On August 12, Motif cohosted a forum on the Arts in Providence featuring Democratic Primary Mayoral candidates Brett Smiley and David Morales. In Providence, the real election typically happens in the primary. The winner will go on to face David Tenet (R) and Allen Waters (I) in the general election, but Providence is a determinedly […]
New chapters are being constantly written in the quest to become a published author. RI has an embarrassment of riches, and hundreds of authors who have achieved the impressive landmark of getting published spread their wordy wares for public consumption at a pair of robust book expos last month. First, the author fair at Hope […]
Centerville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket hosted its first live music event in August. It started big with the Island Roads Fest, featuring popular reggae/ rock bands including Sublime, Slightly Stoopid, Iration, Action Bronson, DENM, Bumpin Uglies, Beach Fly, Grateful Dub, Rebelution, The Roots, SOJA, The Original Wailers featuring Al Anderson, HIRIE, The Expendables, Joe Samba, […]
I found NecronomiCon, the Lovecraft convention in Providence, wildly entertaining for several reasons. First, I thoroughly enjoyed how spread out the event was. Activities, panels, concerts, and a vendor floor were distributed across multiple buildings and properties. The weather was beautiful, and it was wonderful to spot fellow attendees throughout the city wearing their lanyards, […]
Stepping into a tattoo convention without a tattoo or an array of piercings can be intimidating, like stepping into a gallery show without reading the title first. Aside from a pair of basic ear studs, my own skin is a blank canvas, but as an artist and art educator, I don’t look at the world […]
August 12, 6:30 – 8:30 PM Southside Cultural Center – 393 Broad Street, Providence What do the candidates for Mayor of Providence have in mind for the future of arts engagement in the “Creative Capital”? Find out straight from the Democratic Primary candidates Brett Smiley and David Morales, at Motif’s first political forum, where local […]
The Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival returns August 4 – 9, bringing over 300 films across the globe to nine venues in Rhode Island. Recognized as one of the top film festivals in the US, RIIFF received more than 7,000 submissions for its 2026 festival, celebrating the event’s 30th year. The festival has built […]
The Tattoo Awards featured a gallery wall populated by local artists. Here is a selection of the artwork on display!
Favorite Animal/ Favorite Floral Tara D’Agostino – Iron Lion Tattoo By the numbers, Tara D’Agostino got her first tattoo at the age of 15, picked up her own tattoo machine at the age of 19, opened her own tattoo parlor 16 years ago, has been a tattoo artist for 20 years, and has won Motif […]
Favorite Free Verse Spoken Word 2026 Ashley Hosa Sending out a big congrats to Ashley Hosa, who came to the Spoken Awards with a multitude of wonderful supporters (shoutout to Ryan!). During the post-announcement interview, Ashley stated, “I came here not knowing what was going to happen, and this is just such an incredible feeling. […]