Angela Mastronicolas

Interior Design, 2020

Aiming to bridge the gap between two communities through an understanding of what art is and what it can be. East Franklinton is becoming known as an arts district. Although this identity brings in outside consumers and new residents, it is not the true identity of the neighborhood. Franklinton is full of passionate people, a rich history, and even richer soil, which used to be cultivated for farming when the city was first founded.

The life expectancy in West Franklinton is below the national average due to health and other related issues. The unemployment rate is above the national average, and 32 percent of residents have suffered from food insecurity.

I believe that focusing on a community effort urban farming project, could help the western side of Franklinton re-establish its own identity, create jobs, bring both the eastern and western Franklinton communities together through different forms of art,and provide healthy, farm fresh meals to all.

Angela Mastronicolas Angela is a fourth-year interior design student at The Ohio State University. With an associate degree in art, an art history minor and a bachelors for design in the making, she expresses her passion for creativity through her education and day to day life. Her hobbies include photography, drawing, hiking,collecting an absurd amount of antiques,and seeking adventure in every moment.