Robbie Farabee: Coloring Excelsior Springs With Joy, Kindness, and Community

 

In downtown Excelsior Springs, Missouri, it’s hard to walk a block without finding a burst of sidewalk color, a cheerful greeting written in chalk, or a neighbor smiling because of one man’s creativity. That man is Robbie Farabee—an artist, performer, encourager, and beloved downtown presence whose simple acts of expression have woven joy, connection, and community spirit throughout the city.

For his remarkable contributions to community life, Robbie has been named one of Missouri’s Top 20 Most Engaged Neighbors of 2025, part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week, a statewide initiative led by University of Missouri Extension and The Hopeful Neighborhood Project. His nomination reads like a love letter from an entire town—one that credits him with helping shape the identity, vibrancy, and heart of the downtown neighborhood.

Neighboring Begins With a Walk and a Box of Chalk

Robbie’s story of neighboring began years ago when he moved downtown in 2019. “It started with knowing my neighbors in my apartment building and walking around town, chatting with business owners,” he recalled. His long involvement with the Slightly Off Broadway Theatre deepened his ties, but everything changed in 2022.

That summer, a friend handed him a simple box of sidewalk chalk. “I was told the city would be pleased with my chalk art,” Robbie said—an understatement, as it turned out. 

What followed was an explosion of creativity that captured the heart of Excelsior Springs.

A Chalk-Covered Path to Connection

“Ever since my chalk art adventure in 2022, the community reacted with a lot of positivity and love,” Robbie shared. “More positivity and happiness went around as I walk around town with and without chalk… performing in karaoke or theatre… or attending different events around town.” 

He now receives requests from families, businesses, and organizations to create custom chalk pieces for: grand openings, local events, holidays, birthdays, weddings and neighborhood celebrations

His nominator wrote: “Every week, he blesses a neighbor or local business with a sidewalk chalk art greeting. Now, residents and business owners often request a ‘Robbie Farabee original.’ Robbie brings people in Excelsior Springs together through his sidewalk chalk art and his friendly nature.” 

In every piece he draws, neighbors see not just artwork, but appreciation—a public, colorful reminder that someone in their community cares.

A Smile, a Chalk Stick, and a Community Transformed

Robbie’s engagement goes far beyond the art itself. “I go around town with a smile,” he said. “About 95 percent of the time you’ll see me on the sidewalks doing chalk art. I also cook for others and encourage everyone to join in the fun at different events.” 

His approach is simple: creativity + presence + kindness.

But its impact is profound:

  • Businesses feel supported and celebrated.

  • Neighbors feel seen, valued, and uplifted.

  • Children and adults alike experience joy in unexpected places.

  • The whole town becomes a canvas for connection.

Robbie doesn’t just live downtown—he animates it.

Advice From a Neighbor Who Leads With Heart

For those wanting to be more engaged, Robbie’s advice is filled with encouragement and possibility: “Spread kindness wherever you go and let your creativity shine. Don’t let anything hold you back. The choices you make—no matter how big or small—will make an impact on you and others," said Robbie. 

A Community Blessed by Color and Connection

As his nominator beautifully summed up: “He is known by almost everyone in town because of his constant smile, friendly hello, and regular presence at local events. Excelsior Springs is blessed to have him.” 

Through chalk, conversation, and unwavering positivity, Robbie Farabee is proving that being a good neighbor doesn’t require grand gestures—just the courage to brighten someone’s day.

And in Excelsior Springs, those bright days have become a way of life.


Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or burtond@missouri.edu. You can also visit his website at https://engagedneighbor.com.

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