urban curators

when i was in college i wanted to be one of those art students who was constantly doing something thought-provoking and cutting-edge. you know, the kids that would wrap the campus mascot in some sort of woven creation overnight and cause a campus-wide stir. instead i ended up being the type who lived in the print studio and constantly smelled of turpentine. but it looks like some students at risd have decided to make a statement of their own through a project called urban curators.

risd students took to the streets of providence with gold frames to draw attention to areas they felt were worthy of artistic celebration. their mission statement explains: "the goal of the urban curators project is to engage the public in the celebration of the decaying urban environment, recognizing its inherent aesthetic qualities as well as the important role that it plays within our cultural habitat. the project achieves its goal by elevating common, overlooked objects and spaces within the city of providence, rhode island to the level of high art." the project brings to mind an ongoing dialogue about the subjectivity of art and allows people to think about becoming their own urban curator. the idea of urban decay as art isn't exactly a new concept but i love the idea of students taking the time to explore their surroundings and embrace the beauty in their own town. it's inspired me to look more closely at my surroundings today and i think it's a fun idea as we all head home from work...click here for more information. [thanks, sarah]