-wide participation and benefited the area’s children and community at large.
She has also donated considerable time and effort to hosting Sneaker Day, a back-to-school event with massive turnout. Sneaker Day supplied donated sneakers to families in need, with every pair decorated with unique painted designs, under the creative direction of the shoe-wearers themselves.
All of Drizzy’s events have provided a positive outlet for creative expression in a town where meaningful connections, a sense of belonging, and people coming together to make a positive impact were needed, and welcomed with gratitude.
Sneaker Day brought together local vendors, crafters and artists… and throngs of excited kids got their shoes custom painted by Drizzy for a unique opportunity at self expression and an awesome, back to school fashion statement.
Other events hosted by Drizzy Hemp have included a December holiday gathering, S’Mores in the Park, and several free breakfasts for the hungry, coordinated by Drizzy and volunteers; and generously hosted by Marianna’s Italian restaurant in Philipsburg.
Drizzy Hemp is a fine artist and event coordinator who specializes in body paint and as well as paints other surfaces such as shirts, shoes, decor and more. In addition, she builds and creates scenery for theater productions. Explore her fashion line, Drizzy Hemp Label, for inspiration and a peek at her designs.