Painting Poughkeepsie
A mural project and public garden space are adding a new dimension of growth to evolving town-gown relations in Poughkeepsie. Vassar students teamed up with a local elementary school to create a community mural and garden on Raymond Avenue, in Vassar’s neighboring Arlington district.

The mural was designed by Vassar students Rosa Kessler ’03 (pictured above, left) and Hillary Angelo ’03 based on drawings completed by kindergarten through fifth-graders at Arthur S. May Elementary. Painting was ongoing and open to all volunteers every Saturday in September.

The Arlington Street Fair is an annual event that began three years ago as a combined effort of the Arlington Business Association, Vassar College, and the Vassar Student Association. Collegeview and Raymond Avenues are blocked off for the day. Dozens of vendors and clubs offer sidewalk sales, food, crafts, and information; Vassar’s Office of Athletics sponsors coaching clinics on the Alumnae House lawn; kids’ activities are held at Arthur S. May Elementary; and a live entertainment stage features the likes of the Vassar Night Owls and Pete Seeger.


Photos by Veronika Ruff