Linda Ganjian, A Reminder of Home, 2014, acrylic on resin, IS 230 Annex, Queens

A Reminder of Home is a sculptural relief of the fruits and vegetables commonly found in Jackson Heights supermarkets. The piece is located in the cafeteria of IS 230 Annex in Queens and is visible both from inside and from the outside through the street level windows that run its length. It is comprised of nearly 40 different produce varieties. Each was first hand-modeled in clay; after molds were made, the forms were cast in resin, hand-painted, and finally assembled into a 10 panel design of diverse textures, colors, and forms.
 
The artwork was created by artist Linda Ganjian, a local to the neighborhood who herself frequents these very grocery stores and has long appreciated their visual richness. To her, these stores play an important role for local immigrants by offering the native produce that connects them to their countries and cultures of origin -- "a cure for homesickness."

A Reminder of Home offers the students of IS 230 Annex a celebration of their familiar, beloved foods, as well as exposure to their classmates' foods-- which may be less familiar to them. It is a sculptural portrait of a diverse and vibrant community and its wealth of food culture.