Residential Properties Blog » arts

Chalk One Up for Public Art

Liz — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:08:57 +0000

If you’re in the Providence area this weekend, you might want to check out the Providence Rotary Street Painting Festival. This event, held downcity in the skating rink, is sure to be a day of family fun and artistic expression. Hundreds of artists flood Kennedy Plaza each year for this event, and take up sidewalk chalk to create large, detailed drawings that celebrate a specific theme. This year, the artistic prompt is “Reach Within to Embrace Humanity” in honor of the Rotary Club’s 100th anniversary.

One of the great things about Providence is the abundance of art and culture. Just think of all the venues—the Rhode Island School of Design, PPAC, Trinity Rep., The Providence Art Club, AS220. These haunts are a reason why the Creative Capital is such a wonderful place to live. Artists have the ability to see the beauty in their surroundings, enhance it, and create something worth keeping, and this is what they bring to our city on a daily basis.

Art makes areas more enjoyable to live in. The Street Painting Festival provides the opportunity for artists to create on an uncommon canvas, and for the public to see these detailed images come to life. This is a promising way to spend a bright autumn day.

Cumberland Manager, Holly Applegate and I are members of this group. More information can be found on The Rotary Club of Providence website.

Summertime Sonata at the City-By-The-Sea

Bill — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:32:33 +0000

If you haven’t already heard about Newport’s ultimate classical music experience, listen up. Artists at the Newport Music Festival will have presented 57 morning, afternoon and evening concerts which are in progress through July 24th. Concerts will take place at a variety of architectural gems around our favorite City-By-The-Sea, but the majority will be at the Newport mansions. The event will feature 37 American and international artists from 17 countries who have gained worldwide renown for their exquisite chamber music. A schedule of individual concerts and ticket details may be found at NewportMusic.org.

Combining the best of summer, music, and real estate—basically everything that Residential Properties Ltd. holds dear—this is an event you won’t want to miss.

The Worth of Wickford

Cheryl — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 18:14:10 +0000

“A must-see show in a charming village,” declared USA Today in reference to the 49th annual Wickford Art Festival, and Residential Properties Ltd. definitely agrees. This Saturday and Sunday (July 9th and 10th) artists and art lovers alike will flock to this beloved festival in North Kingstown to experience the best of the New England art scene.

The event has grown tremendously from it’s humble roots as a small street show in 1962. Today, the Wickford Art Festival is now the third largest tourist attraction in Rhode Island (according to the Providence Journal), beckoning crowds with the distinguished reputation it has accumulated over the years. The Festival’s prestige is linked to the small number of new artists annually offered a spot in the show. With many of the talented artists featured in the event returning each year, there are spatial constraints that make it hard for newbies to obtain a slot. In order to participate, new artists must engage in the highly competitive jury process, which ensures the Festival’s works to be only of the highest caliber.

The event is free to the public and devoted exclusively to original works by the featured artists. Historic Wickford is always a pleasure, but this weekend is sure to be an especially worthy and beautiful time in this seaside village. More information can be found on the Wickford Art Festival website.

Art Events to Attend around Providence – Too Many to Name

Bill — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:18:51 +0000

Searching through Providence’s Department of Arts, Culture & Tourism’s newsletter, several interesting events are coming up in March. As always, the city is bustling with activity. Here’s a couple that support good causes.

To start off, how would you like to be treated like the stars? The Rhode Island International Film Festival is the only officially sanctioned host for an Academy Awards party. It is being held at the VMA on March 7 starting at 6:30pm – complete with the red carpet treatment. The cost is $55 per person, and the proceeds of this “dress to impress” event benefit the RIIFF.

If you are not into the movies, how about live theater? Perishable Theater is having a fundraiser which features internationally-acclaimed mandolinist & bandolimist Marilynn Mair performing choro, samba, bossa nova and some of Marilynn’s original Rio-inspired compositions. This is also on the 7th but starts at 5:00pm and costs $25 per person.

For more detailed information, go to the Providence Arts, Culture and Tourism site.

Thinking About Leaving RI?

Bill — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:38:40 +0000

For the last several decades, there has been a constant flow of people, who upon reaching retirement age, have packed the belongings, called the Realtor, and headed to better locations. Ah, but little did they know that good old Providence is considered a prime spot for retirees.

Paging through SmartMoney.com, I came across a survey of the top 25 places to retire. Providence is ranked number 17th. That doesn’t put our home as the prime destination, but it does put us before places like San Diego, Boston, or Charlotte, who didn’t even make the list. (Though I must say I was surprised by the ranking Philadelphia received – tenth. W. C. Fields would be equally surprised.)

The article did point out several of our great features and benefits. Among the statistics were some interesting ones. For instance, there are 228 golf courses within a 30 mile radius of Providence; the restaurant and bar scene is plentiful with 2413 and 234 establishments, respectfully, within 15 miles of the downtown; and our arts funding is double the average of the top 25 places to retire. That just makes the quality of life in Providence far superior to other cities.

Now, if we could only get nature to cooperate – only 27% clear days – Providence would be a slice of heaven right here in little Rhode Island.

Gallery Night – a free event every 3rd Thursday

Tom — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:39:06 +0000

What’s better during recession time than a free night out?

Gallery Night Providence offers just this. Every third Thursday from March-November, galleries throughout Providence open their doors to the public. The event offers free parking at 7 locations, “Art Bus” tours, and a central information booth which recently relocated to Regency Plaza on Greene Street.

Gallery tours cover Downtown, the East Side, West Side and Wickenden Street (home to our Providence office). The next gallery night is June 12th. For your first time, catch the Art Bus at Regency Plaza. The bus runs from 5 to 9 p.m., with the final run at 8:40 p.m.

See you at Gallery Night!

FAM (Fashion, Arts, Music) Event Tonight!

Tom — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:59:03 +0000

FAM is throwing their inaugural event tonight, featuring a gallery exhibit including various artists, fashion shows at 9 and 11 p.m., a musical guest and DJ throughout the night. The event was created in response to recent budget cuts within the arts, and FAM was formed as a way to support youth programming.

WHO: FAM

WHAT: Art show, fashion shows, music

WHEN: Tonight! Thursday, May 14th at 8 p.m. (7 p.m. patron reception)

WHERE: American Locomotive Works, 555 Valley Street, Providence

COST: $35 patron and VIP; $15 general admission