Displaying exceptional talent on a small canvas, the Ocean State Small Works Exhibition was not just a charming summer showcase, but rather a demonstration of what the Wickford Art Association is capable of: bringing together artists of all levels through thoughtful exhibitions and simultaneously strengthening the artist community through accessibility and quality. As they host a number of events, classes, and shows in a rotating calendar cycle, this North Kingston-based nonprofit association is constantly in motion. The Ocean State Small Works Exhibition was simply a fraction of that momentum in action.
Located in North Kingstown, just steps from Wickford Cove, this nonprofit art organization is one of the longest-standing in Rhode Island. Year-round, they host rotating shows, juried exhibitions, themed displays, and an annual scholarship exhibit for young artists. Beyond the gallery walls, they offer classes, workshops, and lectures in everything from oil painting to photography. Their mission? To be a welcoming space for artistic growth and connection, whether you’re a beginner or a professional.
Yet the reach goes beyond the gallery walls. In order to support local creatives, they have organized educational programming along with art classes, lectures, workshops in oil painting and pastels, photography and mixed media. No matter your level, this association works to include all artists.. So, if you are looking to enhance your painting skills, meet fellow artists, or simply be in a room full of inspired individuals, this is a place of culture worth your attention.
This summer’s exhibition was on display from June 27th to July 27th. It highlighted the Association’s potential to curate a professional, cohesive, and welcoming showcase. The concept was simple: Member artists from the Association were invited to submit up to four small-scale works, each no bigger than 14 inches on its longest side. Prices ranged from $50 to $300, available via a cash-and-carry system that allowed visitors to take home what they loved on the spot without having to wait until the end of the show. This made it ideal for tourists and regular collectors, and made fine pieces of art more accessible and affordable.
Featuring 18 local artists, the showcase was a blend of seasoned professionals and emerging talents. Compared to different years where artists were limited to portraying the land and seascapes of Rhode Island in their work, this year, the exhibition opened the doors of creative freedom and allowed any subject to be portrayed. However, these artists still chose to celebrate the natural beauty of our state.
“People just have really interesting stories,” said Shari Weschler, Gallery Art Coordinator for the Association, “And then they become artists or they study as artists. Everybody’s path takes a bit of a windy road.”
What emerged from the final product was a successful exhibition that put on display the diverse and consistent quality that Wickford’s artists bring to the table. Lynn Ennis, for example, offered a poetic chair-themed series that explores human connection. Lisa Bushee’s pastel-toned photographs printed on acrylic invited a dreamy atmosphere. Samantha Becker’s bold and contemporary pieces added energy to the space. Karen Houston, an oil painter and exhibition committee member, helped Weschler install the show and bring along a vibrant presence.
Paired with the Wickford Art Festival, which drew hundreds of visitors to Wilson Park, the show benefited from the large number of attendees and perfect summer weather. “It was very well attended, and it was good weather,” Weschler says. “We like to run the Ocean State Small Works in tandem with the festival just because, you know, it makes sense.” It indeed makes sense. It offers tourists and locals the chance to enjoy the art out in the perfect summer sky, with the added option to pop into the gallery and dive deeper into the artists’ work.
One thing about the Wickford Art Association is that they are constantly thinking about what comes next. “We are always looking ahead,” says Wechsler. Next year, the upcoming summer showcase will look different. Summer 2026 will feature a juried format curated exhibition that will be branded as Show Us Your Best. This will introduce new opportunities for artistic recognition and perfection. Just know that it does not matter if you could not make it to this show, there is also more in the works. An extensive list of exhibitions will continue throughout the year and carry into the new year. New upcoming shows include Creatures Great and Small, running July 31 to August 31, 2025, to Every Picture Tells a Story on display from July 13 to August 29, 2025; it is clear that there is no shortage of inspiration at the Wickford Art Association.
Check out their website for more information, and their schedule for the 2025-2026 Calendar Exhibitions!