This could be the start of a sitcom: two friends, living together, decide to pick up pinball as a hobby, and bring along another friend for the ride. The next thing they know? They’re opening Electromagnetic Pinball in Pawtucket. Michael Pare, Emily Rose and Joe Paquin have come together to bring not only their own collection to the public, but a love of pinball, gaming and community.
The housemates started collecting about five years ago with one single pinball machine, and the hobby continued to grow. Emily Rose says, “We didn’t have couches, we had maybe 20 or 25 pinball tables, some stored underneath each other. It was like [stacking] cartridge games; even though they’re pinball tables, we were putting one under another and moving them when we needed them.”
Rose has always had a love for games, but found a particular love for pinball and the pinball community. She said, “We’ve met a lot of friends, been to events, there’s just been a resurgence in pinball. It’s such a good response, we just keep going.”
Each of the three business partners have their own talents when it comes to the business, and through Joe, they spent a lot of time connecting with the community. They’re running a summer camp this summer, and plan on having group homes come in. Rose says, “We’re also working with a charity called Project Pinball that puts machines in hospitals and Ronald McDonald houses.”
Rose talks about a return to pinball as a “classic” style game. She said, “The gaming environment is kind of dying, we’re trying to go against that.” Rose stresses the need to have players be in the moment and focused on what’s happening in the game. There are two problems she’s identified in the gaming world — first and foremost, an issue with most games being digital. She says of the pinball tables, “We like it because it’s real, each pinball table is its own thing. Virtual? It’s not the same without the ball.” Second, she mentions how people forget the art of the games and how to play them because they’re focused on the prize. She says, “People don’t appreciate games when they focus on the prize or the money; they miss out on the experience of the game.” Because of that, the arcade does have prizes, but you can buy them if you want. The experience is about the game itself. She says: “Play games for the sake of playing games, it’s fun!”
Rose reflects on her past as she looks to the future of the business she helped build. “We’re trying to put in as much into the gaming community as we got out.”
Electromagnetic Pinball (881 Main St, Pawtucket) will hold a free grand opening party on July 2 from 2-5 pm (suggested donation: $10). Play pinball, visit their neighbor, Lighthouse Skatepark, and have an early dinner at Smoke and Squeal BBQ, which also is in the building. For more info, go to fb.com/ElectroMagneticPinball
While this year’s Rhode Island Pridefest and Parade will not go on, there are still plenty of Pride events to attend in Rhode Island. As we enter the final week of June, I’ve compiled a list of Pride activities you can attend before the month ends.
South Kingston Pride will be on June 24 from 3 – 8pm. Likewise, Love to All Project in collaboration with Brown and RISD students is hosting Providence Pride 2021. The march will occur on June 26 from 1 – 3pm and is unaffiliated with RI Pride.
Warwick will be hosting two events. First, on June 23 at 9am, SAGE-RI is hosting a workshop called “Providing Care to LGBT Older Adults.” The workshop is aimed toward those who work in long-term care or assisted living facilities who are interested in delivering quality care for LGBT elders, such as administrators, directors of nursing, social workers, and staff developers in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Attendees can also attend this event virtually.
The second Warwick event is a special storytime perfect for families. On June 26 at 1pm, families can attend Drag Story Time, an event all about being true to yourself and accepting others. The event will feature queens Ninny Nothin and Randi Xtra Xtra.
Newport will also be hosting several events. First, on June 24 from 6 – 7pm, Newport Art Museum is hosting Scandalous Conduct: Newport 1919, an event in which attendees can learn little-known facts about Naval culture in 1919 Newport. On Saturday, June 26, Newport will also be hosting its Newport Pride Ride from 11am – noon and its Newport Pride Market and Festival from 11am through June 28 at 3pm. Newport is also hosting its Pride Afterdark event, for which registration has already closed.
For those who prefer to remain cautious about COVID, there are a few virtual Pride events as well. Among them is Thundermist’s Trans Health Provider Talks: Trans-Affirming OB/GYN CARE, which is being hosted by Thundermist Health Center on June 23 and June 29 from 7 – 8pm. On June 28 at 7pm, SAGE-RI Short FilmFest will be premiering a series of LGBT short films, with opportunities to ask the filmmakers questions at the end of the screenings. Finally, on June 29 from 7 – 8:30pm, Lesbian Legacies – Archiving Our Lives in Rhode Island, an open discussion welcome to all lesbians, will be hosted over Zoom.
Options RI is a wonderful resource for Pride events and ticket information. Visit them at optionsri.org.
Rhythm and Roots Festival, 2019; Photo by Phil Stewart
Some claimed that by 2019, we had hit peak festival and there was nowhere to go but down. But we didn’t quite see last year’s total festival cancellation coming. And like a jilted lover who only now realizes what we had, we want you back, festivals. We promise we’ll appreciate you better.
Although it appears that festival planners are baby stepping into the season, with many reluctant to announce their plans at time of press, some are diving right in with COVID protocols in place. We’ve rounded up a list of the best festivals the season has to offer (so far). And before you start complaining about the powdered sugar from your doughboy sticking to your sunscreen-coated face, just think about last year and how lonely you were without them.
Providence’s art, culture and culinary communities traditionally came together each year to kick off summer with PVDFest. But this year, it’s going to be a little different. The festival is being coy so far by releasing nothing more than a slickly produced teaser video and some dates, but we’re here for it. Citywide events to take place all summer long, with a summer closer taking place the weekend of September 25 – 26. for more info, pvdfest.com
The 38th Narragansett Art Festival returns with artisans exhibiting their work, including acrylics, oils, pastels, watercolors, drawings, graphics, sculpture, photography and more. Jun 19 – 20. Veterans’ Park, 35 Ocean Rd, Narragansett. wakefieldrotary.com
For everyone who loves flowers and mansions (who doesn’t?), the Newport Flower Show is back in bloom with a reimagined presentation. The three-day event, held at the historic Rosecliff Mansion, offers self-guided tours of garden displays on the first floor of the mansion. Jun 18 – 20. 548 Bellevue Ave, Newport. newportmansions.org
Wickford Village is well-known for its eclectic shops and colonial homes, and it is also well-known for hosting one of the longest-running outdoor art festivals in New England. The Wickford Art Festival, produced by the Wickford Art Association since 1962, will invite more than 200 artists from across the country to exhibit their fine art. An added bonus: RI doesn’t collect sales tax on fine art sales, so shop away! Jul 10 – 11. Wilson Park, North Kingstown. wickfordart.org
The Narragansett Lions Club has been hosting the Blessing of the Fleet Celebration since 1972. Over the past 47 years, the event has grown from one day to a full three days of celebrating! The Blessing of the Fleet Celebration includes a three-day festival that includes a 10-mile road race on Friday and the blessing of the fleet on Saturday, with hundreds of vessels joining the parade! Jul 22 – 24. Memorial Square, Narragansett. narragansettlionsclub.org
The Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF), is a six-day festival that’s going hybrid this year. Screenings happen online and at various locations around the state. RIIFF has been a qualifying festival for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences qualifying event in three categories since 2002. Aug 9 – 15. film-festival.org
Dogapalooza Family Festival is a two-day festival with live music, children’s entertainment, food, vendors, crafts, raffles and contests. The festival offers free admission and free parking, with all committee tent proceeds benefiting the Pawtucket Dog Park. Jul 31 – Aug 1. Pawtucket Dog Park at Slater Memorial Park, Newport Avenue, Pawtucket. pawtucketdogpark.com
The 5th annual Looff Arts Festival brings together artists, authors, live entertainment and more along the scenic EP waterfront. The Looff showcases all types of art and a Writers Row. And don’t forget to take a spin on the Looff carousel! Aug 14. Crescent Park, 700 Bullocks Point Ave, Riverside. eastprovidencearts.org
Head on down to the 55th annual Washington County Fair! COVID-safe planning is still in progress, but planners have officially scheduled the 5-day event. Aug 14 – 18. Washington County Fairgrounds, Route 112, Richmond. washingtoncountyfair-ri.com
The 12th annual SENE Film, Music and Arts Festival will take place this summer, with a bonus fall SENE taking place in October. This festival is dedicated to giving life to independent cinema, music and art. Jun 17 – 19. Artist’ Exchange, 50 Rolfe Square, Cranston. senefest.com
Food Festivals
Attention all seafood lovers! The Charlestown Seafood Festival is a must-attend event – lobsters, steamers, fish and chips, chowder, a raw bar and more! Don’t like seafood?? No problem! The festival offers foods for every taste. Aug 6 – 8. Ninigret Park, Park Old Post Rd, Charlestown. charlestownrichamber.com/seafoodfestival.html
As summer winds down, check out the 9th annual Rhode Island Seafood Festival. Enjoy the delicious offerings from a wide variety of seafood vendors, live music, beer, wine and spirits, and planned activities the whole family can enjoy. Sep 11 – 12. India Point Park, 201 India St, PVD. riseafoodfest.com
Music Festivals
The Newport Music Festival’s month-long schedule includes an array concerts and events. Many of them are already sold out, so get your tickets now!. July. newportmusic.org
The Newport Folk Fest, recognized as one of the first modern music festivals in the country, made some COVID adjustments this year, and turned it into two 3-day events to allow for social distancing. As of this writing, the schedule hasn’t been announced, but it’s already sold out. Jul 23 – 25 & Jul 26 – 28. Fort Adams State Park, 90 Fort Adams Dr, Newport. newportfolk.org
The Newport Jazz Festival, will expand to three days this year, with reduced capacity each day. The event features four stages, beer and wine gardens, food and crafts. Jul 30 – Aug 1. Fort Adams State Park, 90 Fort Adams Dr, Newport. newportjazz.org
Blues, food, drink and the outdoors makes for a perfect summer afternoon at the Rhode Island Blues Festival. It offers everything from traditional to modern blues, the event showcases both established and up-and-coming blues musicians from across New England. Jul 17. Mulligan’s Island, 1000 New London Ave, Cranston. ribluesfest.com
There’s Labor Day weekend fun for the whole family at the Rhythm & Roots Festival. The annual event attracts attendees from all across the US and Canada. A perfect summer sendoff, R&R offers music, dance floors, delicious food, children’s activities, workshops and more! Sep 3 – 5. Ninigret Park, 5 Park Ln, Charlestown. rhythmandroots.com
The Rhode Island Folk Festival, formerly Providence Folk Festival, returns this year with three stages of live performances. The free music event was the 2017 Motif Magazine Award winner for Best American Festival. Aug 29. Rose Larisa Park, 701 Bullocks Point Ave, Riverside. providencefolkfestival.com
Cultural Festivals
The Day of Portugal celebration, which has taken place since 1978, offers live entertainment, food, dance, a parade and a spectacular sunset torch procession. Jun 13. Waterplace Park, PVD. ridayofportugal.org
The Japan America Society of Rhode Island presents the 38th annual Black Ships Festival, celebrating the friendship between Japan and RI. The event is marked with Japanese arts, music, martial arts and a free drum concert. Jun 12 – 13. Independence Park, Thames Street, Bristol. blackshipsfestival.com
Last year, many of us soothed our disappointment over St. Paddy’s related cancellations with what we now know was an erroneous thought: Well, there is always next year.
So, it’s deja vu all over again. And while the City of Pawtucket went ahead with their parade in 2020 and Newport officials engaged in a much-publicized back-and-forth over whether to hold their famous event, eventually deciding to cancel it, this year it’s certain there will be no marching through the streets in March in either city (the Newport City Council is eyeing a September date).
But all is not lost. With some barroom restrictions likely to remain in place come St. Patrick’s Day, we can be certain Rhode Island denizens will be searching for whiskies and pints wherever socially distanced seating is available.
And according to the President of the Museum of Newport Irish History, Michael Slein, though the traditional revelry will have to wait a while longer, people can still take the opportunity to learn about the reasons for the annual celebration in the first place. Rhode Island has the fifth largest population of Irish ancestry in the country, after all.
“I tell people [to visit places] that are characteristic of Irish culture and history,” he said. “One of them is [the Cliff Walk’s] Forty Steps, where all of the mansion workers went on their one night off of work from the mansions to dance and to court and sing songs.”
Another Newport site recommended by Slein is the Barney Street Cemetery (officially known as St. Joseph’s Cemetery), situated behind the Touro St. Synagogue. “That was the first Irish Catholic parish in all of Rhode Island,” he said. “It’s a beautiful little park and an enjoyable spot to walk to when you’re in town.”
But for those determined to eke out as much of the stout, meat and potato tradition as possible, he reminded everyone that the state’s plethora of Irish pubs could use all the help they can get.
“There are so many good restaurants that need to be supported,” he said.
The weather is changing, and we’re sick of being quarantined, of being inside, and we want something to do. Right? Well, here are a few socially distanced and unique activities to add to your spring bucket list.
Are you even a Rhode Islander if you haven’t paid a visit to Mercy Brown’s grave? A famous “vampire” who has been featured on notable podcasts such as “Lore,” Mercy died young of tuberculosis after her mother’s and sister’s death of the same disease. When Mercy’s brother turned ill, townspeople and the town physician exhumed the family members’ bodies to test the theory that the dead were feeding on the living boy. Skeletons were in the graves of Mercy’s mother and sister, but Mercy’s 9-week-old corpse was undecayed. So, the logical conclusion was that she was a vampire. They burned her heart and liver, mixed the ashes with water and had her brother drink it to cure him of his own tuberculosis, but yep — he still died. This is a weird local piece of lore, and I highly suggest paying her grave a visit. She’s located in a quaint cemetery in Exeter at 467 Ten Rod Road that belongs to the small church on its grounds. Be respectful during your visit – there are many family plots here. (Also, I’m looking to start a band called ‘Rhode Island Vampire Panic,’ – I play no instruments, can’t sing, and cannot read music. Hit me up.)
And, speaking of famous Rhode Island residents, if you haven’t been to Lovecraft’s grave, it’s in Swan Point Cemetery off of Blackstone Boulevard in Providence. Fun fact? The headstone that currently marks his grave was not there when he died — fans raised funds in the 1970s to purchase it. And whether your pilgrimage is for history or fandom, please remember that Lovecraft was increasingly problematic and though we tend to claim his as our own, he’s got a deep-seated history of racism and misogyny.
Let’s step away from cemeteries and into the movies. Moonrise Kingdom, one of Wes Anderson’s best films, was shot throughout the state. Although many of the film locations are private (eg, Suzy’s house, the church where she and Sam are married) a few are public. First are two beaches that were used for the film, both located at Fort Wetherill State Park (3 Fort Wetherill Road) in Jamestown. One of the beaches appears in the scene where they run away from their parents and pitch their tent for the night, the other is where “Moonrise Kingdom” is written into the sand in the film. The other public space you can visit is the Point Judith Lighthouse, which is used for multiple shots throughout the film. I recommend getting takeout from one of the clam shacks nearby and eating it in your car in the lighthouse’s parking lot. Maybe ponder some of the themes of the film? I mean, what is love, really? Seems the perfect convo for clam cakes and lighthouses.
One of my favorite random Rhode Island facts is that in the year 2000, Hasbro decided to celebrate Mr. Potato Head being from Rhode Island by installing 37 life-sized (maybe a bit bigger) and themed Potato Heads around the state. No one knows what happened to all of them, but 21 years later, you can still find a few around the state. The easiest one to get to is in the parking lot of Hasbro’s headquarters (he’s currently wearing a mask, so no risk of Mr. Potato head COVID-infections). I’ve seen the Fourth of July potato appear in Bristol. I’ve also seen one in Warren at the Dunkin Donuts located at 670 Metacom Avenue. There are a few others rumored to be out there, such as a Betty the Elephant (who I just learned about!), Ms. Potato Head in Chepachet and a glamorous mosaic-esque potato at the Westerly airport. There are said to be fewer than 10 hanging around after 21 years, and they’re not always out – so take this one as a big challenge. How many can you find? What condition are they in? And remember: Don’t trespass just to high-five the spud.
One of my absolute favorite stops is The Newport Tower, which is in a grass field near the art museum in downtown Newport. No one knows with certainty the history of the tower. In fact, I’d argue this is one of the most controversial buildings in all of Rhode Island. Carbon dating shows the structure was built between 1635 and 1698, and there is speculation throughout Rhode Island about what this tower is about (it was built by pirates, it was built by the templars, it was built by aliens … okay, I haven’t heard that last one but let’s start a rumor). It’s fascinating and a truly beautiful structure to behold. Think of it as Rhode Island’s Stonehenge. Next to the tower is the Newport Tower Museum, where you can find a gentlemen who has a theory on what the tower is, and it’s fascinating.
And last, but not least, head to Providence to find public art that you may not have noticed or known about. I recently was walking through downtown and stopped to really look at the Gun Totem in front of the Federal Courthouse. This 3,500-pound statue was made from more than 1,000 reclaimed guns by artist Boris Bally, and I’ll bet you’ve seen it, but never really looked at it.
Please note that a few of the things on this list welcome the public, but are still on private property, so be smart here, and don’t be a jerk and trespass.
Funda is a Zulu word that means “to learn.” And every January, the Rhode Island Black Storytellers bring a whole lot of learning and fun to their community through Funda Fest. This year, the festival has gone virtual, but the entertainment is as real as ever.
Black storytellers from Rhode Island and across the globe will gather online to share traditions and values through story and song. With events like a virtual pot luck, youth storytelling and storytelling for grown folk, event goers will learn you’re never too old for a good tale.
For more information and for tickets, go to fundafest23.com
For those of you looking for safe holiday fun this year, why not head to one of the brilliant holiday displays around our great state. These are the displays where you typically sit in your car, turn off your lights (this is key) and tune your radio to a station to watch lights sync up with traditional holiday songs. You stay in your car, so you’re perfectly distanced from everyone, and you get to celebrate that holiday magic safely!
Let’s head down to Warwick – where the majority of these displays seem to be housed. I don’t know if there’s extra holiday cheer in the water, but the citizens of Warwick go hard on Christmas.
First up is The Lewis Family Christmas Display, which will run through December 31 and is located at 12 Shenandoah Road in Warwick. Park and tune your radio to 106.9 FM and enjoy the show. Visitors can also vote for the next song to be played at the display’s website, and this year, they’ll take donations for The Autism Project. The Lewis’ have been decorating since 1996, and this year’s they’re saying will be their “most ambitious project yet.” Find the most up-to-date information at Facebook.com/LewisFamilyChristmas
Next, head over to the Rayhall Christmas Display at 47 Cavalcade Boulevard in Warwick, where the Rayhalls will be doing a 3D mapped projection display. This 30-minute show runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Please be sure to obey all the parking signs! Updates at Facebook.com/ARayhallChristmas.
Next is Frank Picozzi’s display, aka, The Picozzi Family Christmas Display. You might recognize him as the mayor-elect of Warwick, who recently ousted Joseph Solomon. Most of my friends who live in Warwick, when talking about the election, said, “Yeah, he’d make a great mayor, but have you seen his Christmas display?” Not only has Frank been running this for years and raising money for local charities while doing so, he’s received national attention for his lights. And while Frank has been brutally honest on his Facebook page about how difficult the year has been for him and his family, he has triumphantly gotten the light show running. It can be found at 75 Gristmill Rd in Warwick, and updates can be found at Facebook.com/PicozziFamilyChristmasDisplay.
At 77 Aurora Drive (also in Warwick, like I said, they’re really into these displays!) is Christmas on Aurora Drive. I really love this display because they’re collecting canned and dry goods for Helping Hands Food Pantry this year. In the past, they’ve also taken their display on the road by lighting up the family’s Jeeps for the kids at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Updates at Facebook.com/ChristmasonAuroraDrive.
Leaving Warwick, we’re headed to East Providence, where we’ll start with The Frisina Family Lights at 283 Massasoit Avenue. This one has a special place in my heart since I’ve passed it every day on my way home from work for years. The display is gorgeous and the family behind it will be collecting donations this year for Type One Diabetes awareness. Find out more at Facebook.com/FrisinaFamilyLights.
Also in East Providence is The Giroux Family Christmas Display at 69 Outlook Avenue. They’re getting ready to go for the year, and more details can be found at Facebook.com/GirouxFamilyChristmas.
Sticking to East Providence, The Stawicki Family Christmas will have their display at 111 Allerton Avenue. They’re at Facebook.com/StawickiFamilyChristmas.
And, for those of you in Blackstone Valley, Blackstone Valley Eye Care will host their annual light display at their office at 385 Mendon Road in Woonsocket. They will be raising money to purchase toys for families in need this year. More info is at Facebook.com/BlackstoneValleyEyeCare
In Tiverton is the Lights for Lives display at 84 Hayden Avenue. This display even features Santa, and they’re planning on having socially distanced photos this year. Check them out at Facebook.com/LightsforLives.
Be sure to check social media for cancellations and for hours for each display. With our ever-changing climate, it’s best to make sure that you’ll be dazzled by lights instead of left in the dark.
The Artists’ Exchange joins the ranks of those keeping holiday traditions in tact, but with a twist. Fans of their annual gingerbread house decorating contest are invited to take part in the merriment this year from their own home. Between December 3 and 6, prospective builders can pick up their gingerbread house kit from The Artists’ Exchange at 50 Rolfe Square, then share photos of their creations with the organization for the chance to win free camps and classes. For more information, go to artists-exchange.org
When most of the country thinks about holiday traditions, they think about Christmas trees, snow, time with loved ones, Santa Claus, that kind of thing. Here in Rhode Island, we think of a giant blue bug who sits atop a building just off I-95, bringing holiday cheer and joy to all of those around him.
I’m finding, however, that not a lot of people know that Nibbles Woodaway, with whom I think most of us are on a solely first-name basis, has his own lighting ceremony that I feel rivals any major tree lighting around the state.
In a typical year, you’d see a guest of honor (past guests have included Joe Wilson, Jr. as Ebenezer Scrooge from Trinity Rep, and Rhode Island sweetheart and pop star Billy Gilman) visit with the children and families who come to see them, and then, flips a switch to reveal Nibbles – all lit up with a giant red rose that overlooks the highway.
This year will be different – as with most things – but I’d like to argue that it’s better.
On Tuesday, December 1, Nibbles will have a special holiday lighting ceremony, but it’ll all be done on Facebook Live. Phil Loscoe of the RDW Group, had to say of the change, “It’s the most 2020 event of all time, the public can’t participate in a safe way… but we’ll join everyone on Facebook.” Prior to Governor Raimondo’s pause announcement, the event had been slated to be in person. Phil continued, “We thought long and hard about the governor’s press conference,” and that’s when the decision not to have the lighting in person was made.
Brian Goldman, CEO of Big Blue Bug Solutions, said in a release to the public, “We feel it is important to demonstrate leadership and support the efforts of Governor Raimondo and the extraordinary leadership of the Rhode Island Department of Health under Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott to minimize public gatherings and limit the potential exposure at this time.”
Big Blue Bug Solutions decided that this year they would dedicate the lighting to the Department of Health and all they have done this year to keep Rhode Island safe.
In the 27 years that Nibbles has been lit (this year is year 28!) it’s been an event that should be on every Rhode Islanders bucket list. But there is a major change that needs to be noted for this year’s lighting – and not just that it’s online. You’ll notice that Nibbles is missing his big red nose. Why? If you’ve been anywhere near him this year, you’ll notice that he’s been wearing a mask. And, as we all know, proper mask usage means that the mask goes above your nose.
This omission is not only adorable, but a way of reminding us all to stay safe and responsible during the holiday season. Loscoe said, “In some ways, I think it serves as a perfect symbol as the how we’ve worked during the pandemic.” And I mean, who can say no to Nibbles Woodaway leading the way?
While everything looks different this holiday season, and I know we’re all aching for some normalcy, having Nibbles’ lighting online will still allow Rhode Islanders to take part in this tradition while staying safe and healthy, and remembering that the mask goes above your nose.
Or, as the old Christmas song goes, “Rockin’ around the Big Blue Bug, at the Christmas party hop.” No? Is that not it? Well, it should be.
See Nibble Woodaway come to life on Facebook Live December 1 at 5:30pm. You can find the feed at Big Blue Bug Solutions’ Facebook page, or Facebook.com/BigBlueBug
As we enter the final stretch of pre-election frenzy, we are truly in a fight for the soul of this nation. With their current show, “State of Urgency” at Brown University’s Cohen Gallery, the Print Like You Give A Damn Press Collective has charged the front lines, armed with the power of words.
The Collective includes Kate Aitchison, Allison Bianco, Jaques Bidon, Julia Brough, Ian Cozzens, Ryan Dean, Tati Gómez Gaggero, Lara Henderson, Sara Inacio, Erin Lobb, José Menendez and Nafis M. White, and the show is a series of posters, created during the summer of 2020, that serve as a wake-up call: With November 3 fast approaching, justice is on the line – and the choices that we make matter.
“Historically, print shops come alive when there is unrest,” said Nafis White, former community membership manager at the AS220 print shop. This interdisciplinary, multi-skilled artist was the gathering force behind the Collective, and she has been key in getting their work into the hands of people at protest marches, the windows of small businesses, and into gallery spaces such as this one at Brown. The aim is to create an archive and time capsule of the events of this moment.
“The work we’ve created speaks to issues that will be there no matter what happens,” White said. And she raises a good point. We have all heard the words on these posters before: “Nobody’s free until everyone’s free” … “Black Lives Matter” … yet the injustice continues. Why? How?
One answer may be in the words of Ida B. Wells: “Those who commit the murders write the reports.” Jacques Bidon’s poster of Ida White portrays a woman with a quiet, calm strength. Bidon, who was the master printer at AS220’s print shop for more than a decade, is the son of a writer who owned his own print shop in Haiti. He saw his father and uncle censored for speaking out. What does he hope for from this exhibit? “Dialogue,” said Bidon. “People are afraid of speaking the truth.”
He has heard too many politicians talk about the middle class during campaigns, never mentioning those who live below the poverty line. “No one is looking out for the poor people,” he told us. In his posters, Bidon gets to the point: “You can say it in three lines,” he said. ”You don’t need to tell the whole story.”
Pandemic restrictions turned what would have been a quiet gallery show into a window of public art. José R. Menéndez sees it as the perfect venue for the collection. “The story of the posters is not in the museums, it is in the streets,” he said. Menéndez and Tati Gómez Gaggero are both graphic designers, a couple and often a creative team within the group. Together, they designed many of the key features of the exhibition space at Brown. Their work consistently incorporates Spanish and English; the social and political issues in their work are personal. Gaggero, who was a professor in Philadelphia, has not been able to work since May. The pandemic shut down her job and her work visa; her professional life is on hold until her green card comes through.
The Collective went through intense times to turn this show out after the AS220 print shop closed due to COVID, and although the artists from the Collective have since dispersed, they have left an indelible mark in passing.
The best time to view this show is at night – during the day, the sun and sky reflect, throwing a veil of ghosts across the glass. But at night, the posters are illuminated, the words and faces bathed in overhead light. The display is reminiscent of NYC walkways, where flyers for clubs and causes have become a sort of pedestrian wallpaper, a blurred backdrop of repeating faces and words. At Brown, where viewers can stand quietly and take their time, the meaning of the images begins to set in. These are not empty slogans. The struggle is real.
And this year, whether you mail it in, or show up at the polls – vote like you give a damn.
“State of Urgency” is at Brown University through Dec 15, 2020, at the Cohen Gallery, located in the Granoff Center for the Creative Arts, 154 Angell Street. During fall 2020, Cohen Gallery is available to visitors to view through the west facing windows. Visit arts.brown.edu/events-exhibitions/view/cohen-gallery for close-ups and credits.
