Rye Schools Launching Sidewalk/Driveway Art Project Monday

If you have been out walking around Rye, you may have seen some chart art projects on driveways and sidewalks offering hope in the face of our global health crisis and thank yous to the first responders on the front lines.

On Monday, the Rye City School District is launching a chalk art project for students called “Rye Art Responds.” The district is asking Rye students and families to make chalk sidewalk/driveway art on driveways and sidewalks about love, hope, and support.

If you have sidewalk chalk, please stay home and use what you have. If you need sidewalk chalk, schools boss Dr. Eric Byrne will place boxes of sidewalk chalk at the entrances to the three Rye elementary schools. You can pick up chalk starting Monday, April 6th at 10:00 am. Please just take what you need. Please practice safe social distancing when picking up chalk. Take turns approaching the box, and wash your hands thoroughly after you go.

(PHOTO: Mr. Campbell of the Rye schools art department gives the run down on Rye Art Responds – see the video below.)

If you don’t have access to a driveway or sidewalk, make a sign or poster and hang it in your window or on your front door.

Consider phrases like, “We’re in it Together,” “Love and Light,” “Protect Your Neighbor, Wash Your Hands,” or others that you invent. Add hearts, flowers, rainbows, smiley-face icons, and any other symbol of hope that comes to mind.

If you would like to share your work, the Rye City School District and the Big Picture Foundation will compile images and videos of the community’s efforts on the project in a video (deadline is Tuesday, April 14th). Here are directions on how to submit images and videos of your work. Please consider posting your work on Twitter and tagging @MyRye so we can share it too!

Here is a video to instruct students about the project: