RAW artists contribute Lynn-themed works to library

LYNN – Lynn Chief Librarian Nadine Mitchell agreed when a group of high school artists suggested that the library could use some more contemporary art.”When they visited the library they noticed there was some ‘fine art’ on display and asked the librarian if she would enjoy displaying some ‘local art’ instead,” said Program Director Kathe Swaback.The non-profit youth arts organization RAW Art Works of Lynn created a series of artwork depicting the essence of the city.Artists Ryan Karakoudas, Luis DeLeon, Damien Coley, George Diaz and Rafael Gonzalez – all part of the all-male Good to Go team that creates murals of and around the city – worked on the series during the summer.”It was a pretty long process,” said Karakoudas. “We started by brainstorming ideas of positive images that could capture the essence of the city. Then we took photos of various people, landmarks and scenes around Lynn and then painted the images on canvas.”Karakoudas’s image portrayed a baker outside of Fernando’s Bakery standing with his small child on a Batman bicycle.Other pieces of art depicted the tunnel under the Central Square T-stop, a woman and her daughters grocery shopping and a portrait of the Lynn Commons Gazebo.”We did our own pieces and incorporated our own artistic styles,” said Coley. “But we also wanted all of the images to correlate and connect with each other.”The 12-panel display was installed in September.The artists celebrated their work at an artist reception at the Lynn library Thursday evening. The series is now on display around the central rotunda railing.Mitchell approved the idea with enthusiasm.”The library and art both have something in common,” said Mitchell. “They open people’s eyes.””Patrons are all commenting,” added Mitchell. “The public is very impressed.”Mitchell also extended her compliments to the Board of Trustees, who donated $400 to purchase art supplies.”The best part is always when you finish,” said DeLeon. “You get to stand back and say ‘Wow, look what I did.'”Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy also made a guest appearance to show her gratitude during the reception.”I always sincerely appreciate when the young people of the city go out of their way to do things like this,” said Kennedy. “Thanks for making the city of Lynn a lovelier place.”RAW Art Works was founded in 1988 and provides innovative ways for young people to engage in art making and express themselves through their artwork.”Our goal is the help our city and to appreciate it,” said Swaback. “The library has allowed that to happen.”