Cornell Cooperative Extension

Ulster County
RAPP Mural
Image by Star Nigro

The Traveling Eco-Mural at Kingston's O+ Festival in 2018.

rapp mural

Star at RAW Makers in Kingston.

rapp mural
Image by Star Nigro

Star with RAPP youth discussing the mural project.

rapp mural
Image by James O'Connell

RAPP youth outlining the design on the mural.

rapp mural
Image by Star Nigro

RAPP youth working on his panel.

rapp mural

Star with the eco-mural at Kingston's O+ Festival in 2018.

mural press
Image by Livelihood Magazine

Livelihood Magazine's article on the project!

rapp mural
Image by Star Nigro

The eye-catching mural at Kingston City Hall 2018-19.

RAPP Mural
Image by Tara Kleinhans

Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs for the City of Kingston with RAPP youth artists.

RAPP Traveling Eco-mural, "Earthday Everyday"

We are excited to share the story of the "Traveling Mural"!

Local photographer and eco-workshop facilitator Star Nigro has developed a traveling mural project with  talented youth from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County's Relatives As Parents Program and the local 4-H Program. The participating artists created the mural concept, and a quote to represent their gift to the community; "No matter our differences, we always have something in common."

"Earthday Everyday" was created using everyday objects and recycled materials. Each artist was given a panel made of recycled pallet wood to decorate in their own style. When placed together, the individual panels create a unified image. "Earthday Everyday" won first place at the Ulster County Fair in New Paltz, along with a ribbon for "outstanding exhibit" at the New York State Fair in Syracuse. The mural was displayed as a part of the Kingston O+ Festival in 2018, in the Catskill Visitor Center in Mount Tremper from 2018-19, Kingston's City Hall summer exhibit 2019 and was featured at the Hudson Valley Senior Residence in Kingston, NY.

This community-minded art piece inspired local businesses to support this project, including Herzog’s of Kingston with their generous donation of building materials. RAW Makers of Kingston provided the use of their facilities and amazing staff, including professional carpenter John Sauve. John worked together with Star to create the 32 tiles made from recycled palettes in addition to the 5’x 9’ wooden frame and easels.

Last updated September 27, 2023

Relatives as Parents Program

About Star Nigro

Star Nigro is an award winning photographer and interdisciplinary artist, born and raised in Woodstock, NY. Star received her BFA from the Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University.

Star's work has been featured in private and corporate collections. As a freelance photographer and interdisciplinary artist, Star teaches classes and workshops and is currently the Program Director for the non-profit, My Kingston Kids.  

Visit her website at Starnigro.com.

Past Exhibit Locations

Fall 2019: Hudson Valley Senior Residence

Since 1919, The Hudson Valley Senior Residence had grown from 12 all woman senior residents, to a facility that provided Assisted Living Services for up to 48 Seniors. The facility has been located in two places, including Kingston, New York. It served Seniors in Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia, Orange and Putnam Counties. Sadly, the facility closed its doors October 2021. Kingston is the county seat of beautiful and majestic Ulster County.

Summer 2019: Kingston City Hall

On August 15, 2019, Nigro and the youth artists met with Mayor Steve Noble and the Director of the Department of Art and Cultural Affairs for the City of Kingston, Adrielle Farr. Youth discussed the collaborative process during the creation of the mural and their excitement to be able to share this piece with the public. Nigro found the project to be transformative, commenting that “the public and educators realized the effectiveness of this project and the reality of what you can do with students. It’s been an amazing journey.”

Farr has received positive feedback and reactions from visitors at City Hall. “I think people are really excited to be able to see a piece of artwork that was made from reused and recycled materials… it really inspired some folks…” The city is also pleased to see community programs, like RAPP, who are “using the arts to communicate a message of earth friendliness and inclusivity.”

Visit the City of Kingston’s Department of Art and Cultural Affairs website 

Spring 2019 Catskill Visitor Center

Fall 2018  Kingston O+ 

Summer 2018-Awarded "Outstanding" Exhibit at the NYS Fair 

 Summer 2018-Awarded "Excellent" Exhibit at the Ulster County Fair