Public art for the public good

Yesterday, the eighth graders in the art and social justice elective took a field trip to tour some of the murals in downtown Providence, and to meet with activists who are supporting this work. 

 

They met with representatives of the Avenue Concept, who are doing a lot of exciting work in the city, giving opportunities to local and international artists and activating walls and architecture with enormous, colorful artwork. 

 

Hosted by Yarrow Thorne, founder of the Avenue Concept, and Jenn Harris, their deputy director, eighth grade artists and activists discussed how these murals celebrate visibility of diverse cultures and social justice messaging, and what's next for the Avenue.

 

It's part of an elective that is giving students hands-on experience with the role visual arts can play in activism and community building, and a preview of the work they'll see in Georgia and Alabama while on the eighth grade Civil Rights Trip.