Students work with Hammetts Hotel to create public art piece

During the fall 2023 semester, students in the course ART375: Mixed Media, Exploration and Innovation worked closely with a community partner – Hammetts Hotel – to illuminate the architectural, social and historic tapestry of downtown Newport.

This community-engaged learning project transcended traditional boundaries, culminating in the creation of a large-format map that will be displayed in the hotel as a public work of art. Two hundred prints of the map will be used by Hammetts Hotel in a variety of ways, and they serve as a testament to both creativity and collaboration.

“With this partnership, I was able to see the students become more connected to the place that they live – to this location and to this city – and seeing an excitement and energy about learning that was rooted in a place was really incredible,” said course instructor Ernest Jolicoeur, associate professor in the Department of Art and Art History.

Researching Newport’s history with Hammetts Hotel

Led by Jolicoeur, the small class of seven students embarked on extensive hands-on research, traversing the historic streets and landmarks that define Newport’s identity. Through photography, sketching and meticulous observation, the students captured the essence of each building and landmark.

“I was able to do a lot of research on the Newport Tower, which has a unique history that we don’t know a lot about,” said studio art major Paige Crowley. “This project gave me the opportunity to really learn about where I live.”

Back in the classroom, the students worked together to synthesize their findings and breathe life into their vision. Drawing upon their individual research and diverse perspectives, they meticulously crafted a large-scale map of downtown Newport, selecting and showcasing the architectural and cultural gems that define the area. Each student took ownership of specific regions, infusing their drawings with a unique blend of creativity and insight.

“We had been working individually on drawings that we would scan in,” said psychology major Mallory Tyimok. “Once we started placing things digitally and moving them around, I really felt an ‘aha’ moment – it was so awesome to finally see all our hard work come together.”

At the heart of this project was the innovative collaboration between Salve Regina and Hammetts Hotel. As the client, Hammetts worked closely with the students to provide inspiration for the project’s centerpiece: a view of historic downtown Newport from the point of view of the hotel.

The partnership exemplified the power of bridging academia with the broader community, fostering meaningful connections, and enriching both student learning and public engagement. “Being able to have this real-life experience working with a client will be so helpful for all of our careers going forward, and not only were the experiences helpful, but they were enjoyable, too,” said studio art major Stephanie Wills.

Wall drawing students used to workshop the public arts project.

A class that became family

Beyond the academic rigor that was needed to complete the project in one semester, what set the project apart was the sense of camaraderie and collaboration that flourished among the students. Despite their diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, the small class size fostered a tight-knit community where ideas flowed freely and friendships blossomed. Each student brought their unique strengths to the table, contributing to a collective vision that transcended individual achievement.

Kaedeko Hino, a double major in communications and studio art, is from Tokyo Japan. She found that the course not only allowed her to connect with Newport, but with the other students as well.

“English is not my first language, so I tend to be shy and not speak out in class,” she said. “All my classmates were very nice, and they cared about me. If I had an idea they would say ‘let’s do that’ and ‘let’s put that on the map.’ Working on this project helped me share my opinions and learn how to communicate with my classmates and professors.”

By blending academic study with real-world application, the Mixed Media, Exploration and Innovation course not only enriched student learning, but also left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Newport. Through their dedication, the students illuminated the hidden treasures of Newport’s past, inviting residents and visitors alike to embark on a journey through its history.

Students present the public art project.