Gaige Hall Public Art Call

Gaige Hall was renovated in 2017 and per state law, 1% of all state capital construction and renovation funds should be allocated to the purchase and maintenance of public art.

The call for art noted seven priority spaces along with 20+ other areas where art could be placed throughout. As a finalist, it was my job to understand Rhode Island College’s (RIC) position locally, state-wide, and nationally to then craft a proposal of art work that would honor the students, faculty & staff, and alumni who move throughout the halls every day.

My interest in this call for art: RIC has a deep commitment to first-generation students and the diverse communities it serves. As an artist, I am inspired by the courage it takes to forge a new path, the vibrancy of the campus environment, and the legacy of resilience carried across generations as each student builds a future for themselves and their families. 

My approach was to create a body of work that reflects the energy of discovery, dialogue, and collaboration that defines the student experience. The pieces will honor the determination of individuals while celebrating the shared strength of the community. By integrating dynamic forms and abstract gestures, the artwork will serve as a visual metaphor for the exchange of ideas between students and faculty, as well as the forward momentum that education makes possible.

Artistic Process

1. Understand the value of RIC within the local community, its national recognition, and its position within higher ed

2. Identify inspirational quotes

3. Sketch, sketch, and sketch again

4. Convert sketches into digital format

5. Identify wayfinding element that separates each floor from one another while still being visually connected

6. Establish a color palette that works with the golden yellow walls

7. Colorize each concept and test within designated size constraints

8. Superimpose each concept into a photo of the space to test for applicability, layout, and visual impact

9. Coordinate sample production with vendor

10. Finalize proposal & submit!

Artistic Mock-ups