Kim Markarian -- whose artistic talent, love for students and often wacky inspirations such as a fashion show where students designed their own fashions to walk down the runway in front of the entire Hoxsie School -- was remembered Thursday at the school. Art teacher Valery Nardacci (seen here addressing the assembly of Kim’s family and friends) along with fellow art teachers Susan Root and Rena Rinker painted a mural in the school corridor encircling a panel of glazed tiles that Kim students made. The mural incorporates highlights from Kim’s life from being crowned 1988 Mrs. Rhode Island, her beloved labradoodle Rocky to being named 2013 Elementary Art Teacher of the Year and love of fashion. Before becoming an art teacher, she was a professional model and fashion commentator. Hoxsie Principal Gary McCombs, recalling the fire arts event Kim directed, said she “brought such class to this Title 1 school… everyone’s art meant something to Kim.” Kim’s work with the Tomorrow Fund was also remembered. Her husband, Bob, said there isn’t a day when he doesn’t think of her. “There is no doubt Kim left a mark on all of us.” He said she instilled a beauty that will always be there. Kim died last September after a 37-month battle against cancer that was further complicated by a severe accident.  (Warwick Beacon photos)