public art commission: davies career and tech

About Davies

Opened in 1971, Davies is a state-operated local education agency governed by an independent, business-led Board of Trustees. Located in Lincoln, RI, it enrolls 900 students from all areas of Rhode Island, although a majority of students typically hail from Central Falls, Lincoln, North Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, and Smithfield. Students must take an entrance and placement examination and apply for admission. Students receive two complete educations – a comprehensive high school education plus specialized training in a technical area. All career and technical areas participate in state and national certification programs. Technical programs offered are Automotive Collision Repair/Refinishing; Automotive Technology; Bio-Manufacturing Technology; Cybersecurity; Education/Child Care; Electrical and Renewable Energy; Graphics and Interactive Media; Health Careers; Hospitality Careers; Advanced Manufacturing Technology; and Pre-Engineering Technology. All Davies students must meet all Rhode Island diploma system and graduation requirements.

The mission of Davies Career and Tech is to provide a challenging academic and technical education within a safe and supportive environment which ensures every industry-certified graduate is capable of pursuing higher education and becoming a productive participant in today's workforce.

About the Phase 1 School Wing Construction

The Phase 1 School Wing project is new construction that will replace a 1970s building, which a RIDE School Building Authority (SBA) facilities assessment from 2016 showed it would be more cost effective to replace rather than to renovate. The overall project includes new technical program spaces for Health Careers, Electrical & Renewable Energy, Pre-Engineering programs, and front entrance modernization.

The 43,000 square foot addition includes a connecting entrance to the gymnasium. The design includes transparent spaces throughout the building both inside and out and features stunning views of adjacent wetlands and Providence in the distance.

The front entrance is designed to visually connect with the entrance to the new wing. Both are visible from the main drive as you enter campus. Renovations will modernize the area to current security standards while simultaneously creating a more welcoming and visually appealing arrival point.

Main entrance renovations are complete, while construction of the new wing is underway with substantial completion expected by December 2027.

About the Project

The selection panel met in August of 2026 and determined that the front entrance plaza to the building presents an excellent site for artwork to be incorporated. This is the main interface for visitors and students alike and is part one’s first impression of the school upon arrival. The area is used heavily as roughly ⅓ of students are dropped off or picked up. Despite the lack of street furnishings, this main entrance is a hangout space for students before and after school, particularly when they are waiting for their rides home. The panel decided that the proposed artwork should offer a focal point for the plaza, enhancing a sense of place for the Davies community.