Chalk Riot is a women-led mural business based in Washington, D.C that specialize in murals on the ground.
They’ve painted hundreds of pieces across the U.S. and in five countries. Their bright sidewalk murals and street designs are more than art—they’re tools for change. They create safe streets, build community pride, and give women and non-binary artists powerful opportunities.
They’re experts because they do it all—organizing, painting, planning, and leading. Their art goes beyond paint. It sparks action and makes cities better.
Taking Up Space in a Male-Dominated Industry
Public art and street painting are still male-dominated fields. According to Americans for the Arts, only 30% of public art commissions go to women. On the business side, women own just 21% of employer firms in the U.S., per the Census Bureau.
Chalk Riot is changing that. From initial planning stages to the final brushstroke, there is rarely a man on site.
“Years ago, we needed street safety signs in a pinch. All they had at the store was “men working” signs. So we scrawled a WO- to the front of it, and made it into a “women working” sign. That sign is now a popular sticker we sell in addition to being on site with us for every project!”
They prove that women can run pressure washers and spreadsheets at the same time. They’re not asking for space. They’re making it.
Art That Builds Power
Chalk Riot doesn’t just paint pretty walls. They create pieces with purpose. Their murals address safe streets, LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, climate change, and more.
They also train people to use chalk as a way to speak up. Their free “Chalk Your Voice” toolkit helps schools and groups create protest art, street messages, and sidewalk rallies.
“Kids get it fast,” said an artist on the team. “Everyone has something important to say, that they want to express publicly. Chalk can be a healthy outlet for that.”
This kind of public art isn’t just decoration. It’s a message: You belong here.
Building a Business From Scratch
Running an art business takes more than creativity. It takes contracts, schedules, budgets, and strong leadership.
Chalk Riot has worked with cities, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies. They’ve turned parking lots into pedestrian plazas and crosswalks into local landmarks. But every project starts with a pitch and a plan.
“Everything I’ve learned, I’ve learned from brilliant mentors and infinite trial and error. But when you believe in your mission, the late nights and tough education are worth it.” said Chelsea Ritter-Soronen, Chalk Riot CEO.
They treat every mural like a startup. Each piece has a goal, a deadline, and a team that makes it happen.
Teaching the Next Wave of Creators
Chalk Riot makes it a priority to mentor young artists. They offer apprenticeships and team roles to emerging artists that are often brand new to public art.
“Most of us learned by doing,” said Abby, a team member of two years. “Now we teach others the same way. Working in public can be so hard on the mind and body, so it’s important to have a supportive atmosphere.”
That kind of hands-on work teaches more than technique. It teaches leadership. It builds confidence. It shows them how to use creative problem solving in their daily life, so they can help create a better world.
Leading With Color and Confidence
When Chalk Riot steps into a space, they brighten it—literally and figuratively. Their murals are bold. Their messages are clear. Their presence shows that women can lead art, lead teams, and lead businesses.
But they’re not just painting over problems. They’re creating new ways to solve them.
“We once painted a street mural in a neighborhood that in many ways, is neglected by their city. But it was the friendliest neighborhood of all. People brought out snacks, cold drinks, and even music!”
That’s not an accident. That’s design. That’s leadership.
What Cities and Communities Can Do
Want to bring this energy to your city? It doesn’t take a million dollars. It takes action. Chalk Riot suggests a few ways to start:
Support Women-Led Art
Cities can prioritize hiring women muralists. Look beyond the usual names. Let new voices lead projects.
Fund Community-Based Projects
Small grants go a long way. Chalk Riot has used mini-grants to run chalk festivals, train new artists, and paint schoolyards. Public money should support public impact.
Give Artists Control
Collaborate with artists to plan the message, not just the visuals. Trust them to lead. Let them bring their community with them.
Create Safer, More Colorful Spaces
Start with one intersection or plaza. Use color to slow cars, guide people, and invite gathering. Murals can test ideas before making them permanent.
Why It Matters
Women and non-binary creators deserve space, credit, and pay. Chalk Riot shows what happens when they get all three.
They build safer streets. They spark joy in harsh places. They turn plain asphalt into loud, clear statements.
More than anything, they draw the line. Not just with chalk. But with courage.
“I was 25, holding a paint sprayer, standing on a four-lane road,” said one Chalk Riot leader. “Drivers were honking. A city staffer asked if I needed backup. I said, ‘Nope. I’ve got my team.’
That’s the future. Painted in bold color. Led by those who’ve always been ready.
