With their artwork on display, Providence students shine at Brown’s Granoff Center

When she found out her artwork would be displayed in a gallery on Brown’s campus, Ramirez Diaz was thrilled. 

“My reaction was like, ‘Whoa!’ So many people can see my art now,” Ramirez Diaz said. “It’s amazing that people can come to the gallery and see all of the students’ work. I think it’s awesome that our teacher made this happen.”

Igniting creativity and community 

This fall, PantherArt is one of seven projects led by local and regional artists and arts organizations as part of the IGNITE series’ PVD+ Projects. The program, curated by the Brown Arts Institute, encourages collaborations across the Brown and Providence communities. Funding was awarded through a 2023 call for proposals, and collaborative projects include symposia, arts research, public discussions, readings, exhibits, tours, performances, screenings and more. 

Avery Willis Hoffman, artistic director of the Brown Arts Institute, said the BAI is committed to partnering with individuals and organizations on campus, in Providence and across Rhode Island, catalyzing opportunities to uplift the work of local artists and advancing Brown’s focus on teaching, learning and making a positive impact in the local community.  

“The PantherArt exhibition has been an uplifting and inspiring project not only for these talented up-and-coming artists but for everyone on the Brown campus who came in contact with their joyful work,” Hoffman said. “Encouraging young, local artists is just one of the layers of the IGNITE series that celebrates the arts across campus, Providence and beyond.”

Pleasant View Elementary School Principal Tracey Learned said art has become a powerful tool for self-expression, particularly for students with disabilities or distinctive teaching and learning needs.

“At Pleasant View, half of our students receive support through individualized education plans,” Learned said. “What Robert is able to bring out in them through art is amazing. Some of our students are nonverbal, and this gives them a voice in a whole new way; it’s very special. We’re tremendously appreciative of Brown – it’s been a wonderful partnership and we’re so grateful.” 

PantherArt has been described by visitors as one of the happiest and most joyful displays on campus, according to Brown Arts Institute leaders. Conceptualizing and installing the exhibit took more than a year and included brainstorming sessions led by BAI and Boerner, campus tours to explore potential spaces, and the production and installation of the artwork. The installation was completed with the help of seven workers from the institute’s ArtsCrew program, which trains Brown students and local professionals in the technical skills needed to support campus performances and exhibits.

Boerner, a seasoned educator who has worked in Providence since 2008, credited the Brown Arts Institute for their partnership in bringing his vision to life. 

“Installing the exhibit was a completely new venture for me,” Boerner said. “Everyone at Brown, from the ArtsCrew workers to the IGNITE producers, went above and beyond to assist me with every detail and decision of the project. Their guidance and support were instrumental.”

Inspiring future artists

As a fitting finale to the exhibition, which concluded in October, the Brown Arts Institute hosted a celebratory event that brought together more than 150 people from the Brown and Providence communities. Families toured the Granoff Center, proudly taking photos of their children standing next to their artwork. The young artists and their families participated in hands-on art-making stations; enjoyed live performances by Brown student groups Gendo Taiko, a Japanese drumming ensemble, and Mariachi de Brown, one of Rhode Island’s only mariachi groups; danced in the vibrant “Panther Disco;” and put together upcycled art goody bags. The festivities were capped off with treats like popcorn and ice cream, creating a fun, memorable day for everyone.

Among the many proud parents in attendance was Ebony Medina, a Providence resident whose daughter Aidra-Lee is a first-grader at Pleasant View.

“I think today is extra special because they get to feel like they’ve accomplished something,” Medina said. “Like, ‘Yay, my parents are here to see what I’ve done!’ It’s nice to be here and see everyone appreciating them and the hard work they put in.”