Vibrant art mural in Providence painted by local artist

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rene Gómez, who’s from Providence, painted a vibrant mural at the intersection of Daboll and Public streets in the capital city this summer.

Gómez has shared his creativity all over the city while spreading his love for art and his city since 2015.

The city of Providence’s Art, Culture and Tourism Department, Providence City Council, Rhode Island Latino Arts, the Partnership for Providence Parks, Providence Streets Coalition, and Mayor Elorza all participated in the event Friday, after a $25,000 donation last year from the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Asphalt Art Initiative. 26 other cities received this donation to integrate art into their communities.

The hopes for the new mural include providing a place of gathering for those in South Providence, while encouraging communities to socialize.

Gómez is a native of South Providence, and has seen the transformations in his community. In June, he worked with students to paint in front of Johnny’s Chimis truck, to visualize the importance of business in the area.

Elorza has focused on infrastructure improvements near Broad Street for the past few years. Through this mural, he hopes to encourage communities to connect with each other in shared spaces.

Gómez hopes that his art can lift the spirits of those in dangerous neighborhoods, and continue to shed a positive light on his home.