RI Celebrates World Toilet Day with Toilet Seat Art Show

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Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Michelle Nguyen, GoLocalProv Lifestyles Contributor

In honor of World Toilet Day 2010, a collection of artistically enhanced toilet seats will be on public display at Firehouse 13 in Providence. The Narragansett Bay Commission is hosting over 50 pieces of student artwork inspired by toilet seats from Monday, November 15th-22nd with a reception on Thursday, the 18th, from 5-7 pm.

Raising Awareness

World Toilet Day, officially November 19th, is celebrated every year to honor one of the world's most under-appreciated necessities and to raise awareness of the global sanitation crisis. According to the World Toilet Organization, nearly half of the world's population does not have access to toilets and proper sanitation.

"We're very lucky in our communities to have access to reliable sanitation and safe drinking water; many places in the world struggle to provide these seemingly basic services," said Vincent Mesolella, Chairman of the Narragansett Bay Commission.

"Because Rhode Island has always been at the forefront of water sanitation in the United States, we all need to be grateful that we live in a state that takes clean water seriously," said Jaime Samons, Public Relations. "And we also need to show concern for those folks who wake up everyday and wonder if this next drink of water will be the one that kills them."

Toilet Seat Art from Local Students

The Narragansett Bay Commission asked students from 10 different RI communities to decorate toilet seats with clean water messages. "Our local students have contributed their talents to help us share the message that clean water is important," said Mesolella.

Samons hopes that the show will be a hit and will continue into the future, saying, "We have just been thrilled by some of the artwork that's come in. My hope is that this turns into the coolest show ever, and in the future, will expand to include college students and celebrities. I think that we're on to something big."

World Toilet Day Exhibit, Firehouse 13, 41 Central St, Providence, (401) 461-8848 ext 377, November 15th-22 with reception Thursday, November 18th, 5 - 7 pm, open to the public.

Angella Daluz, junior at the MET School, Providence (Bottom Left Photo)

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