EAST PROVIDENCE  — The East Providence Arts Council together with the city administration and area artist Anna Dugan recently completed a street mural created following consultation and contributions from the community after receiving a Bloomberg Philanthropies “Asphalt Art Initiative” grant in late 2021.

Bloomberg announced last fall East Providence, along with eight other municipalities, would receive funding to the toon of as much as $25,000 for intersection and crosswalk murals as part of the initiative’s second phase. In 2020, 16 cities gained monies as part of the initial Asphalt Art Initiative grants.

Following meetings with the interested parties, Dugan, from Salem, Mass., was selected to lead the endeavor due to her vast experience with the type of street art.

The Agnes B. Hennessey Elementary School, located at 75 Fort St., was chosen as the site of the mural, which Dugan began over the last few weeks and completed with the help of the local residents on Saturday, Sept. 10.

“The success of this project can be attributed to an incredible effort across organizations. The East Providence Arts Council partnered with the city across departments, specifically Johanna Walczak in Planning, who authored the bulk of the grant, the Mayor's Office, Department of Public Works, the East Providence Police Department, and Parks and Recreation,” said Arts Council chair Jennifer Gillooly Cahoon.

She continued, “We also worked in partnership with the School Department, specifically with Stacey Messier at Agnes B. Hennessey School and the school's PTA. We were fortunate to have such a capable artist apply for and secure the grant, Anna Dugan of "Anna Did a Thing" out of Massachusetts, who did a tremendous job working with the community in the design and execution of the chosen ‘Whimsical Garden’ theme.

“And finally, the outpouring of community volunteers who showed up and worked hard all day was tremendous. We had originally planned for two days of painting as we were unsure what turnout would look like and were amazed by those of all ages who not only showed up, but rolled up their sleeves and created a truly beautiful installation. Saturday was the culmination of nearly three years of work.
Cahoon said the “Asphalt Art Initiative” complemented other improvements in the area, including the installation of new concrete sidewalks, and those about to take place, tree plantings.

“The end result will be one of a feeling of complete transformation of the space that is not only beautiful but should also enhance public safety,” Cahoon added, noting an additional bonus of the new crosswalk art is that it acts as a traffic calming measure.

Cahoon concluded, “My biggest takeaway from this past weekend's community public art painting event is what kind of amazing, beautiful things we can do here in our city when multiple groups come together with one purpose united by the same goal. We can, and did, affect positive change that improved a part of our community though art. It was an honor to be a part of.”