2025 Press Releases

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Latest Press Releases

December 19, 2025
WaterFire Providence Shares Details for a Starts at Sunset Event on Wednesday, December 31, Supported by the Providence Tourism Council A part of the Illuminate PVD New Year’s Eve Celebration and Fireworks Display
For the Starts at Sunset event on Wednesday, December 31, five braziers will be lit at 5:30 PM and burn until 9:00 PM. Programming begins at 5:00 PM along the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Pedestrian Bridge and throughout 195 District Park. All evening, guests can enjoy a DJ and pop-up dance performances on the main stage, a variety of local food trucks, and a heated beverage garden featuring live music. Beer, wine, and spirits will be available for guests 21+.
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December 5, 2025
WaterFire Providence Welcomes Alicia Rota as Director of Events & Operations
WaterFire Providence announces a Basin Lighting on Friday, December 5, 2025, supported by GoProvidence. The fires in the Basin of Waterplace Park area will be lit at 6:30 p.m. and will burn until 9:00 p.m. Onshore programming will begin at 4:00 p.m. surrounding the basin of Waterplace Park.
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December 3, 2025
WaterFire Providence Shares Details for a Basin Lighting on Friday, December 5, 2025
WaterFire Providence announces a Basin Lighting on Friday, December 5, 2025, supported by GoProvidence. The fires in the Basin of Waterplace Park area will be lit at 6:30 p.m. and will burn until 9:00 p.m. Onshore programming will begin at 4:00 p.m. surrounding the basin of Waterplace Park.
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November 12, 2025
WaterFire Providence Announces a Basin Lighting on Friday, December 5, 2025
WaterFire Providence announces a Basin Lighting on Friday, December 5, 2025, supported by GoProvidence. The fires in the Basin of Waterplace Park area will be lit at 6:30 p.m. and will burn until 9:00 p.m. Onshore programming will begin at 4:00 p.m. surrounding the Basin of Waterplace Park.
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November 7, 2025
WaterFire Providence Announces the Opening of the  5th Annual BuyArt small works holiday show and sale
WaterFire Providence announces the 5th Annual BuyArt small works holiday show and sale opening on Thursday, November 13, in the gallery of the WaterFire Arts Center from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Featuring 25 local artists, including WaterFire staff, Accelerate artists, interns, and volunteers. The show encourages holiday shoppers to purchase art right off the wall and give the gift of art this holiday season. As visitors purchase art, new works will be added throughout the show.
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October 23, 2025
WaterFire Providence Shares Details for a Full Lighting of WaterFire on Saturday, November 1, 2025
WaterFire Providence shares details for a full lighting on Saturday, November 1, made possible through the support of Rhode Island Energy and Manchester Street Station in celebration of the 13th Annual Salute to Veterans Torch Procession. The lighting will begin at 5:57 PM, and fires will burn until 10:00 PM.
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October 23, 2025
WaterFire Providence Shares Details for Starts at Sunset Happening on Thursday, October 30, Presented by the Providence Tourism Council
WaterFire Providence will hold the third Starts At Sunset event of 2025 on Thursday, October 30, 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.
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October 22, 2025
WaterFire Providence Shares Details for Nothing Follows its Spontaneous Course, an Exhibition 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 Nothing Follows its Spontaneous Course, a group exhibition running from October 24 to November 9 in the gallery of the WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC). Featured artists: Xinchun (Selina) Xie, Meri Sanders, Olivia Moon, Eun Yong Lee, Axel Anderson, Ankita Bhat, Isa Makielski, and Sihan (Tara) Chen. This exhibition is curated by Sihan (Tara) Chen.
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October 17, 2025
WaterFire Providence Announces a Basin Lighting on Tuesday, October 21, 2025
WaterFire Providence announces a Basin lighting of WaterFire on Tuesday, October 21, supported by Visual Creations and Rose Displays, Marathon Sports, and ON Inc. This lighting will feature a torch procession fashion show with the newest designs from ON Inc. and celebrate the Shop Ideations conference at the Omni Hotel. The torch procession fashion show begins at. Fires will be lit at 8:00 PM and will burn until 10:00 PM.
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October 2, 2025
WaterFire Providence Shares Details for a Full Lighting of WaterFire on Saturday, October 4, 2025 – Supported by Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation
WaterFire Providence shares details for a full lighting on Saturday, October 4, made possible through the support of Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation. The lighting will begin shortly after sunset (6:22 PM), and the fires will burn until 11:00 PM. Vendor streets and onshore programming will start at 5:30 PM.
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September 24, 2025
WaterFire’s FireBall Gala: Phoenix Rising Set for October 16 at the WaterFire Arts Center – Tickets and Sponsorships Still Available
On Thursday, October 16, 2025, the WaterFire Arts Center will host the FireBall Gala: Phoenix Rising, WaterFire Providence’s 9th annual gala and fundraiser. This inspiring evening will bring together more than 400 guests for a celebration of art, community, and impact in support of WaterFire’s mission.
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September 18, 2025
WaterFire Providence Shares Details for a Full Lighting of WaterFire on Saturday, September 27, 2025
WaterFire Providence shares details for a full lighting on Saturday, September 27, made possible through the support of Cox Business, Dunkin’, Fidelity Investments, the RI Department of Education, and Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, with additional support from DS SolidWorks Corporation, Pappitto Opportunity Connection, and Red Bull. The lighting will begin shortly after sunset (6:34 PM), and the fires will burn until Midnight. Vendor streets and onshore programming will start at 5:30 PM.
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August 13, 2025
Growing the NetWorks — Final Weeks to Experience Rhode Island’s Largest Summer Visual Arts Exhibition on View Through August 31, 2025, presented with generous support from BankNewport
Only three weeks remain to see Growing the NetWorks, a large-scale exhibition at the WaterFire Arts Center celebrating the depth and diversity of Rhode Island’s visual arts community. On view through Sunday, August 31, 2025, the exhibition features more than 60 artists whose work spans painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, and installation. 
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August 7, 2025
WaterFire Providence Shares Details for Family Business, a Month-Long Exhibition by the 2024- 2025 WaterFire Accelerate Cohort 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 Family Business, a month-long group exhibition by the 2024-2025 WaterFire Accelerate cohort running from September 11 to October 19 in the gallery of the WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC). Family Business features the works of Elizabeth Alice-Isam Jweinat (Lizzy Sour), Dorian Epps, Caterina Maina, Sissy Rosso, and Ariel Tavares. The public is invited to a Housewarming, the official opening reception, on Sunday, September 14, from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. 
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July 31, 2025
WaterFire Providence Shares Details for the Full Lighting of WaterFire on Saturday, August 9, 2025
WaterFire Providence announces a full lighting on Saturday, August 9, made possible through the support of Amica and the Providence Tourism Council (PTC). This full lighting celebrates Clear Currents Paddling Night, featuring over sixty kayaks on the river with illuminated Japanese koi (fish) temporarily mounted on the front of each kayak. The lighting will begin at 8:03 PM, and the braziers will remain lit until Midnight.
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July 30, 2025
WaterFire Providence Announces the 9th Annual FireBall Gala on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the WaterFire Arts Center Honoring Malcolm G. Chace III and Family, Cortney Nicolato, Valerie Tutson, and Lynn Singleton
WaterFire Providence announces the 9th Annual FireBall Gala on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the WaterFire Arts Center. WaterFire will honor four 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 and create a lasting impact on the lives of fellow citizens, ultimately contributing to the betterment of the City of Providence and the State of Rhode Island.
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July 14, 2025
WaterFire Providence Shares More Details for Starts at Sunset happening on Thursday, July 17, presented by the Providence Tourism Council
WaterFire Providence will hold the second Starts At Sunset event of 2025 on Thursday, July 17, 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.
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July 14, 2025
WaterFire Providence Shares Details About Valley Vibes: Thursdays on Tap
WaterFire Providence announces Valley Vibes: Thursdays on Tap, supported by Brady Sullivan Properties, Cross Insurance, and GatherWealth Investment Management. The series kicked off on July 10, 2025, and continues weekly on the WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC) roof deck through August 28, 2025 (no event on July 24). 
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June 30, 2025
WaterFire Providence Shares Details for the Full Lighting of WaterFire on Friday, July 4, 2025
WaterFire Providence announces a full lighting on Friday, 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 a patriotic theming throughout the event, including an installation of 100 American flags lining Memorial Boulevard. The lighting will begin at 8:40 PM, and the braziers will remain lit until Midnight.
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June 16, 2025
WaterFire Providence Shares Details for the  Juneteenth & RI Pride Partial Lighting on Thursday, June 19, 2025
WaterFire Providence is pleased to share details for the upcoming partial lighting on Thursday, June 19, 2025, made possible through the support of the Providence Tourism Council (PTC). Designated as the Juneteenth & RI Pride Lighting, this event is one of the several sponsored by the PTC as part of its efforts to commemorate Juneteenth and Rhode Island Pride., The lighting offers a meaningful moment of reflection and celebration, honoring Black history and culture alongside LGBTQIA+ pride in the heart of downtown Providence. Food, art, and non-profit vendors will be open on College Street at 7:30 PM. Fires will be lit at 8:30 PM and remain burning until 10:30 PM. 
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June 10, 2025
WaterFire Providence Announces Summer and Fall 2025 Exhibitions at the WaterFire Arts Center
WaterFire Providence announces the continuation of its 2025 exhibition season at the WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC), showcasing a dynamic mix of solo and group exhibitions featuring both emerging and established Rhode Island artists. From large-scale narrative paintings to immersive installations and small works for holiday giving, each exhibition reflects WaterFire’s ongoing commitment to supporting the state’s diverse creative community.
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May 29, 2025
WaterFire Providence Announces a Full Lighting of WaterFire On Saturday, May 31, 2025
WaterFire Providence announces a full lighting on Saturday, May 31, made possible through the support of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). The first full lighting of the 2025 season is set to honor the Commencement of RISD’s class of 2025 and celebrate RISD’s Reunion Weekend. The lighting will begin at 8:30 PM, and the braziers will remain lit until Midnight.
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May 23, 2025
This Week at the WaterFire Arts Center: Events for Mays Boyz Makin’ NOIZE: A Father and Sons Exhibition
As Mays Boyz Makin’ NOIZE: A Father and Sons Exhibition enters its final weeks at the WaterFire Arts Center (on view through Sunday, June 1, 2025), WaterFire Providence invites the community to two powerful events that expand on the exhibition’s themes of justice, memory, and creative resistance.
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May 20, 2025
WaterFire Providence Announces the Opening of Kate Blacklock: Inside Out Exhibition 
WaterFire Providence announces the opening of Kate Blacklock: Inside Out,  a solo exhibition by Kate Blacklock in the gallery of the WaterFire Arts Center. Inside Out features a new body of work that continues Blacklock’s exploration of internal and external landscapes, blurring the lines between memory and imagination in visually striking, narrative compositions. The exhibition will be open from Thursday, June 5, to Sunday, July 6. 
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May 13, 2025
More details for Starts at Sunset happening on Thursday, May 15, presented by the Providence Tourism Council
WaterFire Providence will hold the first Starts At Sunset event of 2025 on Thursday, May 15, 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 »

April 28, 2025
WaterFire Providence Announces the Addition of Three New Staff Members 
WaterFire Providence is excited to announce the addition of three new team members who will play pivotal roles in shaping the organization’s future. Beginning in April, Chris Donovan joined as Development Manager, Joel Kipper as Director of Events & Operations, and Kelly Pattison as Director of Sponsorships and Corporate Relations. Additionally, long-time team member Tim Blankenship has been appointed as Director of Special Projects.
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April 17, 2025
WaterFire Providence Announces the Opening of Mays Boyz Makin’ NOIZE: A Father & Sons Exhibition 
 WaterFire Providence announces the opening of Mays Boyz Makin’ NOIZE: A Father & Sons Exhibition by Don Mays and sons Zachary (Zac) and Nicolas (Nic) Mays in the gallery of the WaterFire Arts Center. Bringing together powerful new work and intergenerational collaboration, the exhibition invites viewers into a conversation about justice, memory, and creative resistance. The exhibition will be open from Thursday, May 1, to Sunday, June 1. 
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April 3, 2025
WaterFire 2025 Season Schedule Release Press Conference, at the WaterFire Arts Center, Tuesday, April 15, 2025
 WaterFire Providence will host a press conference on Tuesday, April 15, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC) located at 475 Valley Street, Providence, RI, to announce the 2025 WaterFire Season Schedule. Members of the Media are invited to attend. This is a Private Event.
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March 31, 2025
WaterFire Providence Names Interim Executive Director
WaterFire Providence is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has appointed Mark Allan as Interim Executive Director of WaterFire Providence, leading day-to-day operations at the nonprofit.
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March 17, 2025
WaterFire Providence Presents Metamorphosis: An ART inc. and Artscape Exhibition Celebrating Transformation and Public Media
WaterFire Providence is pleased to announce the opening of Metamorphosis: An ART inc. and Artscape Exhibition, a multimedia exhibition at the WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC) Gallery from March 27 through April 27, 2025. This exhibition celebrates transformation and reinvention, featuring twelve Rhode Island artists highlighted in ART inc., the Rhode Island PBS’ original digital and broadcast series, and Artscape, The Public’s Radio’s arts program.
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March 11, 2025
WaterFire Providence Announces ArtLab@WaterFire Creative Labs Schedule for Spring 2025 | A family-friendly art workshop series designed to ignite creativity and bring people of all ages together, hosted on weekends at the WaterFire Arts Center.
WaterFire Providence is thrilled to announce the return of ArtLab@WaterFire Creative Labs Workshops at the WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC) for March, April, and May 2025. This season, the majority of workshops will be led by WaterFire Accelerate artist Caterina Maina, who will guide participants through hands-on photography-based experiences. Additionally, local artist Hollis Hickerson of Horned Hare Studios will introduce attendees to the art of wet felting.
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March 7, 2025
Upcoming Activities for Graphic Voices of Latin America, a Month-Long Exhibition at the WaterFire Arts Center
La Lintera, a printshop in the city of Cali, Colombia, will host a series of workshops in collaboration with the current gallery at the WaterFire Arts Center, Graphic Voices of Latin America, along with a screening of La Linterna’s documentary, followed by a question and answer session.
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January 21, 2025
WaterFire Providence Announces the Opening of Graphic Voices of Latin America, a two-part show: Latin American Posters by Gráfica Latina & La Linterna / PACHA: ancestral evolutions, Murals by Ccopacatty
WaterFire Providence announces Graphic Voices of Latin America, a month-long two-part exhibition that features Latin American Posters by Gráfica Latina & La Linterna in the WaterFire Arts Center Gallery and murals by Ccopacatty in the Main Hall of the WaterFire Arts Center opening on Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Both Exhibitions are a collective exploration of resistance and resilience by Latin American artists.
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