Holyoke High School North’s Advanced Art students have completed their Chick-E sculpture, PEEP, which will be on display at The Big E this fall. The fair runs September 18 through October 4 at the Eastern States Exposition (ESE) in West Springfield.
Earlier this year, the Big E’s event organizers invited art students from Holyoke and other school districts to help bring statues of Chick-E—the agricultural mascot of the Fair—to life through original paint designs. While original creativity was encouraged, all designs needed to reflect the theme “America 250” in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
“This is a creative nod to the history and spirit of Eastern States exhibition and The Big E,” explained Elizabeth Gourde, ESE’s communications and public relations coordinator. The friendly-faced Chick-E became a staple of The Big E in 2017, when the team at ESE advanced branding to better articulate the agricultural mission of the Fair.
Created under the direction of art teacher Guiseppe Duran, PEEP is painted with patriotic elements, including symbols of freedom and peace, with a touch of Holyoke’s rich history woven through the design.
The student artists involved in this project include:
Destinaysha Booker
Gabriella Cayo
Robert Morales
Danieliz Rodriguez
Isabella Rodriguez
Noah Rodriguez
River Turgeon
Eduardo Vargas Robles
Audrey "Rey" Potter
Athalia Hernandez
Omar Morales Gonzalez
While at the fair, attendees will have the opportunity to scan the QR code located near the display to cast their vote for their favorite design.