The 23-year-old SUNY New Paltz senior, who is studying to get his bachelor’s degree in fine arts in sculpture, said he came up with the idea after talking about collaborative arts with one of his professors, Ann Teed. Holmes said his professor told him how she once organized the breaking of the Guinness Book of World Record for the largest finger painting and said it fit perfectly with what he wanted.

``I wanted to do something that would be significant for the arts in our community, an event that was collaborative, something that everyone could be a part of,’’ said Holmes.

Holmes, who said he was mostly known in his hometown for his athletic abilities, is inviting everyone to the SUNY New Paltz Old Main Quad to take part in the experience on Saturday. Painting will begin at 9 a.m. and won’t stop until the Guinness Book of World Records is broken. The event will take place on Sunday if it rains.

The all-day event is intended to bring a huge group of people, said Holmes.

He said in addition to taking part in breaking a Guinness World Record, people will be able to enjoy a day full of live music, local cuisine and entertainment for all ages.

According to the project’s website fingerpaintingproject.com, each person will be given a three-foot-by-three-foot square of canvas to paint whatever he or she wants. Painters will start at the top of the canvas and will work their way down like an inkjet printer. The website said the painting will be done in a mosaic style to promote environmental awareness.

The painting is expected to be over 20,000 square feet so it will be able to break the current Guinness World Record that was set by a group in London at 16,400 square feet.

Holmes, president of the Student Art Alliance at SUNY New Paltz, said he conceived the idea in hopes to show people there are no limitations to what can be accomplished.

He said the event will stretch beyond the purpose of breaking a world record and will becoming an even grander display of community togetherness.

``I wanted people to work together and show that anything can be created no matter how big or small the idea,’’ Holmes said.

Holmes said he and a group of core friends he collaborated with found that the project matched up with a lot of symbolism of what can be done when people come together.

A statement on fingerproject.com said, ``Through the power of art we can illustrate the potential that exists when a variety of people work together towards a common goal. This directly parallels our relationship to the environment and by taking part in the project, people will realize their ability to affect change.’’

According to the project’s website, members of the project are working with the Department of Environmental Conservation and Stonykill Farms Environmental Center to ensure that the project is gone about in the most environmentally-friendly way.

The materials being used are products that were to be disposed of by sponsoring companies to be used for good causes opposed to simply becoming waste. The remains, such as paint cans and cups to hold the paint, will be recycled.

Also according to the website, there will be a venue for environmental groups to set up tables and educate participants. Speakers from different environmental groups are expected to be at the event.

SUNY New Paltz students are mostly helping with the project, said Holmes.

He said he has organized a core group of about 15 people contributing consistently and about 50 people who help at their convenience.

``New people help every day though,’’ Holmes said.

The goal is to have everyone paint a square and there are just over 2,300 squares, according to Holmes.

``I feel we will come close to our goal because everyone that hears about this wants to contribute,’’ Holmes said.

Materials for the project were donated from various sponsors from New York and Vermont. All paint was donated by local hardware stores.

Holmes said he is hoping the project will continue on after it is created by having it shown all over the country. He said he is seeking out potential venues for the painting to be displayed.

``I feel we will find sponsors that will want to hang the project on their building,’’ Holmes said.

To stay updated on the project, visit fingerpaintingproject.com.