Designed for artists working on cross-sector collaborations, this in-depth workshop offers strategies for gathering authentic community input on placemaking and public art projects. It is a fun and interactive presentation that gives the audience examples of creative community engagement, civic partnerships, and tricks of the trade for artists collaborating with the public. We close with a shared engagement meditation. The workshop was designed for the 2023 cohort of Blandin Foundation fellows, but can be modified to any group of practitioners.