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Tim Blankenship

I've worked at WaterFire Providence since 2003. For the first 9 years of my career, I worked in the Production Shop learning all of the details that go into the physical production of the event. In 2012 transitioned to the role of managing WaterFire's social media and web presence. I now head up WaterFire Providence's digital projects including, web, social, databases, and our physical IT infrastructure.

The first ever FireBall fundraiser event at the WaterFire Arts Center in 2015 prior to the rennovations. Eugene designed the floor mural and cityscape backdrop. Photograph by Jen Bonin.

Remembering Eugene Lee

We just lost a good friend and one of the true great giants of the arts, known and celebrated all across the world. Eugene Lee was a masterful set designer, a visionary, an artist, a gentleman,  and so much more

FireBall Spread Love City

WaterFire Honors Dr. Joseph Chazan at 6th Annual FireBall Gala

WaterFire Providence had the privilege to honor Dr. Joseph A. Chazan for his extraordinary support of Rhode Island artists and arts organizations over the past 50 years at our 6th Annual FireBall Gala. On October 20, 2022 the WaterFire Arts Center was filled with community members, stakeholders, and revelers for… Read More »WaterFire Honors Dr. Joseph Chazan at 6th Annual FireBall Gala

Students posing at the XQ Teachers Lounge. Photograph via Rhode Island Department of Education.

WaterFire’s 2022 Celebration of Educational Excellence Was a Smashing Success!

Thank you to all of the educators, teachers, administrators, and visitors who joined us on Saturday, September 24 to celebrate educational excellence and recognize educators from across the state who are going above & beyond for students, families, & fellow educators. Thank you to the Rhode Island Department of Education,… Read More »WaterFire’s 2022 Celebration of Educational Excellence Was a Smashing Success!

WaterFire Accelerate - 2022-2023 Cohort Artwork Collage

Announcing the 2022-2023 WaterFire Accelerate Cohort

WaterFire Providence announces the second cohort of WaterFire Accelerate, a professional development program for artists under 30. The second cohort includes six prolific young artists spanning a variety of mediums including painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, graphic design, rug-tufting, and video production. The new WaterFire Accelerate cohort embarks on their journey… Read More »Announcing the 2022-2023 WaterFire Accelerate Cohort

Art by WaterFire Accelerate artists

WaterFire’s Accelerate Program Is Now Accepting Applications For Its 2022-23 Cohort

WaterFire’s Accelerate program is a year-long professional development program for emerging artists under 30. This program is specifically designed to provide access to resources that will further the artistic careers of participants. The Accelerate program engages young artists who may not have had the opportunity to pursue a traditional arts… Read More »WaterFire’s Accelerate Program Is Now Accepting Applications For Its 2022-23 Cohort

Barnaby Evans, WaterFire creator and Executive Artistic Director/coCEO of WaterFire Providence, speaks at the Olneyville Expo in 2019. Barnaby is seen on stage along with one of our LED illuminated Japanese Koi fish. Photograph by Matthew Huang

WaterFire founder, Executive Artistic Director Barnaby Evans to receive honorary degree from University of Rhode Island

The University of Rhode Island announced today that “artist, designer, developer, and thought leader Barnaby M. Evans. Evans, the founder and executive artistic director of WaterFire Providence, will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at their 136th Undergraduate Commencement. World renowned ocean explorer and professor of oceanography Robert Ballard will deliver… Read More »WaterFire founder, Executive Artistic Director Barnaby Evans to receive honorary degree from University of Rhode Island