Notebook, 1993-

DIRECTORIES - A Representative Listing with Periodic Corrections and Additions

Visual Arts in
Rhode Island . . . . . . CT . . . MA . . . ME . . . NH . . . RI . . . VT . . . NE

Prominent sources for art news and calendar events are listed in addition to art museums, professional schools, arts organizations, associations and centers. This directory suggests the wealth of visual arts experiences and resources in Rhode Island. Note that it is not a complete list! Search online for anything of interest that is not included here.

News
Be sure to explore area Colleges and Universities for publications and join them and the museums, artists, galleries and the many arts institutions and associations in Rhode Island and the New England Region on social networks for updates on their resources, projects and events.

Rhode Island State Council on the Arts News - (Join the RISCA mailing list!) . . . . . State Division of Tourism Calendar - (Galleries, Museums, Special events, Fairs, Festivals, Concerts)

Art Rogue Island . . . . . Rhode Island Art Galleries - Blackstone Valley, Block Island, East Bay, Newport County, Providence, South County, Warwich & West Bay . . . . . New Urban Arts - Events . . . . . Providence Journal . . . . . newportbytes arts . . . . . Alliance of Artist Communities . . . . . Art Associations . . . . . Rhode Island Art Education Association News - Residencies, Services, Events, Blog, Library. . . . . New England Foundation for the Arts Events . . . . . Rhode Island Newspapers . . . . . Art New England . . . . . artscope - New England's Culture Magazine & Blog . . . . . NemaNews [New England Museum Association]. . . . . New England Entertainment Digest . . . . . Very Special Arts of Rhode Island . . . . . New England Artisans Guild . . . . The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators - NE. . . . . Center for New England Culture - [University of New Hampshire] . . . . . Creative Ground - (New England Foundation for the Arts - Spotlights the rich range of creative people and places at work in the six New England states)

Featured

Artist Retreats / Rhode Island - Including: Woonsocket Neighborhood Development Corporation year-long residencies for a single community-friendly professional artist (and family) with free rent in spacious 3-bedroom apartment, in exchange for 5/hours per week working with local kids . . . . AS220 3-6 month residencies in the 22,000 sq. ft. blg. that includes a cafe and performance space, computer lab, darkroom, screenprinting studio, video editing suite, 10 working studios, 4 galleries, 12 living/working studios. (performing, visual, literary arts).

Providence Arts & Culture Trail - "Rhode Island 's capital city of Providence offers a rich cultural and architectural heritage that stretches back to 1636 when it was founded by Roger Williams. In recent years its amazingly diverse treasures have been discovered by more and more visitors. That's no surprise because it has one of the largest and most diverse concentrations of preserved architecture and landmarks in America , a nationally recognized restaurant scene, a vibrant art community, world class museums, top notch theatre, great shopping and much more. Water Place Park and River Walk, home to the acclaimed WaterFire have come to symbolize the City's rebirth. The Providence Arts & Cultural Trail is so filled with enriching things to do and see that you'll be busy day and night. You'll visit museums and galleries with works by old masters, Impressionists and contemporary artists. See our stages light up with a full calendar of exciting theatre, music and dance. Explore an 18 th century Athenaeum where Edgar Allen Poe and Sarah Whitman courted. It's a trail that you never want to end." - (Rhode Island Heritage Trails)

Providence, Rhode Island - "Providence is a complicated city, and nowhere more so than in the arts. As the capital of Rhode Island, it is home to many of the state's top arts and cultural organizations, including Brown University, the Rhode Island School of Design, Trinity Repertory Company and the Rhode Island Philharmonic. Yet it's also close to Boston and New York, Each with its own formidable array of cultural attractions. Thanks to the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), the city is at the center of one of the largest populations of visual artists in the country . . . . "

Gallery Night Providence - "On the third Thursday of the month, from March through November, nineteen of the city's hot art spots open their doors inviting you to a visual arts party." Find by Type of Art, Name, Location . . . . Associate Galleries and Art Spots.

ArtInRuins - "We at ArtInRuins believe that decay is beautiful, but not necessary. Artists live and work in the buildings that the city or developers have often forgotten, and now that Providence is becoming a hip town, or a suburb of Boston, these buildings and the artists, musicians and businesses who use them are getting used for purposes that do not contribute to the community in the same way. We are not against new development, we are only opposed to unsustainable or irresponsible development . . . . we are here to track the happenings of mill buildings and industrial remnants in the state, as well as the plight of artists who inhabit these spaces." - Stories, Architecture, Rental Listings, History, Studio Tours, Interviews, Communities. Event Listings, etc.

Museums

Gilbert Stuart Museum - [Saunderstown] - - "Gilbert Charles Stuart (born Stewart) (December 3, 1755 - July 9, 1828 in Saunderstown, Rhode Island Colony) was . . . . widely considered to be one of America's foremost portraitists. His best known work, the unfinished portrait of George Washington that is sometimes referred to as The Athenaeum, was begun in 1796 and left incomplete at the time of Stuart's death in 1828. The image of George Washington featured in the painting has appeared on the United States one-dollar bill for over one century. Throughout his career, Gilbert Stuart produced portraits of over 1,000 people, including the first six Presidents of the United States.[3] His work can be found today at art museums across the United States and the United Kingdom, most notably the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Frick Collection in New York City, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., the National Portrait Gallery in London, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston." - (Wikipedia) . . . . . Heritage Harbor Museum - [Providence] . . . . . Historic House Museums of Rhode Island . . . . . Newport Mansions . . . . . India Museum And Heritage Society - [Providence] . . . . . Museum of The Rhode Island School of Design - [Providence] - "A major cultural institution in Rhode Island, the RISD Museum houses more than 86,000 works of fine and decorative art ranging from ancient times to the present. It is the only comprehensive art museum in southeastern New England and, as such, is a vital cultural resource both for RISD and the broader community. With seven curatorial departments, the museum offers a rich and varied program of exhibitions, lectures, tours, workshops and publications. It is dedicated to the interpretation of art and design from diverse cultures, and to educating and inspiring artists and designers, families, scholarly researchers and students of all ages" . . . . . National Museum of American Illustration - [Newport] . . . . . Newport Art Museum - [Griswold House, Newport's Historic Home for the Arts] - "The Newport Art Museum & Art Association is one of the oldest continuously operating organizations of its kind in the country. A group of community-minded artists and intellectuals, spurred on by activist and Pulitzer prize-winning author Maud Howe Elliott (1854-1948), founded the organization as the Art Association of Newport (AAN) in June 1912" . . . . . Preservation Society of Newport County - [Newport] . . . . . Warwick Museum Of Art

Professional Art Schools and Departments

Visual Art at Brown Univeristy - [Providence] . . . . . Rhode Island School of Design - [Providence] . . . . . Community College of Rhode Island Art Dept - [Warwick] . . . . . Providence College Art and Art History Department - [Providence] . . . . . Rhode Island College Art Dept - [Providence] . . . . . Roger Williams University School of Architecture, Art, and Historic Preservation - [Bristal] . . . . . University of Rhode Island Dept of Art & Art History - [Kingston] . . . . .

Art Organizations

Rhode Island Council for the Humanities - [Providence] . . . . . "The mission of the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities (RICH) is to inspire and support intellectual curiosity and imagination in all Rhode Islanders through lifelong learning in the humanities. Guided by the belief that study of the humanities is central to the daily life and work of a free and diverse people, RICH has awarded more than $2.5 million to community and academic organizations in support of a wide range of public humanities programs since its founding in 1973. RICH grant programs and other activities are supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities, with additional support from corporations, foundations, organizations and individuals, as well as the State of Rhode Island."

Rhode Island State Council on the Arts - [Providence] . . . . . "The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts serves as a catalyst for the advancement, appreciation and promotion of excellence in the arts, by encouraging leadership, participation, and education in the arts for all Rhode Islanders. We envision a Rhode Island where all people have an opportunity to participate in the arts, where the arts contribute to the social, economic and educational well-being of our state, and where the arts are valued by all Rhode Islanders as an integral part of life." Grants, Directory [pdf], Education Roster of Artists by Discipline: Dance, Fiber, Literaturae, Media Arts, Mixed Media, Music, New Genres, Theatre, Visual Arts [available in pdf]

Rhode Island Art Education Association . . . . . "The mission of the National Art Education Association is to promote art education through professional development, service, advancement of knowledge, and leadership. To that end, the Association will:promote quality instruction in visual arts education conducted by certified teachers of art; encourage research in art education; hold public discussions; sponsor institutes, conferences, and programs; publisharticles, reports, and surveys; and work with other related agencies in support of visual arts education."

Rhode Island K-12 Arts Framework (pdf). . . . . "The arts have been part of us from the very beginning. Since nomadic peoples first sang and danced for their ancestors, since parents first acted out the stories of heroes for their children, the arts have described, defined, and deepened human experience. All peoples, everywhere, have an abiding need for meaning - to connect time and space, experience and event, body and spirit, intellect and emotion. People create art to make these connections, to express the otherwise inexpressible. A society and a people without the arts are unimaginable, as breathing would be without air. Such a society and a people could not long survive. - - National Standards for Arts Education (1994)" - Development of the RI Arts Framework - Integration of Curriculum - Student Assessment and Program Evaluation - Professional Development - Strategic Planning and Systemic Support - The K-12 Arts Standards

Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission - [Providence] . . . . . "The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission is the state agency for historical preservation and heritage programs. The Commission operates a statewide historical preservation program that identifies and protects historic buildings, districts, structures, and archaeological sites. The Commission also develops and carries out programs to document and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Rhode Island's people."

Rhode Island Tourism Division - [Providence] . . . . . " Arts and Places to Be, Regions, Seasons, Events Calendar.

19 on Paper - "Not only are different mediums and techniques pursued, but also a variety of imagery, from realism to non-objective abstraction. The artists of 19 on Paper have exhibited worldwide in galleries and museums with several having been published in a variety of media."

Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County - [Newport] . . . . . "The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County is a coalition of individuals and non-profit organizations committed to the advancement of art and culture in Newport County, Rhode Island."

AS220 - [Providence] . . . . . "A forum for the arts; the place for Rhode Island artists to exhibit or perform."

ArtInRuins "We at ArtInRuins believe that decay is beautiful, but not necessary. Artists live and work in the buildings that the city or developers have often forgotten, and now that Providence is becoming a hip town, or a suburb of Boston, these buildings and the artists, musicians and businesses who use them are getting used for purposes that do not contribute to the community in the same way. We are not against new development, we are only opposed to unsustainable or irresponsible development . . . . we are here to track the happenings of mill buildings and industrial remnants in the state, as well as the plight of artists who inhabit these spaces." - Stories, Architecture, Rental Listings, History, Studio Tours, Interviews, Communities. Event Listings, etc.

Art League of Rhode Island - [Newport] . . . . . "The Art League of Rhode Island (ALRI) was founded with a shared vision to encourage and foster artistic growth and recognition among Rhode Island Artists. The long term objectives of the Art League are to sustain an association of artists for the purpose of developing awareness and education, and to achieve recognition and national exposure for the state of Rhode Island and its artists by: sponsoring an annual exhibition of Rhode Island Artists; promoting communication between artists and the general public; sponsoring special events and programs to encourage and assist education in the arts; sponsoring a biennial, national juried exhibition in Rhode Island

Arts and Business Council of Rhode Island - [Providence] . . . . . "The Arts & Business Council of Rhode Island (A&BC/RI) is an arts service organization that works to promote cultural and economic growth through leadership, partnerships, and programs that link the arts and business sectors. Through its local and national programs, the Arts & Business Council of Rhode Island will continue to recruit and bring expertise, resources, educational opportunities and leadership talent from the business world to build the capacity of the state's non-profit arts and cultural organizations."

CenterCity Contemporary Arts - [Providence] . . . . . "Displays area artists and artisans works. Has juried and invitation only group shows; a ceramics festival, monthly arts shows, and artists' studio residences of a month in duration."

Courthouse Center for the Arts - [Kingston] . . . . . "The mission of the Courthouse Center for the Arts is to assure the integral presence of the arts in our lives. By providing facilities, programming, and leadership, the Center offers the community of Southern Rhode Island accessible, affordable arts, and educational programs . . . Offers opportunities for artists to exhibit and sell their work; take lessons, and teach a course. Has a small reference library."/b>

Creative Communications Club of Providence - [Providence] . . . . . "The Creative Communications Club of Providence has been established to provide a forum where creative people can meet, exchange ideas, explore issues of mutual interest and concern, host guest speakers/artists, and welcome new people into the creative community. Meetings will be held at various venues every other month beginning on the third or fourth Thursday of October. Exact time and place to be announced. . . . . Varied programs for creative people to network."

Fostering Arts - [Newport] . . . . . "Linking Artists and Communities - Our mission is to nurture and strengthen the communities of northwestern Rhode Island and eastern Connecticut by offering opportunities for sharing creative experiences and celebrating our cultural resources. The organization supports educational and social programs involving the arts including visual art, music, dance, theater, folk art, and healing arts." - Artists' Network, Gallery, Events & Programs, and Peeptoad Coffeehouse ["committed to bringing the best folk and traditional music to our area"].

Four Corners Art Center - [Tiverton] . . . . . "The Four Corners Arts Center is a Rhode Island non-profit corporation founded in 1993. Our mission is to promote the arts at Tiverton Four Corners and the surrounding Coastal Village communities. The Center is located in the historic Soule-Seabury House, built c. 1800. The site includes over an acre of landscaped grounds which are used for exhibits, concerts, outdoor dance, sculpture, theater, and a variety of other special events. We hope you will enjoy our programs and visit us often. Accepts works of local artists. Has an outdoor sculpture exhibition and an indoor gallery. Hires art teachers to teach children and holds adult art classes."

Historic New England . . . . . "The oldest, largest, and most comprehensive regional preservation organization in the country (Formerly known as SPNEA, The Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities) . . . . A museum of cultural history that collects and preserves buildings, landscapes, and objects dating from the seventeenth century to the present and uses them to keep history alive and to help people develop a deeper understanding and enjoyment of New England life and an appreciation for its preservation . . . . Founded in 1910 to protect New England's cultural and architectural heritage, SPNEA is an internationally known museum and national leader in preservation, research, and innovative programming. SPNEA is headquartered in Boston, with museums located throughout Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island."

Creative Ground / New England Cultural Database - (New England Foundation for the Arts)"The New England Cultural Database (NECD) is an online data warehouse containing financial, demographic, geographic, and other related information about businesses, cultural organizations and individual artists in New England. It provides a searchable, comprehensive tool to the New England state arts agencies, members of the cultural community, industry groups, researchers, and the general public. Building on NEFA's previous work in Cultural Mapping, all information in the database is geographically coded to allow searches by location and support a variety of analyses based on geographic area. The NECD currently houses over 18,000 records. Unfolding in stages throughout 2004 - 2006, the NECD will eventually represent all of New England's creative economy, by expanding to hold a comprehensive set of records that includes for-profit creative industry businesses, nonprofit cultural organizations, and individual artists. A system of tiered admittance will provide varying levels of access to the information contained in the database.

New England Foundation for the Arts - "We creatively support the movement of people, ideas, and resources in the arts within New England and beyond, make vital connections between artists and audiences, and build the strength, knowledge, and leadership of the region's creative sector."

newportbytes - [Newport] . . . . . "newportbytes is created by studio jeweler S.E. Sarantos to provide contemporary and historical coverage of Newport, RI with an artistic slant . . . . " - Arts [film, metal, paint, writing, photography, glass, fiber, tatoo art], Music, Behind the scenes, Newports, Parties and events, Past, etc.

Northeast Basket Makers - "Northeast Basketmakers Guild was founded in 1985 by a group of five Connecticut basketmakers. Since then, the organization has grown to include hundreds of artists. Members are predominantly from the northeastern United States, but now include artists from around the world. The mission of Northeast Basketmakers Guild is to further the art of basketry by nurturing the development of new basketmakers, while celebrating and supporting accomplished basketmakers. Workshops, exhibits, demonstrations, basket sales, member conferences, scholarships, fundraisers, open weave events and the publication of a newsletter are included in the activities of the Guild throughout the year."

Ocean State Artisans - [Providence] . . . . . "Ocean State Artisans was founded in 1988 to provide opportunities for local artisans to network with fellow artisans, to provide education for the community about the arts and crafts industry, and to provide its members with opportunities to showcase their work . . . Monthly meetings with speakers on: how to set up a business, taxes, etc. Monthly newsletter and annual juried craft festival."

Ocean State Lawyers for the Arts (OSLA) - [Saunderstown] . . . . . "Welcome to the website of OCEAN STATE LAWYERS FOR THE ARTS (OSLA), which was founded in 1984 as the Rhode Island affiliate of a nationwide network of non-profit public service organizations dedicated to providing legal assistance to visual artists, actors, performers, theatre companies, museums, dance troupes, artists' groups and any other artists or arts organizations in need of help regarding contracts, copyrights, trademarks, tax-exempt status, collection of accounts and any other arts-related problems."

Providence Art Club - [Providence] . . . . . "Along Thomas Street, in the shadow of the First Baptist Church, stands a picturesque procession of historic houses, home to the studios, galleries and clubhouse of the Providence Art Club. Said to be the oldest art club in the nation after the Salmagundi Club in New York, our distinguished Providence institution has been here so long that no one can remember a time when Thomas Street was not synonymous with the Providence Art Club. In 1880 a group of professional artists, amateurs, and art collectors founded the Providence Art Club to stimulate the appreciation of art in the community. This new club would exist for art culture the founders proposed, and when they met to draw up their charter one February night in 1880, they inscribed that phrase on their seal. . . . " Gallery. Exhibitions. Call for Entries.

The Redwood Library & Athenaeum - [Newport] - "The Redwood Library and Athenæum is the oldest lending library in America, and the oldest library building in continuous use in the country. Founded in 1747 by forty-six proprietors upon the principle of "having nothing in view but the good of mankind," its mission continues over 250 years later" - Collections, Gallery . . . . .

Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities - "The oldest, largest, and most comprehensive regional preservation organization in the country . . . . A is a museum of cultural history that collects and preserves buildings, landscapes, and objects dating from the seventeenth century to the present and uses them to keep history alive and to help people develop a deeper understanding and enjoyment of New England life and an appreciation for its preservation . . . . Founded in 1910 to protect New England's cultural and architectural heritage, SPNEA is an internationally known museum and national leader in preservation, research, and innovative programming. SPNEA is headquartered in Boston, with museums located throughout Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island." - Changing to: Historic New England

South County Art Association - "The mission of the Association is to encourage artists, to promote interest in the arts and to contribute to the community. Membership is open to anyone interested in furthering these aims as an artist or supporter of the arts . . . . Members who pay an additional studio use fee of $400 per year, are entitled to unlimited use of the pottery studio, open seven days a week from 8 am to 10:00 pm. The studio is equipped with several kilns, potter's wheels, and the necessary equipment needed to create a wide variety of ceramic work." - Exhibitions [13 shows per year] and Gift Shop of Artists' works. Kingstown

Very Special Arts of Rhode Island - [Pawtucket] . . . . . "VSA arts of Rhode Island is dedicated to providing opportunities for people with disabilities to actively participate in high quality programs in literary, performing, and visual arts. It is the only organization of its kind in the state. VSA arts of Rhode Island creates model programs for inclusive audiences throughout the state through its collaborations with partners from the arts, cultural, disability, and educational communities. VSA Arts of Rhode Island increases public awareness of the creative talents of people with disabilities, integrating their achievements into Rhode Island's mainstream community, and providing cultural experiences for all." Programs & Events, Showcase, Artist Services, Affiliates, and other Resources.

Wickford Art Association - [Wickford] . . . . . "For over 30 years the Association has sponsored the Wickford Art Festival, in addition to monthly lectures and demonstrations that are open to the public, fine arts scholarships for North Kingstown High School seniors, classes, and member and juried shows throughout the year. In May of 1989 the Association's dream became a reality with the dedication of its gallery at 36 Beach Street. This new building, constructed with the dues and monies saved over the last 30 years, is home to all Wickford Art Association members."