RICM Vol4 Issue1 0915

Magazine

perimental original gifted ingenious R HODE ISLAN D ing daring passionate unique leader cator mentor inventive imaginative gifted ingenious productive prolific te unique leader entrepreneur maker vol. 4 issue 1 imaginative innovative experimental prolific inspiring motivating daring eur maker visionary educator mentor cre a tive · · perimental original gifted ingenious ing/kre‘adiv/ daring passionate unique leader mentor inventive imaginative cator adjective ingenious productive prolific inspiring 1. having the quality or power of creating. leader entrepreneur maker visionary 2. characterized by originality of thought; having or tive innovative experimental original showing imagination: a creative mind. nspiring motivating daring passionate 3. originative; productive. visionary educator mentor inventive original gifted ingenious productive assionate unique leader entrepreneur r inventive imaginative innovative enious productive prolific inspiring leader entrepreneur maker visionary tive innovative experimental original

A Celebration of Autumn

The Autumnal Equinox

second stage studio

To purchase tickets online, go to

brownpapertickets.com

401.334.4800

secondstagestudio.com

September 27th 2 - 6PM A Wonderful Family Event!

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Diamond Hill Park, Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI

| Rhode Island Creative Magazine

RICM’s Regina Hogan, Assistant Secretary & Designer. Photo taken by RICM.

The

Art In You inventive leader imaginative prolific innovative visionary experimental original gifted ingenious productive inspiring motivating daring passionate entrepreneur maker educator mentor unique inventive leader imaginative1 Vol. 4 Issue | The official publication of KS1Designs

from the founder It is so amazing to sit here and write, “Welcome to our fourth volume of Rhode Island Creative Magazine!” When I first started this magazine, I honestly did not know how it was going to be received and just how far it was going to go. To be entering into another volume, watching my team grow and continuing to receive compliments on how this one-of-a-kind magazine truly captures the creative spirit of Rhode Island, has been extremely rewarding and motivating at the same time. I am really excited to see what the upcoming year will bring for RICM and for our readers.

In this volume, it is crucial that I try to overcome one of the biggest issues that I struggle with, and many of you do, too: the misconception of the word ‘creative.’ This first issue of Volume 4 is dedicated to the definition of creative. It doesn’t just represent a paintbrush and canvas, a pencil and sketch pad, or a hobby. It is something that most of us have, and we don’t even know it!

It is a representation of who we are and what we do. It is part of everything, it is the other half that makes it all complete! Without creativity, there is no complete, there is no end result.

My goal with RICM is to continue to emphasize what is going on creatively in our community, both professionally and academically; to share the story of how these products, images, and events survive with the use of creative imagination and innovation. It is very important to shine the light on new and upcoming works, along with the ones who have been around for years, to teach us all something new. Working with the variety of professionals that I do, it still amazes me how much I learn on a daily basis—and I enjoy sharing all of this resourceful information with you. To me, learning from one another is the best way to improve yourself, your business, and your communication. It provides you with the opportunity to generate new business, new ideas, and new collaborations.

Making these types of connections is key to growing our industry and the economy in Rhode Island.

This is just the beginning of the next chapter of RICM’s journey. I hope you will stay with us for the ride…or, if you’re just joining us, stick around and enjoy the inspiring stories, amazing designs, and resourceful information that we have to share with you—all from our own backyard!

Connect - Communicate - Collaborate = Cross-pollination = Greater Awareness, Appreciation and Understanding of our industry.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Sherman Leon KS Designs President & CEO Founder & President, Rhode Island Creative Magazine

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| Rhode Island Creative Magazine

The official publication of KS Designs Founder and President Kimberly Sherman Leon Assistant to the President Pnina Pressburger Assistant Editor/Writer Kate Strassel Assistant Secretary/Designer Regina Hogan Design Manager Lisa Malm Designers Panhia Lee Kate Hanley Michael Ricci Amy DeSantis Lillian Ferranti Contributing Writers In this Issue Kim Celona Herb Weiss Jairo Gomez John Prothero Patricia Raskin Joseph Shansky Paula Mottshaw Jennifer Currier Holly Gaboriault Devon Landis, Esq. Ronald G. Shapiro Ph. D. Nancy Gaucher-Thomas Rhode Island Creative Magazine Cranston, Rhode Island 401.440.3911 kim@ksdesignsri.com c 2012-2015 All rights reserved.

Rhode Island Creative Magazine is a KS Designs production. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

facebook Online twitter @ricreativemag ricreativemagazine RICREATIVEMAG.COM

contents 2

From the Founder

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In This Issue

4

Contributing Team

10

Four Steps to Print Design Success

12

Plan Your Professional Development for 2015-2016

13

Entertainment and Art: Law Myths Debunked

15

When Is It Time To Consider Redesigning Your Company Website

19

Making Your Social Conversion-Worthy

22

I {heart} Rhody

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Transitioning Into A New Career

28

Creative Calendar

featured articles 9

A Solid Unified Voice:

One That Celebrates The Arts and Our Community

14

Creative Art Making

16

RI Archive Project

19

Balancing Act

24

Into The Great Outdoors

26

Ocean State Oyster Festival

on the cover “In this volume, it is crucial that I try to overcome one of the biggest issues that I struggle with, and many of you do, too: the misconception of the word ‘creative.’ This first issue of Volume 4 is dedicated to the definition of creative. It doesn’t just represent a paintbrush and canvas, a pencil and sketch pad, or a hobby. It is something that most of us have, and we don’t even know it! It is a representation of who we are and what we do. It is part of everything, it is the other half that makes it all complete! Without creativity, there is no complete, there is no end result.”

-Kimberly Sherman Leon, Founder Cover designed by Kimberly Sherman Leon

Vol. 4 Issue 1 |

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contributing team writers and designers in this issue

Devon Landis, Esq. Arts & Entertainment Attorney Writer Kim Celona Prolific Artist & Writer

Joseph Shansky Founder & Creative Director ShanskyWorks Writer & Designer

Ronald G. Shapiro, Ph.D. Independent Consultant & Speaker in Human Factors & Ergonomics Writer

John Prothero Prothero Press Writer

Patricia Raskin, M.Ed. Award Wining Radio Producer, Coach, Trainer & Author Writer

Herb Weiss Writer Jennifer Currier Writer

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| Rhode Island Creative Magazine

Jairo Gomez Xzito Partner/Account & Creative Director Writer

Lisa Malm Design Manager & Designer Regina Hogan Assistant Secretary & Designer Pnina Pressburger Assistant to the President

Michael Ricci Writer & Designer

Kate Strassel Assistant Editor & Writer Kate Hanley Creative Expressions Designer

Amy DeSantis Designer

Paula Mottshaw Communications & Design Writer & Designer

Lillian Ferranti Designer

Panhia Lee Designer

Vol. 4 Issue 1 |

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| Rhode Island Creative Magazine

Since 2012, RICM has been the catalyst for raising awareness of the economic value of the creative arts industry. It is Rhode Island’s one-of-a-kind creative multimedia publication that inspires and informs readers.

Audience Maximize your visibility with RICM by reaching a wide audience of thousands of readers, including art enthusiasts, museum and gallery professionals, performing arts, creative arts professionals, business leaders, corporate executives, students, educators and other individuals from all walks of life.

Print On-Demand Printed issues available by demand on-line

Partnerships Result in Expanded Reach of 400,000+ Cross-Platform Marketing & Social Networking reaches thousands daily.

59% Women 41% Men 75% Age 25-54 79% New Users 21% Return Users

Distributed On-line FREE Local & Global Reach

Events, Presentations, Workshops & Internships Servicing the Community Hands-on

The official publication of KS Designs

Layout Design by Kimberly Sherman Leon

a solid unified voice

by Nancy Gaucher-Thomas

one that celebrates the arts and our community In 2011, Arts Marketplace: Pawtucket was created under the direction of artists, Nancy Gaucher-Thomas and Gretchen Dow Simpson. Our vision was to present a two-day juried fine art and contemporary craft show and sale whose mission is to meet high standards of technical and artistic excellence and to present the best of contemporary fine art and American-made crafts—all in a comfortable, professional, and accessible setting. Painting, ceramics, fiber, glass, sculpture, jewelry, photography, clothing and accessories are just some of the many disciplines that are represented at AMP. Located in the historic Pawtucket Armory Arts Center in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the 1,000 square foot drill hall is the perfect venue to showcase this event and the works of over fifty artists under one roof.

At the 4th annual event on Saturday, September 26th and Sunday, September 27th, families will enjoy participating in a live tape art installation to be created on the exterior of the Armory building with the Tape Art Crew. Music always livens things up: Mary Ann Rossoni and the Rossonians will perform both days on the grounds of the Armory Arts Center, along with first-time participant Providence Country Day School Jazz Ensemble. Demonstrations made possible through a grant from the Rhode Island Council on the Arts, will take place throughout the two-day event, including the art of collage with Hiroko Shikashio, the art of chain maille

with jewelry designer Audree Dyson, and the process used

by Gail Solomon and Barbara Materna (Jack and Cookie) in creating their colorful wool handbags. Painting, ceramics, fiber, glass, sculpture, jewelry, photography, clothing and accessories are just some of the many disciplines represented at AMP. Visitors will have an opportunity to speak directly with the artists and purchase their work while learning about their creative processes.

The event is offered free of admission to the community and sales of art are tax-free, thereby adding to the economic development and tourism promotion of our state as well as encouraging artists and small businesses to come to Rhode Island.

By partnering with the Pawtucket Arts Festival and the Pawtucket Arts Collaborative, Arts Marketplace: Pawtucket is in keeping with the long history that celebrates the arts and traditions in our community. As important as it is to promote our exhibitors, it is equally important to collaborate with other arts organizations, schools and artists to help make the event bigger, more successful, and more significant by reaching a broader audience. Reaching out to these groups creates a solid unified voice—one that celebrates the arts and our community. www.artsmarketplacepawtucket.com

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WRITTEN BY JOHN PROTHERO DESIGNED BY MICHAEL RICCI

FOUR FOUR steps steps TO TO PRINT PRINT DESIGN DESIGN SUCCESS SUCCESS

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| Rhode Island Creative Magazine

When you’re designing for print, many factors come into play, most of which are aesthetic. As a designer, you work in the abstract at first, creating simple designs, and develop it into a final, comprehensive design that your client will approve. But when that design gets to the final stages, such as getting a price from your print services provider, it can end up being way over the client’s print budget, and often can entail things that you had not anticipated when you were doing the concepts.

So, let’s take a look at a basic axiom of print design.

DESIGN WITH THE END IN MIND

As a designer, you should always be thinking about what the end goal is of the piece. Is it going to be mailed? And if so, is it a self-mailer or going into some kind of envelope? How does it finish? What is going to happen to the piece?

IS IT GOING TO MAIL?

Mailing in and of itself is a complex and often changing variable in designing for print, because the US Post Office can often alter the rules on mailing. For example, check out this video http://youtu.be/fK4CkcZTN6Q which covers folded self-mailers. This gives you a great tutorial on the rules established in 2012. But when you are getting things set up for mailing, you have to know and understand the current rules of how each type of piece is going to mail out.

For example, flats have different rules and different postal rates than letters. Non-profit mailing has to have specific dimensions and the indicia has to read a specific way, and the font can be no less than 7 pt. in size.

In addition to creating a self-mailing piece, you have to keep in mind designing something that will fit into an envelope, so knowing standard envelope sizes is beneficial. There are instances where you may design a piece for an envelope but it may be square, which will be a challenge to find an envelope for. It will also have a postage surcharge because it isn’t rectangular. Also, check with your print services provider to see if a size you’re looking at is a stocked item, or one that might require converting from a flat press sheet.

HOW DOES IT FINISH?

Another major concern is to design with finishing in mind. Is it going to be die-cut, die-scored, or have foiling or embossing? Is the fold going to happen along a solid color, potentially creating cracking issues? Have you created a beautiful piece that when laid flat requires it to be run on a 40” press? These are some of the considerations you must take into account when designing the piece. If you’re working on a piece that is structural or dimensional and has capacities and folds, with gluing, you need to start with the die-line first, working with your print services provider and create paper dummies—also called “white samples”—to see how the piece will work together three-dimensionally.

WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO THE PIECE?

This is a crucial question, because it can have an impact on how you design. While as a designer you want to do your best to create a stunning piece, you may be constrained by the client’s budget. Also, if the piece is a self-mailer, it may be subjected to the machines that do the automated sorting. Maybe the piece is being stuffed into an envelope, so you want to make sure that it’s inserted into the envelope correctly, and have some kind of impact when the envelope is opened.

Also, keep in mind the purpose of the piece you’re designing. Is it an advertising piece that you anticipate the client’s end user to review regularly? Do you want to build in social media icons to lead them to the client’s social media pages? Think of design like layers, with simple 4-color as the first layer, and 4-color with spot colors, varnishes, UV coatings, and special finishing as the more complex layers.

So, the first step in successfully designing a piece for print is design for the end in mind.

Ask the kind of questions that will help you understand the client’s ultimate goal and their expectations. Be honest if you feel that their ideas might be over budget, or be problematic in finishing or mailing. Bring your print services provider in early so they can be part of the collaborative effort.

Next month we’ll discuss the limitations for designing for offset, digital and large format presses and devices.

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Plan Your Professional Development for 2015-2016

by Ronald G. Shapiro, PhD

In last month’s Rhode Island Creative Magazine (RICM) we discussed how to Think Strategically About Your Career. If you have not had the opportunity to review that article, you may wish to do that at this time. Assuming you have, we’ll now talk about translating strategic goals into a concrete action plan.

We will be preparing a three-part professional development plan for 2015-2016. The first part is very simple. Write or copy a five or six-sentence summary of your strategic plan onto the top of your professional development plan. Read it and be sure it is still meaningful for you.

Implementing a major plan may take many years and may require many steps. The second part of your plan includes documenting these steps. Think of where you are today. Think of where you want to be. Write out all of the steps required to move from where you are today to where you want to be in small steps. The first steps should cover time intervals of three months or less. Don’t be too aggressive, or you may get discouraged. The later steps may include a time period spanning up to a year. Assign dates to each step.

The third part of your plan involves preparing a very detailed listing and description of everything which needs to be done in 2015 and 2016 from the second part of your plan. This may include having conversations, taking classes, reading books, observing, attending networking events, making telephone calls, sending emails, etc. Just list each of these items, along with a realistic start date and a realistic completion date for each of these items.

Once your plan is complete, review it and decide if you think it is worth doing. If it is, review it with selected members of your board of directors (see last month’s article for explanation of the board of directors). Commit to the plan. Enter each of these items onto your personal calendar. Prioritize these development items as being at least as important as other items on your calendar (or the plan will not work). Check each item off on your calendar and on your development plan as completed. Most importantly, never let a week go by in which you don’t do something towards your plan. Some weeks you may need to do less, but always do something each week – this keeps your plan moving and forces

you to continually think about your plan, which can spark creative and impactful ideas.

I would like to thank Dr. Margarita Posada Cossuto for helpful comments.

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Layout Design by Lillian Ferranti

Entertainment & Art Law Myths Debunked

by Devon Landis, Esquire RI & MA Attorney

entertainment law, I have heard my fair share of

Myth: Mailing yourself your work is the equivalent of a copyright.

copyright myths. People act upon the following myths

This is often called the “poor man’s copyright,” and I have

thinking it will save them money, but the consequences

had clients ask me whether this is in fact a legitimate way to

for copyright infringement as well as failing to properly

copyright one’s work because of the postmark on the

copyright your own work can be costly. Here are a few

envelope. This is a long running myth…but nothing more.

As an attorney whose firm focuses on art and

that I have heard quite a bit:

Myth: 6 Seconds or less of music sampling is ok to use without permission I have heard this statement repeated often. Sometimes the person varies the myth and says 8 seconds or 5 seconds, but this is just simply untrue no matter what the

In this situation, I tell my clients “If protecting your work is important to you, and/or you have a concern about copyright infringement, then you should be filing the copyright either online or with a physical application at the Copyright Office.” There is nothing in the copyright law that would make a postmark the same as registering the work.

that are permissible to use without licensing that gives

Myth: If it is online and there is no copyright notice, then it is in the public domain and ok to use without permission.

proper credit and usually royalties. Taking any part of a

Just because a work is online and easily viewable by the

copyrighted work whether a sample of the singing or the

public does not mean that copyright protection does not

musical notes is opening oneself up to a lawsuit on the

apply. Public domain only applies to works that have had

grounds of copyright infringement.

their copyright expire, or are works that could have been

timeframe is. There is no magical minimum number or set of notes, bars, hooks, or seconds of a copy-righted work

copyrightable but have been entered into the public

Myth: Copyrighting is expensive In past articles I mentioned that the typical filing fee for one work by a single author is only $35.00 if filed online.

Many types of copyright claims can be filed online at www.copyright.gov/eco. The estimated online processing time is currently 8 months.

domain by the copyright owner. The timetable on when works have entered public domain depends on several factors that will be addressed in a future article but can be found through many online resources. However, there may be other limited exceptions to copyright law that permit use (e.g. fair use), but they are the exception and more of a defense rather than the rule.

In some instances, a paper application is required. The paper application fee is $85.00, and the estimated copyright.gov to determine which type of application is

Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not exhaustive of all aspects of the law on this topic and it is not to be considered legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances, you should contact an attorney for advice on specific legal problems.

required for your copyrighting situation.

www.devonlandislaw.com

processing time is currently 13 months. See circular 4 at

Layout Design by Kate Hanley

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Creative Art Making

by Herb Weiss

For the third year, XOS Exchange Street Open Studios (XOS) will showcase its talented artisans on Sept. 26 and 27 from 10-4 p.m. at three renovated historic buildings in Pawtucket’s Armory Arts District. This year, 35 artists will be showing original, handcrafted artwork, including paintings, sculpture, prints, photography, crafts, wearable art, jewelry, graphic and textile design, and more, all sales-tax free.

The art show is sponsored in part by the City of Pawtucket, Bristol County Savings Bank, the Pawtucket Arts Festival, and Pamela Hughes.

Organizer Joan Hausrath says XOS is very unique in that, “visitors may park and walk from building to building rather than driving from one location to another.”

Art Making In Historic Pawtucket Mills The renovation of the participating downtown Pawtucket mills draws many visitors to the event, says Hausrath. Riverfront Lofts (10 Exchange Ct.), a former knitting mill on the Blackstone River, is now a condominium with more than 50 unique work/live spaces. Next door is Blackstone Studios (163 Exchange St.), which was once a cardboard factory but now contains both design and art studios, including that of well-known artist/designer, Morris Nathanson.

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Finally, just one block away is Mad Dog Artist Studios (65 Blackstone Ave.), a new enterprise that provides studio and common area workspaces to artists on a short or long-term rental basis. “Anyone who is an artist residing or renting a studio in any of the buildings may participate in XOS. Participating guest artists are invited by unit hosts,” states Hausrath, noting that each year the artists vary.

Besides buying artwork, “People will have a unique opportunity to learn more about creative art making,” says Hausrath. They can view works in progress, watch art demos, and talk with artists about their career goals. This year, Lyell Castonguay and friends from BIG INK will be printing huge woodcut prints and encouraging visitors to join them.

An Easy Drive Take Exit 29, I-95, and follow the signs. There is plenty of free parking, music, and food trucks.

Arts Marketplace Pawtucket, a fine art and crafts show, will be taking place in the historic Pawtucket Armory nearby, so make a day of it!

For more information including a list of participating artists and directions, go to: www.xospawtucket.com.

Herb Weiss, LRI ‘12 is a Pawtucket writer covering Pawtucket’s art scene. He can be reached at hweissri@aol.com.

Photos supplied by Joan Hausrath

Layout Design by Amy DeSantis

MARKETING RAMBLES Paula Mottshaw When is it time to consider redesigning your company website?

?

Many web designers may want you to think that you need to redesign your website every few years.

If having the ability to make some of your own website updates is important, you may want to redesign your site within a content management system, which would allow you to publish, edit and modify content yourself.

But before you jump in, you may want to ask yourself some questions.

And, even if you aren’t ready to do a redesign, you can still do quite a bit to enhance your website.

1. Is your website generating the sales you expected?

There is nothing like updating content to freshen things up.

Are you thinking that it’s time to redesign your website?

2. Are visitors downloading your content (e.g. whitepapers or one-pagers)?

3. Are you able to update your existing site with additional functionalities? For example, if you have a tourism site, could you easily add a photo of the day option where visitors can submit their photos?

1. Add new images and/or update existing images.

2. Update your news page with your latest press releases, or links to published news articles about you or your company.

3. Add or update biographies on your staff and leadership pages.

4. Can you add content to your site yourself? For example, if you are a creative professional such as an artist, can you make additions (adding images, text) to your portfolio?

4. Update your portfolio.

5. Do you use a content management system? If so, is it easy to use?

5. Do you have an email newsletter? Add a signup link to your pages.

6. Is your website responsive? Responsive websites work well on mobile devices, as well as desktop computers.

6. Add new forms (for customers or patients).

If your answer was “no” to any of these questions, then you may want to consider a website redesign.

Check with your sales department regarding how many inquiries and sales are received via your web site, including if sales are dropped at a certain point prior to completion.

This may indicate that your website needs some attention.

As you are viewing your analytics data (Google Analytics is my favorite), you may notice possible issues that need attention. For example, if there is a page on your site that doesn’t get visited, you may want to delete or update that page.

7. Review your site regularly and delete information that is outdated and no longer relevant.

Over the next several issues, I will be writing about the steps in the web design process. Please feel free to email me your questions, and I will try to integrate them into the articles.

Paula Mottshaw specializes in web design and graphic design (print materials) for healthcare and nonprofits. She can be reached at pmottshaw@ mysimpledesignsolution.com. @pmottshaw www.linkedin.com/in/paulamottshaw

K SS

Layout Design by Paula Mottshaw

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RI ART ARCH

by Holly Gaboriault

On Gallery Night in October of 2013, an audience of over two hundred people gathered for the premiere of the first film in the RI ART ARCHIVE PROJECT documentary series. The RI ART ARCHIVE PROJECT was created by Holly Gaboriault, a native Rhode Islander and RISD graduate seeking to examine what makes Rhode Island a fertile ground for the fine arts by archiving the legacy of working artists of Rhode Island. The film series intends to archive, educate and inspire by telling unique narratives within the Rhode Island arts community, featuring artists, historians, curators and collectors.

The RI ART ARCHIVE PROJECT explores the innate universal elements that exist within the arts community, the passions and perspectives that drive and inspire them to make a difference in our world, and what keeps them striving to expand themselves. Rhode Island is prolific and plentiful in creative entrepreneurship and, unknowingly, some facets of the arts community exist unaware of itself.

“The RI ART ARCHIVE PROJECT serves as a bridge to expand the stories of individuals and characterizes a moment in time here in Rhode Island,” says Holly, who writes, produces, and directs the series.

“The PROJECT provides opportunities for the Rhode Island community to become aware of itself within itself by interweaving people and their stories. Even though we are such a small state, there are so many people and projects we may not be aware of. We explore how they flourish in Rhode Island while placing Rhode Island in the context of how it relates to the global art community and its economy.” Each film reaches broader audiences with multiple screenings throughout the community as well as forums and panel discussions, gallery exhibitions, and a partnership with RI PBS.

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Ana Flores

Salvatore Mancini

Lisa Goddard

FILM|1 featured fourteen internationally recognized Rhode Island artists, what brought them to RI, why they stayed, and how they give back to their communities. Featured artists included: Deborah Baronas, Howard Ben Tre, Gretchen Dow Simpson,

HIVE PROJECT

Photos supplied by RIAAP

Deborah Baronas

Annu Palakunnathu Matthew

Lisa Z. Morgan

Nancy Gaucher-Thomas, Peter Geisser, Saberah Malik, Salvatore Mancini, Leo Narducci, Morris Nathanson, Ilse Nesbitt, Howard Newman, James Montford, Kenn Speiser, and Brian Shure.

Premiering in the fall of 2015, FILM|2 features women artists of Rhode Island leading successful careers in the arts, enriching their communities, and supporting the work of the next generation of artists.

Featured artists include: Ana Flores, Cuban-born artist whose work addresses issued of displacement, memory, and owning one’s culture as an outsider; Lisa Z. Morgan, designer and writer; Mika Seeger, ceramist whose community-based work involves connecting diverse communities and geographical history; Lorraine Howes, fashion Designer and historian, former head of the fashion department at RISD; Annu Palakunnathu Matthew, photographer; Mimo Gordon-Riley, painter; Lisa Goddard, printmaker and former director of the Newport Art Museum; Nafis White and Garcia Sinclair, RISD BFA Sculpture '15 students, a couple who combine consciousness of community and contemporary art.

“Women have always been a pioneering force behind the arts and culture communities throughout Rhode Island’s history. Do we know those stories? Not as much as we should,” Holly says.

“Women challenge their roles by the very nature of what they do in choosing the life of an artist.

Speaking with historians and contemporary women artists, I found an interesting conversation emerging amongst a diverse group of multigenerational women, each with their own approach to art using narrative, autobiography, decoration, ritual, and performance. Again, it creates yet another unique Rhode Island story and captures a moment in time.”

The RI ART ARCHIVE PROJECT will continue to extend the conversation of the Rhode Island arts community to integrate different perspectives and experiences.

For more information visit: riaaproject.blogspot.com

Layout Design by Kate Hanley

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Making Your Social Content Conversion-Worthy

by Jairo Gomez Xzito

Social content offers incredible opportunities to create a loyal online following and funnel traffic toward your business -- but that traffic only matters if it leads to conversions. Here are some tips for turning your social content array into a powerful conversion machine.

Go Native With Your Content

Always Call the Reader to Action

Posting identical content, in identical forms, across all your social content channels is a surefire way off turning off the majority of your viewers instead of converting leads. Why? Remember that each channel encompasses its own particular format, culture, and readership, creating a unique overall environment. LinkedIn group members are not necessarily Facebook followers and vice versa.

You may be able to grab eyeballs with an arresting image by posting content to Facebook, while a more conservative approach may work better on another channel. By optimizing your posts for the respective native environments, you maximize their chances of drawing traffic toward your website or landing page.

Conversion hinges on action. If you invite readers to enjoy your social content and then simply move on to other things, you may be inspiring sufficient interest and curiosity to encourage return visits, but you’re doing nothing to increase your actual revenue or clientele.

Once you’ve captured your readers’ attention, you absolutely must seize the opportunity to tell them what you want them to do next. You do this by placing a call to action toward the conclusion of your social content article or other content. Ask your readers to explore your website for more information, check out your products and services, and/or share your valuable insights with their friends. You’ll start seeing better results once your audience starts taking that next step along the path to a sale.

Post the Most Compelling Links

(Even if They Link to Someone Else) When you host a blog, distribute an e-newsletter, or maintain an online news feed, you should make it your task to provide your readers with the widest possible range of fascinating, relevant, entertaining and helpful content. Yes, some of that content should issue from your own website -- but you’re by no means limited to that resource. Indeed, you can do both your business and your readership a great favor by linking to feature articles, breaking news, amazing images, and other powerful messages originated by leading content providers from all over the Web. Don’t worry about your readers abandoning your channels for these other providers; once they realize that you’re serving up a heaping “sampler platter” of such goodies on a regular basis, they’ll want to keep tuning in to see what you’ve got for them next.

Build Trust and Visibility Last but certainly not least, take heed of the fact that social content is a conversation, not a lecture. Its great “killer app” is its ability to create and encourage interaction between content providers and content readers, and thus between sellers and buyers. Make sure you’re feeding your readers a constant stream of the latest and greats happenings within your organization, but don’t just stop there -- invite comments and questions, and respond to them promptly. Your followers will feel that their contributions are being noticed and valued, building a foundation for a trust-based relationship while also keeping you visible. Likes, re-tweets, messages, and other interactions can turn online spectators into an important part of your customer base.

Take the extra time to customize your content for different channels, link to the world’s most compelling content, improve the user experience, and take part in the online conversation. You’ll find it time well spent when business takes a turn for the better!

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Layout Design by Panhia Lee

g n i c n a l ba act

I never intended to become a freelancer.

I had been working for two years at a local nonprofit when a colleague who landed considerably higher within the organization’s hierarchy approached me with an opportunity to, as he put it, “make some extra money.”

I was - and still am - working within a small marketing department, and learned quickly that our definition of “marketing” had been bent, stretched, and distorted beyond all recognition.

While I may have used seemingly negative adjectives to describe my department’s function within the organization, the truth is quite the contrary. Because of the loose characterization of marketing, I became well-versed in graphic design, web management, public relations, social media management, crisis communications, grant writing, and yes, marketing.

After a brief meeting with my colleague, I was suddenly filling out a W-9 form and two weeks later receiving checks for my work as an independent contractor for a local chamber of commerce, an organization on whose board my colleague sat.

I was officially freelancing.

While I couldn’t claim to be an expert in any of the skill sets I listed, I was good enough at some of them to warrant a few more opportunities coming my way.

An acquaintance needed a logo design. A relative wanted some marketing and social media guidance. A friend was looking to have wedding invitations designed and printed.

Soon I had accumulated a modest number of clients, and with great luck I had accidentally created a delicate yet seemingly perfect balance between my career and freelance work.

written and designed by Michael Ricci

Vol. 3 Issue 10 |

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Seeing Other People

Tick Tock

When I was first approached for my first freelance opportunity, I was unprepared for the internal struggle that would ensue.

I’ve always considered myself to be a good manager of time. I was never late with an assignment in school, I always finished projects at work ahead of schedule, and I’m chronically early to meetings, both professional and personal.

It occurred to me that I was being asked to work for, and would be paid by, another organization. The concept was both exciting and terrifying at the same time.

Someone else is noticing my work, I thought. But what if this new opportunity takes away from my day job?

I worked through that first question with a good degree of level-headedness, ultimately deciding that if my work at my day job began to suffer, or I began to feel like I was being pulled too far in opposite directions, then I would slowly back away from my new endeavor.

I felt like I was in high school again. I need this job, and I don’t want to quit the team, but I know if my grades slip, my parents will force me to choose.

Just as I had satisfied (or rationalized) my need to experience something new while holding on to what was familiar and safe, a new issue presented itself.

I need to tell my boss.

My supervisor worked closely with the colleague who had presented me with this opportunity, and I felt compelled to fill her in on the situation before someone else did.

Surely she would expect someone in our industry to freelance, right? Or would she think I’m being disloyal?

Would she think I’m getting ready to leave the organization?

I called another member of our department – someone closer to my pay grade and who had known our supervisor longer than I had – to ask for advice.

Go for it, she told me. She’ll understand.

As it turned out, she was more than understanding; she was encouraging. She valued the diversified experience, and understood that working at a nonprofit meant supplemental income was necessary for a lot of employees.

I knew it would work out.

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Rhode Island Creative Magazine

But as I glance over to my Gmail® inbox at the time I’m writing this article, it becomes obvious that managing one’s time is a dressed-up way of compromising, and quietly hoping your clients do the same.

Scrolling through the bevy of messages, all of which I’ve read multiple times by now but have done nothing with, I find the following:

The Chamber of Commerce is in need of a new front page banner for their website

A relative wants to have a meeting tomorrow night to discuss an online ad he wants to run for his mortgage company

I’ve yet to submit an invoice for a project I completed a couple weeks ago

I need to finish this article!

This list, of course, doesn’t include the emails from family and friends; or the emails about the fantasy football league of which I am commissioner; or the emails containing details about the bachelor party I’m planning for my brother.

For the record, I’m not claiming to be busier than anyone else, because I’m not. I’m also not attempting to portray that I don’t have time to complete all the tasks I listed in addition to my full-time job, because I do.

Here’s how: I’ll plan to finish a draft of the article tonight, even though I could keep revising for several days without being totally satisfied. I need to send it to an editor soon in order to have the layout designed in time for print, and I’ve already read through it three times. I suppose a fourth isn’t necessary.

Check.

I’ll reply to the Chamber tonight, explaining that I was out of town this past weekend (which is true) and I need to catch up on a few things this week.

I’ll give a realistic and reasonable deadline to complete the project, likely later this week.

Check.

The meeting with the mortgage company should be a short one tomorrow assuming we can stick to the topic of the online ad, but we won’t. That’s OK, because as we decide on a few more deliverables from the meeting, I’ll gain the leverage to delay running the ad. I can put together some artwork this weekend and have it up and running by the beginning of next week.

Check.

I’ll fit the invoice and all the personal items in between, or, more likely, after everything else is done. My clients will be pleased with my work, both the quality and quantity, and I’ll avoid having to operate on four hours of sleep.

Everybody compromises, and everybody wins.

Blurred Lines Shortly after I signed on to work with the Chamber of Commerce, I received an email from their president. She wanted to know if I had any interest in taking on a few small projects for a small business that she and her husband run together.

I received the email while I was at work. I watched as the message appeared on my secondary monitor, on which my Gmail® is often displayed opposite my work account.

I stared at it for a moment, planning to wait until later to read it, but the thought of leaving that or any message unread sent me into a temporary tailspin.

Identity Crisis I’ve already told you that I never intended to freelance. It never occurred to me that I could take the skills I was learning at my full-time job and parlay them into extra money.

The money helps, of course, but I could have decided to get a part-time job at the local market.

It would be far less stressful. There would be no need to look for clients or convince anyone you’re the right person to stock a particular shelf or ring out a particular customer.

Instead, I decided to email strangers on Craigslist, work unpredictable hours after work, and worry that I’m not entirely in control of how robust my next paycheck will be.

Why? For me, it’s about the challenge and the opportunity for creative expression that goes far beyond what is asked of me daily at my full-time job.

I can’t set a precedent with my freelance clients that I’m always available during the middle of the day, but I don’t want to seem unresponsive. I could always just send a message back stating that I’m at work and I’ll get back to her tonight. Yes, perfect.

It’s about being not only the creative talent, but also the sales team and the finance department. It’s about new design concepts for each project; each one different from the last. It’s about forming my own identity, which, for a creative professional, is perhaps the most important ingredient to good work.

While those options were important ones to consider, I was missing something. It hit me right as I was about to open the message.

During my first two years in the workforce, if someone had asked “what do you do for work?”

I would have responded with something like this:

This will only take a minute, but it’s not my minute to use.

I work at a nonprofit in marketing.

Sure, employees have certainly done much worse. Amazon, Facebook, and Yahoo! were sites frequently visible on any number of computers throughout the office.

But does that make it OK for me to respond to an email about another job?

I couldn’t possibly have justified to anyone why I would be conducting personal business using someone else’s time.

I still can’t, which is why I felt extremely guilty as I tabbed over to Gmail®, opened the message, read it, and replied.

Now, and moving forward, there’s no telling how I’ll answer that question.

Right now, I’m a writer.

Sometimes I’m a graphic designer. Other times I still work for that nonprofit in marketing.

And although I never intended to, I’ll always be a freelancer.

It only took a minute.

Vol. 4 Issue 1 |

21

I immediately opened an Etsy shop. What started out as just a way to make some extra money, has evolved into my own little business.

3. Where do you draw your inspiration?

My biggest inspiration comes from traveling. I love nothing more than to unplug and pack a bag. I’m fascinated by the world around me, particularly how people live their life in different parts of the world. Not surprisingly, I’m a big fan of keeping a travel journal.

4. What’s your favorite item to create?

I particularly enjoy making custom journals because I like to hear from a customer a little bit about where they’re going and bringing my book along. I get jealous of some of the amazing places my books get to go!

5. What’s your best seller?

I {heart} Rhody interviews Kristin Crane from Providence

If I’m selling locally, then my Providence and Rhode Island journals are usually my best sellers. In my online shop, it’s usually popular European destinations like France and Italy.

Artist’s name: Kristin Crane Shop name: Kristin Crane

online kristincrane.esty.com

Facebook kristincranedesigner twitter @Kristincrane

1. Tell us about your work.

I make handbound books and stationery using vintage maps and inspired by travel.

2. How did you come to be a professional artist/ crafter/designer?

Honestly, it kind of happened by accident. I went to college in Philadelphia and received a degree in textile design. After graduation, I spent 10 years working in the textile industry, designing woven fabrics for the home furnishings industry. I had always been a person to be making stuff, so when the mill I was working for abruptly closed its doors in the summer of 2007,

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6. How long have you been in Rhode Island?

I moved to Rhode Island in December 1998 and can’t believe it’s been that long!

7. What do you {heart} about Rhode Island?

I’ve always really loved that Rhode Island had enough of the things I want from a city, but is able to maintain a small town feel. I {heart} the creative community here and like that people are supportive and excited for each other, and not competitive. Oh, and I love the summers!!!!! (I need to remind myself of that in the winters!)

8. Please include anything else you’d like to add: My books are also available through Craftland, located in Downtown Providence. Buy handmade and shop local!

Connect with I {heart} Rhody

twitter @iheartrhody

facebook iheartrhody

online iheartrhody.com

Layout Design by Kimberly Sherman Leon

Transitioning Into A New Career

by Patricia Raskin, M.Ed. Award Wining Radio Producer, Coach, Trainer and Author Host Patricia Raskin Show, WPRO AM630/99.7FM and voiceamerica.com

“

The most successful people are those who understand change and take advantage of new situations.”

Here are some tips to ease the stress of the end of projects, situations and relationships: • As you see change coming or know it is in the near future, seek new opportunities.

As we end one phase in our lives, a new one begins. And so it goes with life’s transitions. The challenge with transitions, exciting as they can be, is that we do not know what’s on the other side. It’s all new and change can be scary.

Sometimes change comes suddenly without foresight of change.

When this happens, it is most important to get support and to hold on to routines and structures that are positive in your life. Keep that exercise routine, or those classes or group activities that feel supportive. We need to know that there are some constants, so keep the ones that work.

In many situations, we have a sense change is coming and when we do, this is the best time to take action. Spencer Johnson, M.D., author of the bestselling Who Moved My Cheese? writes about the styles of four mice who have to adapt to the cheese being moved. The message is that those of us who perceive that change is coming and prepare for it, adapt most quickly to change. Those who become angry or deny that change has arrived and do nothing, do not adapt well to change and pay the consequences. Those who eventually adapt to change have to work through their denial and procrastination in order to see something better.

Layout Design by Amy DeSantis

• Grieve what you are losing and appreciate and give thanks for the positives of the experience.

• Identify things that did not work and ways to do them better in the future.

• Make a list of everything you learned from the experience that you can use in future situations.

The most successful people are those who understand change and take advantage of new situations.

For those of us who are creative, we face change and transition often as we are always finding new creative ways to do what we do. We transform obstacles into opportunities by finding ways to use our strengths and build on them. Change and transition is inevitable. It’s how we view it and use it that determines our success.

Patricia Raskin, President of Raskin Resources, is a radio broadcaster and transition coach. The Patricia Raskin show is heard on Saturdays 4-6PM on WPRO, AM630 and 99.7FM and online at 630WPRO.com

Vol. 4 Issue 1 |

23

Into the Great Outdoors

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| Rhode Island Creative Magazine

by Kim Celona Prolific Artist & Writer

The weather beckons us when the temperatures reach 70 degrees and above. We long to bask in the sunshine or sit under a shady tree and just be. A gentle breeze, a sip of something cold or hot, a good book, being alone with your thoughts. Truth be told, everything is better outside during the months of beautiful weather and easier living. It’s truly heaven on earth.

For us creative types, we are especially ecstatic when it comes to this concept. Gone are the pre-Impressionism days, before the invention of the proverbial tube of paint, when artists were trapped in their studios staring out their windows to examine and interpret “the landscape.” We can live and create “en plein air”—in the open air. We can breathe in and feel our space, having a total picture while engaging all our senses. It’s inspiring because you are physically within the world you are interpreting without pigment dust blowing around. We are free to enjoy the world as our studio: the landscape transforming to fit our creative needs; the natural light filling our canvases perfectly; the freedom to use portable easels, chairs, and paint sets. Perhaps we want to uncover the naturalist within, utilizing the elements found in nature to directly work with and in. A tree stump for a chair; leaning a canvas against a tree as an easel; utilizing natural pigments or incorporating found objects in your work. The possibilities are endless, like the big world your feet are grounded in when you unearth your inhibitions and let everything take flight into the breeze of your imagination.

The open-air studio is an amazing concept; however, it may be difficult for (or pose material-related problems for) various art makers such as installation artists, sculptors, printmakers, or any other artists who require heavy machinery, methods or specific tools which make creating art outdoors difficult.

Luckily, there are alternatives to circumvent the system if your art-making falls into one of these categories. Think about your art and adjust to working outside.

The sketchbook: the book of plans, ideas, creative schemes, the beginning of many ideas. It’s so very easy to transport,

Photo taken by Kim Celona

can fit into a pocket or purse, and so ideal for travel and adventure. I’ve always been a huge fan of sketchbooks. They are the place one can view process. A visual artist, unlike a musician or any performer, is usually engaging in the artmaking process solo. Usually, we view the finished piece in a gallery, museum, public or private venue. Outsiders do not get to witness the magic and mystery of visual art creation.

The sketchbook and, in particular, drawing, unveils some of the mystique surrounding the artist. It is raw, real and filled with the hand of the artist. I can remember seeing Leonardo Da Vinci’s drawings in Italy—I had chills from the reality of this experience, as if he was standing before me. One of my treasures of inspiration is a copy of “The Diary of Frida Kahlo,” which is essentially her sketchbook/journal documenting the last ten years of her physically and emotionally painful life. One word: Amazing. You get a true external compass of her internal pain and emotional distress.

I always speak as the voice of a creator; however, a creator does not have to fit within the confines of one genre of creativity. Maybe you are a song writer, poet, doodler, chef, dancer, a lover of books and people, or a bird watcher; whatever drives your creative side of your brain; take it outside.

Be inspired.

Take it outside.

Think about it. There are no limits in open air. The world is far and wide, and something profound occurs when you are working outside in the midst of it. It’s so natural. One feels more free and alive. I imagine Walt Whitman and Henry David Thoreau, and how they understood this power of nature and how it inspires great work, affecting one’s creative, intellectual and spiritual planes of being.

Yes, take it all outside.

You will be happy you did.

Layout Design by Kimberly Sherman Leon

Vol. 4 Issue 1 |

25

OCEAN STATE

Oyster Festival

by Jennifer Currier Writer

I sat down with Andy Cutler, one of the founding members of the first annual Ocean State Oyster Festival, and he explained their vision to me in one sentence: “What lobster is to Maine, we want oysters to be to Rhode Island.”

Cutler is a man of many hats: founder of “Smaller Cities Unite!,” named Ambassador for the City of Providence, and strategic communications consultant for students, start-ups, and entrepreneurs. But perhaps one of Cutler’s best talents is his ability to create civic pride. Along with the Oyster Festival’s co-founders, Don Nguyen and Frank Mullin, Cutler is cultivating partnerships among oyster farmers, non-profit organizations, and the people of Rhode Island to offer a new avenue of pride for those who live in this smallest-butgreatest state.

Whether Rhode Island natives or Ocean State transplants, all of the festival’s creators have a strong love of Rhode Island and want to see it recognized for the great things it has to offer. Cutler, Nguyen, and Mullin have very different backgrounds, but they are united by a common vision: they want to restore Rhode Island to its glory days of being an oyster-harvesting mecca and get the whole community involved and excited about this venture. For months they have been working behind the scenes to turn this vision into reality.

The first thing they did was contact the oyster farmers.

“You can’t be involved with oysters and not have it be a conversation,” Cutler explained. Part of this conversation included going out with the farmers to learn the ropes and see the effort that goes into the final product. In addition,

Cutler and crew partnered with Save The Bay, a local nonprofit organization, to develop a new program called “Explore the Bay.” This program, specially designed for kids, will involve solar-powered oyster-farming. Cutler, Nguyen, and Mullin see the value of getting kids in boats at a young age, knowing that it only takes a spark of interest to create a lifelong passion.

The annual Ocean State Oyster Festival will hopefully lead to a transformation in Rhode Island tourism and in the community’s sense of civic pride. “It really has been a labor of love,” Cutler says. And we understand what he means, because all great masterpieces are.

The inaugural Ocean State Oyster Festival will be September 19th from 12-5pm at the Providence River Walk (where the “Providence Flea” is held). Entrance tickets include a half dozen oysters, a beer or glass of wine, live music, beautiful scenery, and entertainment (which includes an oyster shucking contest!) The event is limited to 2,000 people—don’t miss out! To purchase tickets, visit www.oysterfestri.com or like their Facebook page, www. facebook.com/OceanStateOysterFestival. 10% of ticket sales will go to Save the Bay.

What lobster is to Maine, we want oysters to be to Rhode Island.

Layout Design by Kimberly Sherman Leon

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October 1 – November 1

Sunday-Friday 6 pm – 11 pm

(last admission at 10 pm)

Saturdays 6 pm – midnight

(last admission at 11 pm) Buy tickets online at rwpzoo.org

PUBLISHING

What's happening creatively in Rhode Island?

RI’s Comprehensive Arts & Entertainment Calendar

A rtsNowRI.com An easy-to-use calendar that covers all

art related events statewide. You can view the many different artists and events that our creative state has to offer. It’s also where you can submit any events you may be having. Make this your go-to calendar to see what is going on creatively in RI!

9/9/15 AMP RI featuring Anjel Newmann, Director of Youth at AS220 AS220 in the Black Box Theater, First Floor 95 Empire Street, Providence RI 5:30-7:00 PM, Appetizers & Cash Bar $5 members, $10 non-members RSVP at ampri.info@gmail.com or call 401.861.7200 Bring a friend and your business cards!

9/10/15 Creative Ground Workshop Office Hours Newport Art Museum 76 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 11AM-4PM; Register Only

8/21/15 - 10/5/15 17th Annual Pawtucket Arts Festival For the complete schedule this season please visit pawtucketartsfestival.org Every Sunday 6/7/15 - 9/13/15 The Providence Flea 10AM-4PM Downtown Providence on the Providence River Greeway across from 345 South Water Street, Providence 9/6/15 Jayce ‘The Healer’ Foundation 2nd Annual “A Day In The Park” Remembrance of Jayce ‘The Healer’ Water Safety Event Johnston Memorial Park Johnston, RI 12-5PM; FREE

9/10/15 RI Art Archive Project Film 1 Screening Newport Art Museum 76 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 6:30-9PM 9/14/15 - 9/18/15 StyleWeek Northeast Ballroom at PROVIDENCE G 100 Dorrance St., Providence, RI 5:30-10PM; Tickets online 9/16/15 - 9/27/15 DesignWeekRI - DESIGNxRI 11 day event; Visit designxri.com for the complete listing of events, times, locations and to purchase tickets.

9/17/15 Gallery Night Providence The First Hearing Impaired Tour Led by Peter Geisser, K-12 Art Teacher at the Rhode Island School for the Deaf 5:30PM; FREE One Regency Plaza, Providence, RI

Check out the full calendar online!

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9/17/15 Artist’s Loop with Patricia Raskin Rochambeau Library 708 Hope St, Providence, RI 6-8PM; FREE 9/19/15 First Annual Ocean State Oyster Festival Riverwalk Park, Providence, RI Children under 12 FREE. Rain or shine event. 12-5PM; Tickets online 9/20/15 Thayer Street Art Festival 306 Thayer Street, Providence, RI 10-5pm; FREE 9/22/15 Adult Coloring at Newport Public Library 300 Spring Street, Newport, RI 3PM; FREE 9/26/15 - 9/27/15 Arts Marketplace Pawtucket Armory 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket, RI SAT. 10AM-6PM SUN. 10AM-4PM FREE & Open to the Public 9/26/15 - 9/27/15 XOS Open Studios Exchange Street Neighborhood Riverfront Lofts,10 Exchange Court Blackstone Studios,163 Exchange Street Mad Dog Studios, 65 Blackstone Avenue Pawtucket, RI 10AM-4PM; FREE & Open to the Public 9/27/15 Second Stage Studio presents The Autumnal Equinox Diamond Hill Park, Cumberland, RI 2-6PM; $5 and Open to the Public

creativeground.org CreativeGround@nefa.org

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AVA Gallery and Art Center

CreativeGround spotlights the creative people and places at work in New England, including cultural nonprofits like libraries and theaters, creative businesses like recording studios and design agencies, and artists of all disciplines such as performing arts, visual arts, and crafts.

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Visit CreativeGround.org today to: Promote your work, activities, and services.

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A project of the New England Foundation for the Arts, CreativeGround is brought to you through partnerships with the National Endowment for the Arts and the six New England state arts agencies.

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