Creating Community Through Art

WaterFire Volunteer Jim Adams preps quest boats for a WaterFire lighting. Photo by Drew Christhilf

WaterFire may only be a seasonal production, but to make it happen, we need volunteers year-round. For more information on how you can contribute your time and talents, email Alex.

Volunteers are an integral part of WaterFire. They assist in all aspects of event production, special projects and anything else we dream up.

At any one WaterFire lighting, we need at least 150 volunteers to contribute. Volunteers perform, construct, manage, fundraise, inform, engage, and enjoy! WaterFire volunteers come from all walks of life, and we appreciate the diversity and talents that are among them. Over the years, a network of volunteers has been established, and we are delighted at the community that they have become.

WaterFire volunteers representeveryman”, the traditional Greek Chorus and our communal spirit. Dressed in all black at nightfall, the volunteers create an unobtrusive and ceremonial communal presence, and partake in creating WaterFire. Black attire helps us be a part of the night, but faces are not masked so that we can celebrate the individuals who come together to build community.

Between lightings there are more fun activities for volunteers. Potluck dinners, parties, outings, and projects go on throughout the year. On the off-season volunteers help with boat building and repairs, mechanical tasks, fundraising, preparations for the next season, and the occasional special project like sewing or online research.

We welcome you to join us and discover just how much excitement and fun there is in producing such a unique and exciting event! Whether you are a “behind the scenes” kind of person, want to shine in a larger role, or you simply want to experience WaterFire from a new perspective, we would love for you to join us.

To begin your WaterFire volunteer experience please sign up for an orientation or contact the Volunteer Department (401-273-9727).

Stay up to date with WaterFire’s volunteer events. Join our email list.

Upcoming WaterFire Orientations:
(click to sign up)

Thứ năm, June 6th

Thứ ba, June 18th

What our volunteers are saying:

  • What our volunteers are saying:

    Volunteering at WaterFire is about being part of a peaceful and reflective community art experience, that is, at the same time, new and exciting with each and every installation.

    - Jim Alves
    Warwick, RI

    WaterFire means sharing something meaningful and profound with others in all walks of life, who feel the same way. I love working together with old friends and making new ones. I love being out on the river, building the fires and then lighting and feeding them, I love hearing all the people in the audience express their thanks to us as they enjoy it night after night.

    - Fern Rouleau
    Barrington, RI

    This was my first summer as a volunteer, everyone makes you feel welcome and one of the team. It made me feel part of a piece of artwork. You see downtown Providence in a different light, literally, no matter if you are on land or on a wood boat. Can’t wait to help out again next summer.

    - Kimberly
    Tạo hóa, RI

    I’ve been volunteering for 15 years and I am still happily feeding the fires! I love being part of WaterFire!

    - Christine Maino
    North Providence, RI

    There are no words to describe the inner excitement that I feel every time I see the flames of WaterFire as I work feeding the fires or even as I work on land. From the morning prep to midnight, the feeling of being a part of something fantastic, an artistic venture for all to see, is so gratifying. I rave about being a WaterFire volunteer to all who will listen.

    - Nancy Jordan
    Dartmouth, MA

    Just one word, priviledged.

    - Bob Elliot
    Newport, RI

    The excitement felt as the procession beins, the faces of those returning, the faces of those yet to feel the magic.

    - Pat Moriarty
    Cranston, RI

    WaterFire has brought not only many great opportunities and people in my life, but life changing for me in many, many ways. Very grateful to be a part of such a strong/special/artsy unity of people. Cảm ơn bạn, for all the wonderful/special moments/ opportunities! Looking forward to WaterFire 2013… WooHoo!!!!!

    - Jessica Marie Paiva
    Tiverton, RI

    I volunteered for WaterFire to meet some new people, and I ended up with an entire community.

    - Carrie C.
    Tạo hóa, RI

    It’s a great and rewarding way to help our community share such a great event. Meeting sooo many new and exciting people makes it nice too. Volunteering comes from the heart of your being. There are so many dedicated people too. It’s a great time enjoyed by all.

    - Mary Barden
    Warwick, RI