Chalk it up, sidewalk art but a memory at Vets

By Katie Corbitt
Posted 5/26/16

Vincent van Gogh, Picasso, Michelangelo and other artists were present in spirit Monday morning at Veterans Memorial High School, appearing in renditions of their classic works, such as an Avocado Starry Night." Vets seniors gathered to"

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Chalk it up, sidewalk art but a memory at Vets

Posted

Vincent van Gogh, Picasso, Michelangelo and other artists were present in spirit Monday morning at Veterans Memorial High School, appearing in renditions of their classic works, such as an “Avocado Starry Night.” Vets seniors gathered to showcase their creativity on the sidewalk one last time, as the high school will close this year.

A decade-long annual event marked what is now nothing more than a memory. Karen Larson, an art teacher at Vets, has run this project for 10 or more years and is sad to see it coming to a close.

“I like to do a lot of stuff in the community, get the kids involved,” said Larson. Sidewalk art has been an effective and fun way to do this, getting the kids involved while also allowing them to be creative with it. “I like the sidewalk chalk in Providence, so I figured ‘why not?’”

With a different theme each year, the focus this year was famous paintings with a twist. With various Picassos and Van Goghs in sight, there was no shortage of artistic talent present in these creative renditions.

“It’s good, it’s bright,” Larson said as one student used footprints to decorate their work. In the past, a few favorite themes have been famous movies, music and icons of Rhode Island, such as lobsters, seashells and the like.

Three Vets juniors interviewed are disappointed with the closing of the school. They will attend either Pilgrim or Toll Gate in the fall.

“It’s really upsetting. It hasn’t really hit me yet, but the first day of school…” said Corinne Gregoire. Juniors Corinne Gregoire, Emma McGrath and Carol Houghton were glad to assist Larson for this last time.

“We helped come up with the theme, set up flags, keep the kids in order,” said Emma. Knowing this was the last year it would be happening, the three girls stepped up to the plate.

A sense of loyalty to the school, and specifically Larson, were also driving factors. Carol said she enjoyed “just helping Ms. Larson, she’s been my teacher for a couple years so it’s nice to help and give back.”

Originally postponed until Wednesday, May 25 due to rain in the forecast, a surprisingly sunny day resulted in the sidewalk-painting event proceeding on the 23rd.

“We thought it was supposed to be Wednesday, but we came in today and were like, ‘Oh my God!’” said Emma.

With a grill going, a New England lemonade truck on site, and a sunny, cloudless day, it was a heartfelt closing to this annual event. Larson stood off to the side, reminiscing, “I’m going down with the place, this is it for me.”

However, with the expected rain arriving the next day, these works of art and the tradition they represented are now nothing more than a memory.

STRIKE A POSE:

Vet seniors Christopher Knight, Kylie Maziuk, Tara Jezak and Aubrey Moreira pose in representative fashion to the Keith Haring painting they replicated. (Warwick Beacon photos) THE HAND OF GOD:

Matt Knight intently works on his interpretation of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, while students Kariss Walker and Donnie Brearton look on. MORE THAN ART:

The grill was going, providing ample sustenance to the Vets High School sidewalk art artists.

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  • Justanidiot

    Bring the tradition to the Pilgrim Hurricanes.

    Thursday, May 26, 2016 Report this