Art

Getting your art on this holiday season: Local picks

We the artists of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Prosperity, do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America. Our Ocean State was the first state in the country to make the sale of fine art tax-free. 

  • Providence Art Club 121st Annual Little Pictures Show & Sale. Since 1904, Little Pictures has been the nation’s oldest and largest exhibit of the beloved tradition of little art. Now ‘till December 22, galleries open noon – 5, 7 days a week. Over 700 artists are featured in original artwork of no more than 16”x16”. Over 120 local artists, and RI tax-free on purchases. As the affordable art sells, it is replaced, making the exhibit constantly changing. Are you an art lover? Are you looking for a unique gift? Come visit one of the oldest art organizations in our nation at 11 Thomas St. Providence. 
  • 13th Annual PVD Artisans Holiday Premiere at WaterFire Arts Center, 10am – 4pm on December 13 & 14. 95 well curated artists displaying some of their handcrafted works for your holiday wish lists to be fulfilled. Smell and taste New Harvest Coffee and stop by the food trucks too! 
  • NEIDart Audubon Exhibition 2025 at the Audubon Society, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol. A solo art exhibition by Tina McCurdy of NEIDart, a RISD grad, taps into New England’s native species through the fine arts. A whimsical combination of nature’s scientific and medical illustrations are brought to life. Now through December 31, gallery open Wednesday-Sunday 9:30 – 4:30
  • Beautifica 360, Bridgeport, CT, road trip? Grammy-nominated artist James Hood exposes his multi-sensory project blending music and art. An immersive, 360-degree experience in a digital full-dome theater that is designed to uplift and reconnect, creating a mesmerizing experience. Located at the Discovery Science Center and Planetarium, 4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport, CT. Tickets and dates are limited https://tickets.changeworlds.org
  • Ever walked under a fresco? Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, the Exhibition is here at the Warwick Mall! Visually appealing and masterfully constructed recreations of 34 original masterpieces of Michaelangelo’s most iconic work from Rome. 400 Bald Hill Rd., Warwick. (Between Target and Nordstrom Rack), now through January 18. Exhibit takes around 60 – 90 minutes, runs Wed – Sat, 11am – 8pm (last entry 6:30pm) and Sun 11am – 6pm (last entry 4:30pm).
  • Brown University Art Collection Public Tour — classic sculptures of contemporary art. Student-led guided tours available with Brown Arts Institute’s ArtsCrew workforce development initiative. For more details and a schedule for tours, visit arts.brown.edu/spaces/public-art/public-art-tours. An enjoyable experience of over 30 public art pieces!
  • A Brush with Trees at Blithewold: Artists’ Reception is an exhibition by Paul Olson, a RI based painter. His expressive oil paintings embrace majestic trees, coastal light, and quiet gardens of RI. His work balances light, atmosphere, and place. Now through January 4, open during visitor center hours, Tuesday through Sunday, 10am to 4pm. 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, at the Marjorie Van Wickle Lyon Gallery Visitor Center.
  • The WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley St. Providence. Originally built in 1929 as a multipurpose manufacturing facility, WaterFire Providence completed renovations in 2017. It has a distinctive historical, antique aesthetic for any style event. Check out RI Brew Fest on January 31st at WaterFire Arts Center. 
  • Anchor Bend Glassworks LLC fosters traditional techniques of glassblowing to create one-of-a-kind craftsmanship. Wholesale, custom, functional or exquisite decorative art. Anchor Bend Gallery 16 Franklin Street, Newport.
  • Black Duck Gallery, 25 Broad St. Westerly, features original paintings and limited prints of young and recognized artists. The gallery has hosted 150 exhibitions and more than 500 artists, since 2008,  including individual and group paintings, mixed media, photography, installation artworks, handmade constructions and more!
  • Blink Gallery offers a unique perspective from photographer Alexander Nesbitt. Shop the galleries Newport collection and check off that special someone on your list! 89 Thames St., Newport, hours and appointments online at blinkgalleryusa.com/blink-gallery-hours-contact-address
  • Gilbert Stuart Birthplace & Museum, a restored snuff mill from the 1700s, houses colonial pictures and grounds with stunning views. Check out history, art, and nature of the Bell Art Gallery, 815 Gilbert Stuart rd., Saunderstown.
  • Jessie Edwards Gallery, Block Island, is a ferry ride away and hosts an inspiring collection of many artists. Ben Anderson, Laura Anderson, Sarah Bird, Gerard Blouin, Helen Frank, Peter M. Gish, Cynthia Guild and many more! This gallery opened in 1996, located on the 2nd floor of the Block Island Post Office building. Its location overlooks Old Harbor and encompasses over 30 regional and local contemporary artists. Open May through December and by appointment during the winter months at info@jessieedwardsgallery.com