Image by Star Nigro

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

Star at RAW Makers in Kingston.

Image by Star Nigro

Star with RAPP youth discussing the mural project.

Image by James O'Connell

RAPP youth outlining the design on the mural.

Image by Star Nigro

RAPP youth working on his panel.

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

Image by Livelihood Magazine

Livelihood Magazine's article on the project!

Image by Star Nigro

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

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 is currently featured at the Hudson Valley Senior Residence in Kingston, NY.

This community-minded art piece inspired local business‘ 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 April 10, 2020

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 has grown from 12 all woman senior residents, to a facilty that provides Assisted Living Services for up to 48 Seniors. The facility has been located in two places, but remains in Kingston, New York - the county seat of beautiful and majestic Ulster County. Serving Seniors in Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia, Orange and Putnam Counties.

Hudson Valley Senior Residence

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