Greater RI protections for wiretap warrants: No federal “good-faith” exception to exclusionary rule

The RI Supreme Court this morning (May 5) ruled unanimously, 5-0, in a consolidated case involving multiple criminal defendants (State v. Deric S. McGuire et al.) that a failure to follow strict state law requirements for wiretap warrants totally invalidates those warrants, justifying a suppressing of evidence for all of the fruits of the invalid […]

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Featured Contributor May 2022: LuzJennifer Martinez

Where there were books, libraries and music cassettes, that’s where you would find LuzJennifer Martinez as a kid, growing up in the inner city of Providence. Her passion for reading Babysitters Club books and writing in journals (while listening to some good tunes of course) led her to Rhode Island College for a BA in […]

Art

Art in the Public View: Walking through RI’s street scenes

Shortly before an array of computer printouts and hand-written notes announcing business closures and curbside pickup policies presented a kind of collective commentary on COVID-19 along North Main Street, somebody spray painted a plea on an undeveloped lot near Rhode Island School of Design’s administration building: “PUT SOME ART ON THIS WALL!” For months, the […]

Art

Truly Divine: Catching up with Umberto Crenca

Umberto Crenca, one of PVD’s best known artists and the retired cofounder of renowned arts non-profit AS220 took the time to catch up with us about his current series of works, Divine Providence. Crenca began his new collection of works in early 2020. Divine Providence pays homage to the streets and sights of the city […]

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Nothin’ But Good Scent-iments: Providence Perfume Co conducts a symphony of natural essences

After speaking with Charna Ethier, owner of the Providence Perfume Co in Pawtucket, Motif learned that music and perfume have more in common than we realized. Making great perfume can be like music for your nostrils, with intonations and layers that unravel one whiff at a time. “Perfumery is a mysterious art, but when you […]

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Paciorek on Pinks and Purples: Prolific painter talks color

Motif had the opportunity to speak with PVD-based artist, Nick Paciorek, known for his local and international landscapes, paintings that use big strokes of vivid color to create lively tones and atmosphere. Originally from Chicago, Paciorek has lived in RI for decades and currently creates art at The Pitcher-Goff house in Pawtucket: Luke Taylor (Motif): […]

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Motif 2022 Tattoo Awards: Winners, details and shout-outs

A woman on stilts, letting her nipple tassles swing through the air, walking to the powerful beat of a full band of over 20 percussionists. A fire dancer, spinning, twirling and throwing orange flames like she could control the element itself. A contest to win free tattoos on the spot — with over 75 eager […]

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May Holidays, Ranked: What’s the best holiday in May?

Alright, Motif readers, it’s time we got to the bottom of the burning question we all ask ourselves once the 5th month of the year comes around — what’s the best holiday in May? At first you might think, what holidays are even in May? But quickly after that, you realize that there’s a whole […]

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The Art of Metal: Local artists share their love for metal art

When walking down Sims Ave in PVD, it is nearly impossible to miss The Steel Yard in all of its metal art glory. “It’s much more than just hammering,” says Elsa Hoffman, an artist resident at industrial art space. Not only do they provide a safe and dependable space for their artists, but they also […]

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Gather Glass: Blowing Glass… and Minds

Hot. Glowing. Molten glass illuminates the glassblower’s studio as they risk high temperatures and defy the laws of physics for their art. “Glassblowing creates not just an object, but a spiritual connection to the object. It is a relationship,” says Benny Giguere, a glassblower and instructor at Gather Glass in PVD. There is more than […]

Motif

Events:

A Changing Reflection

The Newport Biennial 2022

Lisa Reihana in Pursuit of Venus [infected]

One Whale Makes Seven Shores Prosperous

Highway Kind

Drawing Closer

Chromoskedasic Portraits

The Carol Burnett Show & Cabaret

Only One Earth — Only One RI

Photography by Karen Johnson-Nieuwendijk

Rising Seas • Featured IFA Artist Linda Megathlin

The Neurodiversity Everywhere!: Spring 2022 Tour

Olmstead in Newport

Finding the Spirit of Inaga: A Gallery of Traditional Musical Instruments

Joe Banda

SBG Artist Members Spring Exhibit.

Below the Surface

Re-examining Conservation: Questions at the Intersection of the Arts & Sciences.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Remembering: Paintings

Featured

Greater RI protections for wiretap warrants: No federal “good-faith” exception to exclusionary rule

Featured Contributor May 2022: LuzJennifer Martinez

Art in the Public View: Walking through RI’s street scenes

Truly Divine: Catching up with Umberto Crenca

Nothin’ But Good Scent-iments: Providence Perfume Co conducts a symphony of natural essences

Paciorek on Pinks and Purples: Prolific painter talks color

Motif 2022 Tattoo Awards: Winners, details and shout-outs

May Holidays, Ranked: What’s the best holiday in May?

The Art of Metal: Local artists share their love for metal art

Gather Glass: Blowing Glass… and Minds