Community-Created Tile Murals Bring Art, History, and Wildlife to Eagle Street Pocket Park
Something beautiful is taking shape for the Woonasquatucket River Greenway, one handmade tile at a time.
Over the past several weeks, nearly 40 neighbors, artists, volunteers, and community members have gathered at Studio 50 on Sims Avenue to help create hundreds of handmade porcelain tiles for three permanent public art installations at Eagle Street Pocket Park in Providence’s Valley neighborhood.
Led by Rhode Island artist David Allyn in collaboration with the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council. Every tile is rolled, cut, textured, and prepared by hand before being screen printed, glazed, and fired into durable high-fire porcelain that will withstand New England’s weather for generations.
The murals will become a permanent feature of the recently completed floodable pocket park along the Woonasquatucket River Greenway near Monohasset Mill, adding another layer of beauty and storytelling to a space designed to manage stormwater, improve river health, and connect neighbors with nature.
Art Inspired by the Watershed
Each mural celebrates a different aspect of the Woonasquatucket River watershed and the surrounding community.
One installation draws inspiration from the rich industrial history of the Eagle Square area and Monohasset Mill while highlighting native bees and other pollinators that help keep our ecosystems thriving.
Another mural looks beneath the river’s surface, featuring fish species that call the Woonasquatucket home and reminding visitors that healthy waterways support healthy wildlife.
Together, the three murals tell the story of a watershed that has continually evolved from an industrial landscape into a place where conservation, recreation, wildlife, and community can flourish together.
Building Community One Tile at a Time
The Tile Nights workshops have been about much more than making ceramics.
Participants of all ages have learned about printmaking, porcelain, and public art while exploring the connection between creativity and environmental stewardship. No previous artistic experience was required, making the workshops accessible to anyone interested in leaving their mark on a meaningful community project.
Each handmade tile represents the hands of a neighbor who chose to invest their time in creating something that everyone will be able to enjoy for years to come.
A Lasting Addition to the Greenway
Once installed, the murals will welcome visitors to Eagle Street Pocket Park while celebrating the natural and cultural history of the Woonasquatucket River.
The initiative is led by artist David Allyn, with Lisa Aurecchia spearheading the effort to bring the project to life. The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council is serving as the fiscal agent and community partner, helping connect local artists, residents, and volunteers through a shared vision for public art and environmental education.
As the Greenway continues to grow, projects like these remind us that restoring a river isn’t only about improving water quality or planting native species. It’s also about creating places where people feel connected to their neighborhood, their history, and each other.
We can’t wait to share the finished murals when they are installed later this year. Until then, thank you to every community member who has helped turn a simple piece of clay into a lasting work of art for the Woonasquatucket River Greenway.
