Welcome to the exhibit Growing the NetWorks at WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley Street. This is the offspring of the vision of Dr. Joseph Chazan, whose mission included NetWorks Rhode Island and the Chazan Collection. “It is so important to preserve the history of the Providence art community that people like Dr. Chazan helped shape,” states Ruth Dealy, who recommended Entang Wiharso. Ruth Dealy mentions that “…so many Rhode Island artists should be acknowledged internationally. Entang is a perfect example of that. He lives in Smithfield but is recognized in Indonesia, Singapore, and Venice. And more places. His work is declarative and honest.”
Growing the Networks is thriving, due to Dr. Joseph Chazan’s precise choices of original artists for Networks Rhode Island. Those were the artists who recommended the artists for Growing the Networks. Some of the artists do not know who recommended them, while others elaborate about the honor. While Dr. Joseph A. Chazan was present for the opening of Networks RI, he left us on July 26, 2024. He was beautifully present at the WaterFire opening of his and the team’s gorgeous installation. A couple of weeks later, he peacefully moved on. Colleagues and friends reveled in how fortuitous it was that he got to see his vision come to fruition. To learn more about Dr. Joseph Chazan, one can purchase the graphic novel Chazan! written by Lenny Shwartz and stunningly illustrated by Erminio Pinque.
Candita Clayton, Returning Guest Curator, states, “Dr. Chazan believed deeply in Rhode Island’s Artists—and in organizations like WaterFire Providence that create space for artists and community to come together. This exhibition is a beautiful continuation of that believe, bringing even more voices into the fold.”
The concept of Growing the Networks has everything to do with a water cycle mentality. Artists who have been featured through the vision of Dr. Joe Chazan in the original Networks Rhode Island had now recommended artists for this extraordinary exhibit. There are 65 artists, all exhibited based on recommendations from artists of NetWorks. Betzy Cordon speaks about how they came to colossal exhibition. “Annu Palakunnathu Matthew recommended me for this opportunity Being nominated by Annu feels incredibly special to me, as she was one of my art professors at URI. It was through my studies with her that I reached this point in my artistic career, and I am grateful for it. This milestone is just the beginning.” Director of Creative Services, Laura Duclos, regards the “power of artists supporting one another.” These “inside stories” are much of what suits this large exhibition for endless conversations. There are many opportunities to hear panels (remaining schedule below) as the beginning. Duclos was privy of photographer Jonathan Pitts-Wiley’s positive reaction to being recommended by Mary Beth Meehan. She also points out how many Rhode Island residents may not realize that they are neighbors or rubbing elbows with prolific and talented artists. This brilliantly evolving gift to Providence through the support of Bank Newport and Dr. Joseph A. Chazan includes artist Jean Blackburn, who can help everyone understand the nature of this passing the baton for arts’ sake.
Jean Blackburn states, “I was nominated by Denny Moers, someone whose work I respect enormously. I would love to see a “Growing of Networks 2.0” next summer. There are many terrific artists yet to be included. And since influence and idea generation are in play, why not expand it to include writers, poets, performers, filmmakers, etc? If [when] the “Growing the Networks continued, the person I would select is a younger artist, whose work is more experimental, but full of ideas. With all the drastic cuts to cultural funding underway, support for powerful young voices and diverse community is more important than ever.”
Mara Trachtenberg adds, regarding the dissemination of art exhibition via prior exhibitors: “It is different because you can focus on the work you want to show while already knowing you won’t be rejected… so there isn’t the same pressure or fear of rejection.” Trachtenberg’s work speaks loudly, beautifully, meticulously.
Some of the work can be seen online. Because of the scale, the concise use of space and proximity or distance from one piece to the next, along with witnessing other humans’ reactions to the art, one must visit. If one is lucky and/or schedules a guided tour, they might get a chance to hear the thoughtful expertise of Co-curator Emily Gray. On the website, she explains that “This exhibition is not a sequel—it is a generative next step.” (Next after Networks Rhode Island.) “Growing the Networks amplifies the collective power of artists to shape the future of the arts in our region.”Becci Davis elaborates, “This recommendation is different from a juried or invited exhibition because it feels more like an acknowledgement or belonging. It’s far more than a showcase of art for a finite period of time. Not only is it a great honor to be nominated by someone that I regard highly, but it also serves a reminder that I am a small part of a broad, thriving and growing community of artists. A community that I am grateful for and humbled to be connected to.”
Because there are so many artists in the exhibition, it is convenient that many of the pieces mix and mingle with others. This way, one artist need not linger in one specific area in order to meet admirers and supporters of their work. Jean Blackburn notes, “I know numerous artists in the show and consider them good friends. Unlike a commission, or a more typical gallery show, this show foregrounds dialogue and community.”
Richard Goulis, prolific and profound artist and filmmaker, who created and edited CHAZAN! Unfiltered, A Graphic Novel https://vimeo.com/426221042?share=copy adds, “The greatest part of what this does is to carry on the legacy of ‘Networks Rhode Island’, which over 9 years (2007-2016) under the leadership of Dr. Chazan, strengthened Rhode Island’s contemporary artistic community by providing exhibition and promotional opportunities for over 100 artists throughout the state. The broadening of the project by having the original artists designate the artists featured in the current exhibition only serves to further solidify the importance of Rhode Island being a vibrant place for artists. Artists helping artists is a wonderful thing to be a part of.”
One must absolutely peruse Growing the Networks. Thank Dr. Joseph A. Chazan, Bank Newport, the stellar team that makes WaterFire, the artists, and the supporters. Visiting the exhibition is free, and donations are welcome, and a good investment. Let art not be perishable.
Closing Reception:
Thursday, August 28, 2025 | 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Artist Panels:
Meet and hear from participating artists:
· Thursday, August 21, starting at 6:00 p.m.
· Artists Featured: Peter Geisser, Jennifer and David Clancy, Mo Kelman, Katherine Lovell, Emily Wilker, and Karin Gielen.
Guided tours can be arranged during open hours—and with advance notice, we may also be able to accommodate tours on Mondays or Tuesdays. To inquire or schedule, please contact Emily Gray at emily@waterfire.org.