Agonza Awarded the Sackett St School/Rec Center Gym Mural Call

In the winter of 2026 ACT announced a call for a public artist to create a new mural at Sackett St School/Rec Center Gym in Ward 9. This call was initiated by Councilman Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo utilizing American Rescue Plans funding and crafted in coordination with ACT and the Sackett St School/Rec Center Gym community.

This open call elicited 27 qualified applications reviewed in early June by a panel of four — an ACT staff member, a Sackett St School staff member, a Providence public artist, and community member selected by Councilman Pro Tempore Pichardo. The panelists selected three semifinalists who were contracted with design stipends to create design proposals specifically for these sites. The three semifinalists were Agonza, Agustín Patiño and Bonnie Turner.

The panel reconvened to review the three semifinalist designs and ultimately selected one artist to create the pieces, Agonza.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a contracting period, along with negotiating when Agonza can install scaff0lding which will allow her to paint the significant piece, she will be painting throughout October 2026 with an anticipated unveiling in November of 2026.

Agonza is a renowned Hispanic/Latin painter who is celebrated for her dynamic community-based murals and captivating celebrity canvas paintings. She draws inspiration from the local community where her murals are situated, infusing each piece with a unique narrative. Agonza’s mastery of color theory and its impact on emotion and perception play a significant role in shaping the storytelling aspect of her murals. Her ability to capture the essence of her subjects, whether it be a local hero or a famous figure, is truly remarkable. Agonza’s work beautifies the spaces it occupies and serves as a reflection of the diverse cultures and stories within the community. Through her art, she bridges the gap between the past and present, creating a visual dialogue that resonates with all who view her pieces. You can learn more about her work here.