2024 Press Releases

Return to the Press Center

Press Release Archive: 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012

Latest Press Releases

October 8, 2024
Announcing Yard Work, an exhibition of works by the staff and educators of The Steel Yard in the WaterFire Arts Center Gallery
The WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC), a multi-use arts venue located at 475 Valley Street in Providence, RI, is proud to present a month-long exhibition titled Yard Work, celebrating the creative work of the staff and educators of The Steel Yard, a fellow nonprofit located across the Woonasquatucket River in the heart of the Valley neighborhood.
Read more »

October 1, 2024
WaterFire Providence Announces a Full Lighting of WaterFire On Saturday, October 5, 2024
WaterFire Providence announces a full lighting on Saturday, October 5, made possible through the crucial support of the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation. The lighting will begin at 6:35 PM and end at 10:00 PM. The earlier closing hour is to reduce costs due to the decreased number of sponsorships and the impact of the pandemic, WaterFire events will end at 10:00 PM instead of midnight.
Read more »

September 25, 2024
WaterFire Providence Announces a Full Lighting of WaterFire On Saturday, October 26, 2024, Celebrating Brown University Friends and Family Weekend
WaterFire Providence is adding a full lighting to the 2024 season schedule on Saturday, October 26, made possible through critical funding from Brown University’s Division of Campus Life for Family Weekend festivities. The lighting will begin at 6:00 PM and the braziers will remain lit until 10:00 PM. 
Read more »

September 12, 2024
WaterFire Providence Announces a Full Lighting of WaterFire On Saturday, September 21, 2024
WaterFire Providence announces a full lighting on Saturday, September 21, made possible through the crucial support of the RI Department of Education (RIDE) and Amica Insurance with additional funding from Igus and XQ. The lighting will begin at 7:00 PM and end at 11:00 PM. The earlier closing hour is to reduce costs due to the decreased number of sponsorships and the impact of the pandemic. This summer, WaterFire events will end at 11:00 PM instead of midnight.
Read more »

September 10, 2024
Announcing Evolution ! (Heh Heh) : Jonathan Bonner, sculptures and works on paper — A month-long solo exhibition by Johnathan Bonner in the WaterFire Arts Center Gallery
The WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC), a multi-use arts venue, located at 475 Valley Street in Providence, RI, is pleased to announce Evolution ! (Heh Heh), a month-long solo exhibition featuring sculptures and works on paper by Johnathan Bonner. On view at the WaterFire Arts Center Gallery from Thursday, September 12 through Sunday, October 6. A public opening is scheduled for Thursday, September 12, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The closing, also open to the public, will be on Thursday, October 3, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Gallery Night Providence tours will come through the space on Thursday, September 19.
Read more »

September 6, 2024
WaterFire Providence Announces the 2024-2025 WaterFire Accelerate Cohort
WaterFire Providence announces the fourth cohort of WaterFire Accelerate, a professional development program for artists under 30. The fourth cohort includes six prolific young artists spanning a variety of mediums including graphic design, illustration, mixed media, photography, printmaking, and interdisciplinary. The new WaterFire Accelerate cohort embarks on their journey in September and will conclude with a group exhibition in July of 2025 while engaging in monthly meetings, events, and site visits. 
Read more »

September 4, 2024
More details for Starts at Sunset happening on Thursday, September 12 Funded by the Providence Tourism Council
WaterFire Providence will hold the third Starts At Sunset event of 2024 on Thursday, September 12 supported by the Providence Tourism Council (PTC). Starts at Sunset was created in 2023 and is a community gathering on the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Pedestrian Bridge. This unique activation invites artists and observers to experience a night of immersive placemaking set against the backdrop of a picturesque sunset. WaterFire volunteers will be illuminating the bridge with the glow of five braziers.
Read more »

August 27, 2024
WaterFire Providence Announces a Full Lighting of WaterFire On Saturday, August 31, 2024
WaterFire Providence announces a full lighting on Saturday, August 31, made possible through the crucial support of Dunkin’ with additional funds from FM. The lighting will begin at 7:36 PM and end at 11:00 PM. The earlier closing hour is to reduce costs due to the decreased number of sponsorships and the impact of the pandemic. This summer WaterFire events will end at 11:00 PM instead of midnight.
Read more »

August 21, 2024
WaterFire Providence Announces the 8th Annual FireBall Gala on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at the WaterFire Arts Center
WaterFire Providence announces the 8th Annual FireBall Gala on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the WaterFire Arts Center. WaterFire will honor five extraordinary Rhode Islanders with WaterFire Impact Awards who exemplify exceptional dedication to community service, innovation, and a relentless commitment to positive change. These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, inspiring others to follow their lead in creating a lasting impact on the lives of fellow citizens and the overall betterment of the City of Providence and the State of Rhode Island.
Read more »

August 13, 2024
WaterFire Providence Announces a Full Lighting of WaterFire On Saturday, August 17, 2024
WaterFire Providence announces a full lighting on Saturday, August 17, made possible through the crucial support of Red Bull and the Providence Tourism Council. The lighting will begin at 8:00 PM and due to declining revenue from sponsorship, the long-term financial impacts caused by the pandemic, and to reduce expenses, summer WaterFire events will end at 11:00 PM instead of midnight.
Read more »

August 7, 2024
WaterFire Providence Announces Renewable Energy Transformation Project Thanks to Grant from The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative
WaterFire Providence was recently awarded $100,000 of grant funding by The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative (FCI) to support a major solar implementation and renewable energy conversion project at the WaterFire Arts Center on Valley Street in Providence. 
Read more »

August 1, 2024
WaterFire Providence is Looking for SomeBunny – Issues “Wanted Posters” for Rabbit and its Rescuer
Reacting to interest in the adventurous bunny saved from the rivers of Providence during it is July 4 event, WaterFire Providence is releasing two “Wanted Posters” with awards to encourage children to join WaterFire in solving the mystery of the rescued rabbit and the young woman who jumped in to save him.
Read more »

July 30, 2024
WaterFire Providence Announces Departure of Managing Director and coCEO Peter Mello
WaterFire Providence, one of the nation’s leading creative placemaking institutions, announced that after over 13 years of transformative leadership, Peter Mello, managing director and coCEO, will be departing at the end of August 2024. Mello joined WaterFire Providence in 2011 to co-lead the organization with founder, executive artistic director, and coCEO Barnaby Evans.
Read more »

July 26, 2024
WaterFire Providence Announces Two Partial Lightings on Tuesday, July 30, and Monday, August 5 in the Basin of Waterplace Park
Supported by two National Conferences hosted in Providence this Summer
There will be two partial WaterFire Providence lightings coming up on Tuesday, July 30, and Monday, August 5 in the basin of Waterplace Park. July 30 is supported by the American Association for State Compensation Insurance Fund (AASCIF) Annual Conference and August 5 is supported by  Leadership Rhode Island in partnership with the  National Leadership Network for the Association of Leadership Programs 2024 National Conference.
Read more »

July 24, 2024
WaterFire Providence Announces a Full Lighting of WaterFire On Saturday, August 3, 2024, featuring Clear Currents Community Paddling Event
With critical funding from Cox Business and Fidelity Investments
WaterFire Providence announces a full lighting on Saturday, August 3, made possible through the crucial support of Cox Business and Fidelity Investments. This full lighting is set to celebrate Clear Currents, a community paddling event celebrating improved water quality in Rhode Island. The lighting will begin at 8:15 PM and due to declining revenue from sponsorship, the long-term financial impacts caused by the pandemic, and to reduce expenses, summer WaterFire events will end at 11:00 PM instead of midnight.
Read more »

July 17, 2024
More details for Starts at Sunset happening on Thursday, July 25 Funded by the Providence Tourism Council
WaterFire Providence will hold the second Starts At Sunset event of 2024 on Thursday, July 25 supported by the Providence Tourism Council (PTC). Starts at Sunset started in 2023 and is a community gathering on the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Pedestrian Bridge. This unique activation invites artists and observers to experience a night of immersive placemaking set against the backdrop of a picturesque sunset. WaterFire volunteers will be illuminating the bridge with the glow of five braziers.
Read more »

July 3, 2024
Clear Currents Community Paddling Event to Take Place On August 3rd During a Full Lighting of WaterFire Thanks to Crucial Funding From Commerce RI
This Unique Event Offers Paddlers a Chance to Become Part of the Art By Paddling Among the Fires
Clear Currents is a community paddling event that celebrates improved water quality in RI. The event features close to 65 illuminated Japanese koi fish temporarily mounted on kayaks that registered participants will paddle up and down the river after sunset. The brightly colored fish beautifully complement the 80 wood-burning braziers installed on the river. Clear Currents celebrates the cleaner water that led to the opening of the Narragansett Bay Commission’s Combined Sewer Overflow; an initiative that has greatly improved water quality throughout the entire bay area over the past few years.
Read more »

June 27, 2024
WaterFire Providence Announces a Full Lighting of WaterFire On Saturday, August 17, 2024, Featuring Wake the Flames, a Red Bull Wakeskating Performance
WaterFire Providence is adding a full lighting to the 2024 season schedule on Saturday, August 17, made possible through critical funding from the Providence Tourism Council (PTC) and with support from Red Bull. The lighting will begin at 7:30 PM and the braziers will remain lit until 11:00 PM. The wakeskating performance in the basin will begin at 7:45 PM and conclude at 8:30 PM.
Read more »

June 26, 2024
More Details for NetWorks Rhode Island and the Chazan Collection: A Half-Century of RI Artistic Patronage an Exhibition of Over 100 Rhode Island Artists Supported by Bank Newport
WaterFire Providence announces NetWorks Rhode Island and the Chazan Collection: A Half-Century of RI Patronage, supported by BankNewport. This large-scale exhibition will be in the 15,000 sq. ft. Main Hall and the Gallery at the WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC) and will feature 107 NetWorks Rhode Island artists. The exhibition will be on view from Thursday, July 11, 2024, and close on September 1, 2024, with the Opening Reception on Thursday, July 18th, 6pm to 8pm.
Read more »

June 25, 2024
WaterFire Providence Announces a Full Lighting of  WaterFire On Thursday, July 4, 2024 Supported by the Providence Tourism Council
WaterFire Providence announces a full lighting on Thursday, July 4, made possible through the support of the Providence Tourism Council (PTC). This full lighting is set to celebrate Independence Day and will have patriotic theming throughout the event. The lighting will begin at 8:40 PM and the braziers will remain lit until 11:00 PM.
Read more »

June 12, 2024
Starts at Sunset Returns for Second Year Supported by the Providence Tourism Council
WaterFire Providence announces the return of Starts At Sunset, a community gathering on the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Pedestrian Bridge supported by the Providence Tourism Council (PTC).  This unique activation invites artists and observers to experience a night of immersive placemaking set against the backdrop of a picturesque sunset. WaterFire volunteers will be illuminating the bridge with the glow of five braziers.
Read more »

June 6, 2024
WaterFire, Art & Soul of a City… The Story Continues to Premiere on Rhode Island PBS
Following the success of the 2012 New England Emmy award-nominated documentary, “WaterFire, Art & Soul of a City,” comes its highly anticipated sequel, “WaterFire, Art & Soul of a City…The Story Continues.” This documentary explores the journey of WaterFire over the past 12 years, showcasing its evolution from a public art installation downtown to expanding its programming at the WaterFire Arts Center.
Read more »

May 23, 2024
WaterFire Providence Announces a Full Lighting of WaterFire On Saturday, June 1, 2024
WaterFire Providence announces a full lighting on Saturday, June 1, made possible through the support of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). The first full lighting of the 2024 season is set to honor the Commencement of RISD’s class of 2024 and celebrate RISD’s Reunion Weekend. The lighting will begin at 8:30 PM and the braziers will remain lit until 11:00 PM.
Read more »

May 16, 2024
TroopTop Thursdays are Back this Summer at the WaterFire Arts Center
WaterFire Providence announces the return of TroopTop Thursdays supported by Brady Sullivan Properties and the US Rubber Lofts at the WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC) in partnership with Troop PVD. Beginning June 13, 2024, TroopTop will return weekly through August 29, 2024, except for July 4 and July 25, and will showcase live performances and art experiences and double as a fundraiser for the featured non-profit organization of the night. Programming for each evening is presented by Little Guy At The Gig. 
Read more »

May 13, 2024
WaterFire Providence Announces an Open Call for Artists for the 2024-2025 Accelerate Cohort
WaterFire Providence announces the launch of the 2024-25 WaterFire Accelerate application. Starting on June 1, 2024, at 9:00 AM EST, the WaterFire Accelerate program will begin accepting submissions from prolific young creatives looking to take part in WaterFire’s 12-month professional development program. The next cohort would kick off in September 2024 and conclude in September 2025. 
Read more »

May 2, 2024
Announcing the Opening of NetWorks Rhode Island and the Chazan Collection: A Half-Century of RI Artistic Patronage an Exhibition of Over 100 Rhode Island Artists at the WaterFire Arts Center
WaterFire Providence announces NetWorks Rhode Island and the Chazan Collection: A Half-Century of RI Patronage. This large-scale exhibition will be in the 15,000 sq. ft. Main Hall and the Gallery at the WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC) and will feature over 100 NetWorks Rhode Island artists. The exhibition will be on view from Thursday, July 11, 2024, and close on September 1, 2024 with an opening reception on Thursday, July 18 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Read more »

May 2, 2024
WaterFire Providence Partial Lighting on Saturday, May 11th in the Basin of Waterplace Park
There will be a partial WaterFire Providence lighting on Saturday, May 11th in the basin of Waterplace Park supported by the Office of Governor Dan McKee, Always Learning Rhode Island, the National Governors Association and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) in celebration of Learn365RI. The lighting will begin at 7:55 p.m. and the braziers will remain lit until 10:00 p.m. Special programming will begin at 6:30 p.m. 
Read more »

April 26, 2024
Announcing When I Get Home a Group Exhibition by the 2023-2024 WaterFire Accelerate Cohort
The WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC), a multi-use arts venue, located at 475 Valley Street in Providence, RI, is pleased to announce When I Get Home, a month-long group exhibition by the 2023-2024 WaterFire Accelerate cohort running from May 30th to June 30th in the gallery of the WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC). When I Get Home features the works of Kannetha Brown, Sydney Darrow, Emily Gray, Andrea Pascual, Adolfo Peralta, and Leiyana Simone. A public opening is scheduled for Thursday, May 30, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. This exhibition ranges across a wide variety of media, these six artists are united by their collective interests in their roots, grief, and growth. Exploring the human condition and connection, When I Get Home provides a space for all to commemorate the self, family, and loved ones. 
Read more »

April 23, 2024
Announcing Sculpting Silent Narratives: My Love Letters, a month-long solo exhibition by Janice Lardey in the WaterFire Arts Center Gallery
The WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC), a multi-use arts venue, located at 475 Valley Street in Providence, RI, is pleased to announce Sculpting Silent Narratives: My Love Letters a solo exhibition by Janice Lardey. On view at the WaterFire Arts Center Gallery from Thursday, May 2 through Sunday, May 26. A public opening is scheduled for Thursday, May 2, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Read more »

April 18, 2024
WaterFire Providence Announces the 2024 Season
WaterFire Providence announces the 2024 WaterFire season which currently includes six (6) full lightings and two (2) partial lightings. The season will kick off with a wall lighting in Memorial Park in coordination with the scheduled release with the first full lighting to follow on Saturday, June 1st. Community favorite events including, honoring Rhode Island Educators, Breast Cancer Survivors, and Rhode Island Veterans will return in 2024 and bring our friends and neighbors together to learn from and celebrate with each other.
Read more »

April 15, 2024
More Details about the Second Annual WaterFire Day for the 2024 WaterFire Season Announcement 
WaterFire Providence announces the designation of April 18, 2024, as the second annual WaterFire Day in the State of Rhode Island and the City of Providence in celebration of the release of the 2024 WaterFire Season Schedule. In conjunction with the season schedule release, this date marks the first WaterFire of the year: WaterFire will be lighting the twelve stationary braziers in the Providence River alongside Memorial Park. The lighting will be preceded by a press conference including Governor Daniel J. McKee, Mayor Brett P. Smiley, Representative Scott A. Slater, as well as co-CEOs of WaterFire Providence Peter Mello and Barnaby Evans, and representatives of the WaterFire Providence Board of Directors. 
Read more »

April 11, 2024
WaterFire Providence Hosting Two Earth Day Cleanups on Saturday, April 20th with Creative Labs DIY Printmaking Workshop
WaterFire Providence is pleased to announce its upcoming Earth Day initiative, featuring two community cleanups and a Creative Labs DIY Printmaking Workshop on Saturday, April 20th. WaterFire volunteers will be removing trash and treasures downtown from the Providence River as well as picking up litter and debris in the neighborhood surrounding the WaterFire Arts Center at 475 Valley Street. Both cleanups start at 9:00 AM and will conclude at 12:00 PM. Earth Day cleanups are aimed at beautifying the communities that house WaterFire lightings and the WaterFire Art Center.
Read more »

April 10, 2024
Second Annual WaterFire Day for the 2024 WaterFire Season Announcement
WaterFire Providence announces the designation of April 18, 2024, as the second annual WaterFire Day in the State of Rhode Island and the City of Providence in celebration of the release of the 2024 WaterFire Season Schedule. In conjunction with the season schedule release, this date marks the first WaterFire of the year: WaterFire will be lighting the twelve stationary braziers in the Providence River alongside Memorial Park. The lighting will be preceded by a press conference with community leaders including Mayor Brett P. Smiley, as well as coCEOs of WaterFire Providence Peter Mello and Barnaby Evans, and representatives of the WaterFire Providence Board of Directors. 
Read more »

April 9, 2024
ArtLab@WaterFire Announces Creative Labs Workshops for the month of April
WaterFire Providence announces the ArtLab@WaterFire Creative Labs workshop schedule for the month of April. The free workshop series for families will be starting its Spring season workshops in April on rotating weekends at the WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC). The nine workshops are available to kids and families of all ages and will be taught by local artists in the Rhode Island community, including artists from WaterFire Accelerate and from the current Gallery that is on display at the WFAC. Space is limited for each workshop. To guarantee your spot please RSVP for each workshop using the links found on our website at waterfire.org/workshops.
Read more »

April 4th, 2024
Announcing Works from the Collection of Joseph A. Chazan, M.D. at the WaterFire Arts Center Offices
The WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC), a multi-use arts venue located at 475 Valley Street in Providence, RI, is pleased to announce that select works from the Collection of Joseph A. Chazan, M.D. will be on display in the WaterFire Providence offices. A public viewing is scheduled for Thursday, April 4th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Read more »

April 2, 2024
Announcing the Opening of ART is Everywhere: ART inc., A Rhode Island PBS Exhibition, in the gallery at the WaterFire Arts Center
The WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC), a multi-use arts venue, located at 475 Valley Street in Providence, RI, is pleased to announce ART is Everywhere: ART inc., A Rhode Island PBS Exhibition, a month-long exhibition on view in the WaterFire Arts Center gallery from Thursday, April 4 through Sunday, April 28, 2024. A public opening is scheduled for Thursday, April 4, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. ART is Everywhere brings the essence of Rhode Island PBS’ short-video series ART inc. from the screen to the gallery. Delving into the heart of human expression, the series illuminates the transformative power of art—from its ability to soothe and inspire to its role as a catalyst for societal change.
Read more »

March 14, 2024
WaterFire Providence Announces Rhode Island Energy as Winner of Volunteer Appreciation Party Team Impact Award
WaterFire Providence will proudly honor Rhode Island Energy for their outstanding dedication to community service and volunteerism at the 2024 Volunteer Appreciation Party on March 14. RI Energy will be presented with the Team Impact Award in recognition of their exceptional commitment to making a positive impact in the local community.
Read more »

March 6, 2024
Announcing the Opening of SPACES ACROSS TIME: GRETCHEN DOW SIMPSON
A Retrospective, a month-long exhibition in the gallery at the WaterFire Arts Center
The WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC), a multi-use arts venue, located at 475 Valley Street in Providence, RI, is pleased to announce SPACES ACROSS TIME: GRETCHEN DOW SIMPSON, A Retrospective, a month-long exhibition on view in the WaterFire Arts Center gallery from Thursday, March 7 through Sunday, March 31, 2024. A public opening is scheduled for Thursday, March 7, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The exhibition celebrates the illustrious career of Gretchen Dow Simpson, a painter, and photographer who’s called Providence home for many years. In this expansive exhibition, which covers decades of creative exploration, visitors will be enveloped in the artist’s masterful command of shapes, light, and color. Dow Simpson’s art offers viewers a unique perspective on the world around us.
Read more »

February 13, 2024
WaterFire Providence Welcomes New Leadership to the Board of Directors
The Annual Meeting of the Waterfire Providence Board of Directors Meeting was Wednesday, February 7, 2024. Robert A. Walsh, Jr. was unanimously approved as a new member of the Board. The 2024 officers were newly appointed: Erica Guatieri as Chair and Charles Newton and Kate Bramson as Vice Chairs. Additionally, Michael Brostek (secretary) and Dr. Liu Wang (treasurer) will continue to serve in their appointed roles. “As WaterFire Providence looks forward to celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024, we are thrilled to welcome new leadership to continue guiding us into a new chapter of intentionality, sustainability, and creative impact,” says Barnaby Evans, Founder, Creative Director, and coCEO of WaterFire Providence.
Read more »

February 1, 2024
Announcing the Opening of 5 Moving Bottles at the US Rubber Company Mill, a month-long solo exhibition by Eli Tegu, at the WaterFire Arts Center Gallery
The WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC), a multi-use arts venue, located at 475 Valley Street in Providence, RI, is pleased to announce 5 Moving Bottles at the US Rubber Company Mill, a ‘live creation’ solo exhibition by Eli Tegu. On view in the WaterFire Arts Center gallery from Thursday, February 8 through Sunday, March 3, 2024. A public opening is scheduled for Thursday, February 8, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Read more »

January 9, 2024
Announcing the Opening of 4,489, a month-long solo exhibition by Abenda Sohn, at the WaterFire Arts Center Gallery
The WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC), a multi-use arts venue, located at 475 Valley Street in Providence, RI, is pleased to announce 4,489, a month-long solo exhibition by Abenda Sohn. On view in the WaterFire Arts Center gallery from Thursday, January 11 through Sunday, February 4, 2024. A public opening is scheduled for Thursday, January 11, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Read more »

Return to the Press Center