Pawtucket mural goes up in Slater Park – by Colombian artist Gabriel Calle Arango

Photo: Luisfo – Luis Fernando Osorno Giraldo

Pawtucket has yet another mural. This one resides inside the grounds of Slater Park, near the tennis court area. It was unveiled at a ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 12th, with the artist, Columbian painter and muralist, Gabriel Calle Arango.

Also participating was Mayor Donald R. Grebien, Senator Sandra Cano, members of the Pawtucket City Council and the Pawtucket Advisory Commission on Arts and Culture, and the Pawtucket Parks Commission.

The work is entitled, “Esperanza”, meaning hope – the images, which are very familiar to his other murals done in the Metro de Madrid, and other locations, incorporates references to art, nature and music – and adds, for all those “old-timers” who spent their chlildhood at the Pawtucket Zoo images of the elephant long a part of Slater Park’s history, incorporating into it.

Gabriel Calle Arango is a well-known Colombian artist who has painted murals around the world and recently finished two pieces in Spain. Following outreach by Senator Sandra Cano, the Colombian artist agreed to complete a massive piece in Pawtucket. The piece, entitled Esperanza is dedicated to and was a donation to the community as a whole. 

“We are lucky to have this opportunity to have such a well-known muralist complete a piece here in Pawtucket,” said Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “I want to thank the hard work of Senator Sandra Cano, our Arts Commission and Parks Commission team, and everyone involved in helping to coordinate this project.” 

“Thank you to Colombian artist Gabriel Calle Arango for the donation of the beautiful mural in District 8 at our very own Slater Park,” said Senator Sandra Cano. “The piece, Esperanza, represents hope and the beauty of the park we all love.” 

“Pawtucket is the city of the arts,” said Chair of the Pawtucket Advisory Commission on Arts and Culture Miriam Plitt. “We thank artist Gabriel Calle Arango for gifting the city with his vibrant, interactive work of art as a welcome addition to Slater Park.” 

“On behalf of the Pawtucket Parks Commission, I would like to personally thank Gabriel Calle Arango and Senator Sandra Cano with putting together this project to be enjoyed by all who visit Slater Park in the future,” said Dave Farrell, Chairman of the Pawtucket Parks Commission. “It is truly a win-win for the City of Pawtucket and all of its residents.” 

Prior to today’s inauguration, an art exhibition of Calle Arango’s work was held at the Rhode Island State House on Friday, November 12th. 

Other works by the artist: