NEW: Raimondo Taps Shepard Fairey to "Lift Spirit" of Rhode Islanders During Coronavirus

NEW: Raimondo Taps Shepard Fairey to "Lift Spirit" of Rhode Islanders During Coronavirus

Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo announced Saturday that she tapped artist Shepard Fairey to create an image to "lift the spirit" of Rhode Islanders during the coronavirus crisis. 

Fairey, a RISD graduate, is known for his posters depicting former United States President Barack Obama -- and former Providence Mayor Vincent "Buddy" Cianci.

“We are grateful to Shepard for keeping Rhode Island in mind as we fight this pandemic,” Raimondo continued. “This inspiring image of leadership exemplifies our ‘can do, roll up our sleeves’ spirit.”

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Arts in Focus

Raimondo is encouraging Rhode Islanders to create and share family-friendly art - drawings, poetry, songs, essays, photographs, videos, or any preferred medium - inspired by this "unique and challenging period." 

Rhode Islanders can share their artwork by posting it on social media with the tag #RIArts. Creations can also be submitted via email or mail to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts.

“During this difficult time, many of us are turning to creative outlets as a source of strength and as a way to take a break from the challenges we face,” Raimondo said. “We hope #RIArts becomes a way for us to connect with our fellow Rhode Islanders and share inspiration as we work together to get through this time.”

Raimondo also thanked Fairey, for creating "R.I. Angel of Hope and Strength." His latest creation, inspired by his time spent in Providence and reflective of his gratitude for health care and frontline workers across the country, is available for free download at RIArts.org.

Fairey on Record 

Fairey released the following statement. 

“I spent a significant eight years of my life living in Providence, Rhode Island, attending the Rhode Island School of Design, and (semi)establishing my first print studio, so it was an honor when Governor Gina Raimondo reached out to me to create an image to lift the spirits of Rhode Islanders whose lives have been disrupted by the Coronavirus crisis," said Fairey. 

"Governor Raimondo and I discussed the industrial history and working class roots blue-collar fabric of Rhode Island, the iconic ‘Rosie the Riveter’ factory worker image, the stresses this virus has added to the lives of every Rhode Islander and the strength and bravery displayed by healthcare and public safety workers. Governor Raimondo also reminded me that the R.I. state motto is ‘Hope’ something we all need at this time. 

With all of those things in mind I created this art piece, "R.I. Angel of Hope and Strength" that is meant to both celebrate the courage of healthcare workers specifically, and generally symbolize the spirit of hope, strength, compassion, and resilience that we can all summon in ourselves and share collectively. It's a tough time even for tough people, but we will all fare better if we summon the better angels of our nature.”