Pawtucket has ART!

Photo: Gretchen Dow Simpson, Flags, oil, Gallery 175 – gretchendowsimpson.com

Pawtucket has ART!

Amidst all the grayness of this time of COVID19, art is blooming in Pawtucket. Almost monthly there is a new project developed to bring art to the public. From murals to storefronts, to virtual exhibits, Pawtucket Public Art is determined to bring a smile to those who live and visit the city.

First – “Windows on Pawtucket” – Art fills empty downtown storefronts

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Approximately fifteen empty storefronts in downtown Pawtucket have been filled with over 40 works of art coordinated by The Pawtucket Foundation, Art League RI, and the City of Pawtucket. The display, Windows On Pawtucket, began on October 1^st.

“Windows on Pawtucket is adding creativity to Downtown Pawtucket that has been so badly impacted by economic downturns and COVID. The Pawtucket Foundation in collaboration with Art League RI are giving artists, small businesses each and all, a chance to be seen and recognized, and at the same time, giving those in the city and beyond, a gallery-like experience as they walk by,” said Jan Brodie, Executive Director of the Pawtucket Foundation.

Using a $2,000 legislative grant allocated to the project by the City of Pawtucket and secured through the Pawtucket Arts Commission, the Pawtucket Foundation and the Art League RI sought proposals from RI artists to be installed throughout the downtown. Large individual works, multiple works, various mediums, and site-specific installations were all welcomed and local artists and reference to the city’s rich textile history, were encouraged. Successful submissions are exciting, colorful, and engaging, and easily visible to street cars and foot traffic.

“Art League RI is excited to present Windows on Pawtucket in partnership with the Pawtucket Foundation. As Art League RI’s first public art project in the City of Pawtucket, we are pleased to bring this “community gallery” to the downtown area. This exhibition represents the outstanding work of many local artists who live in or work in Pawtucket, and we hope this exhibit will add color, vibrancy and interest in the downtown area,” said Ellen Matesanz, Executive Director of Art League RI.

Submitted works were reviewed by a committee and selected artwork will be on display until May 15, 2021. Twenty-eight different artists are being featured as part of the display.

“I continue to say that Pawtucket is an arts community. Our artists and small businesses are the backbone of who we are,” said Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “I thank the Pawtucket Foundation, Art League RI, Senator Bill Conley, and the Pawtucket Arts Commission for their commitment to our community and to bring beauty through art through our downtown through Windows on Pawtucket. I am excited to see the final results.”

A selection of artwork can be seen here: www.windowsonpawtucket.org

The Pawtucket Foundation (TPF) represents the business and not-for-profit sector of Pawtucket as advocate, problem solver and catalyst to moving forward in the areas of the new commuter rail station, the downtown, and the riverfront. We represent the residents and businesses alike in working with its partners to create an attractive, active and economically viable quality of life and supportive work environment.

Since its organization in 2000, TPF’s work has played a critical role in redevelopment planning and public-private investments that focus on building quality places and spaces in Pawtucket’s downtown, riverfront and transportation gateways. TPFs goal is to bring energy and vitality to a higher level in a city that is rich in creativity, history and opportunity. With a current focus in the downtown sector, the Foundation is working on projects that bring attractive, active, and engaging enhancements to the City’s public spaces., and at the same time, supporting the creative, small businesses that make up the foundation of the City. 

Art League RI (ALRI) has a 20-year history of supporting artists and the arts. The organization was incorporated with a goal to contribute, encourage and promote integrity and excellence in the arts in Rhode Island. ALRI numbers among its founding members some of Rhode Island’s most prominent artists working in a wide range of media from painting to furniture making. Its mission is to provide a venue for the growth and encouragement of artists, to promote high standards in the visual arts, and to encourage community participation and appreciation of the greater Rhode Island arts community.

The membership is deeply committed to the value of visual art in contemporary life and embraces current approaches to curatorial programming, community-building, art education, and outreach to under-served communities. As an all-volunteer organization, ALRI represents over 100 Artist Members, hailing from 32 of the 39 cities and towns throughout the state.

Second – The Pawtucket Paint Box Program

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Pawtucket’s Advisory Commission on Arts and Culture, working through its public art subcommittee, continues efforts to transform various public infrastructure located throughout city neighborhoods in colorful urban canvases.

Perhaps the most noticeable of these initiatives is the Pawtucket Paint Box Program that provides stipend payments to local artists to design and paint often bland and overlooked utility boxes that are typically located along public streets and at signalized intersections. According to Miriam R. Plitt, chair of the Pawtucket Arts and Cultural Commission, the program, which is paid for by Community Development Block Grant funds, has transformed nearly 30 of these utility boxes into lively works of public art since 2016. Nearly all of these works of art were completed by Pawtucket-based artists, residents, or students. “This project is a great way to visibly bring art, created by artists living or working in the City, directly to Pawtucket residents. The project was modeled on a similar successful effort in Boston,” she says.

“The original works of art must fit into an urban setting, both responding to the utility box location and the surrounding neighborhood,” says Plitt, noting that this visual art is intended to increase cultural expression and public engagement throughout the City. All design proposals are reviewed at public meetings of the commission.

Larger scale initiatives include the Payne Park Mural in Pawtucket’s Woodlawn neighborhood. This over 800 square foot mural is nearing completion by artist Kit Collins. The brightly colored walls depict neighborhood landmarks, common activities of residents, and both natural and historical connections to the Blackstone River. According to Plitt, “This is a significant project in terms of scale and participation. We conducted a regional call for design proposals, collected resident feedback on final proposals, and included art apprentice positions for local students to contribute to the project.”

These City-led initiatives have also been matched recently by private art projects in and around downtown Pawtucket including new murals at Atrium on Main located at 1 North Union Street, Blackstone Studios located at 163 Exchange Street, and Shri Yoga located at 390 Pine Street.

“These public art projects are an effective way to promote Pawtucket’s thriving arts community,” says Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “Artists are generating excitement and providing a unique experience in our neighborhoods with these works of art, and we look forward to more exiting projects moving forward,” he says.

For details about the Pawtucket Box Program, call Jay Rosa, Assistant Director, Department Planning and Redevelopment at 401 728-0500, Ext. 450.

Third – Gallery 175 – Celebrating Pawtucket Artists

While Gallery 175 is temporarily closed due to Covid19, enjoy viewing our online exhibit of artwork by talented artists from the Pawtucket community.

The exhibit is being held in partnership with the Pawtucket Arts Festival and supported by a grant form the City of Pawtucket.

View the art, here: http://www.gallery175.com/