Chelsea Ritter-Soronen is a dynamic public speaker, multi-disciplinary artist, and public art consultant known for her authentic storytelling and engaging presence. As the Owner and Principal Artist of Chalk Riot, a leading mural company specializing in pavement art since 2013, Chelsea brings over a decade of experience creating vibrant, participatory public works across the U.S. and internationally.
With a background in theater production and environmental activism, Chelsea speaks passionately about the power of art in public space, creative placemaking and placekeeping, equitable urban design, and the role of artists in civic and transportation planning. Her talks offer fresh perspectives that bridge art, infrastructure, sustainability, and community empowerment.
Chelsea is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Sustainable Transportation Design at the University of Washington, further deepening her understanding of how artists can shape more human-centered, resilient cities. She is an American Delegate to the U.S.–Japan Leadership Program, a former Resident Arts Educator with the Moonshot Studio of the Kennedy Center, and has delivered talks and workshops for institutions like the Kennedy Center, The National Gallery of Art, Seeds of Peace, the Neighborhood Design Center, Greenpeace, the National Association of City Transportation Officials, Bloomberg CityLab, and Build Up.
Whether presenting to urban planners, students, activists, artists, or policymakers, Chelsea brings warmth, wit, and infectious optimism to her engagements, leaving audiences inspired to reimagine how to creatively approach the world, from the ground up.
