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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.

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

Chazan Unfiltered Drawing

CHAZAN! UNFILTERED at the WaterFire Arts Center Gallery

CHAZAN! UNFILTERED at the WaterFire Arts Center Gallery will feature original artwork by Rhode Island based artist Erminio Pinque. The gallery show will be on display in our Visitor Center Gallery from Wednesday, September 15 – Sunday, October 24, 2021 with gallery hours* Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00… Read More »CHAZAN! UNFILTERED at the WaterFire Arts Center Gallery

Fires illuminate the faces of the crowd in Waterplace Park during a WaterFire lighting in 2018. Photograph by Jen Bonin.

WaterFire Providence Proudly Presents Our 2021 WaterFire Season Schedule!

The world-class art experience you know and love is back with at least 9 lightings from September through December! We are pleased to announce the 2021 WaterFire season which currently includes four (4) full lightings and five (5) partial lightings. The season will open with a full lighting thanking COVID… Read More »WaterFire Providence Proudly Presents Our 2021 WaterFire Season Schedule!

Artwork by Robert Rohm

Down to Earth: Robert Rohm Sculpture, 1963-2013

WaterFire Providence presents Down to Earth: Robert Rohm Sculpture, 1963-2013 at the WaterFire Arts Center, an exhibition spanning fifty years of work by sculptor, Robert Rohm. This exhibition will run from Wednesday, March 24 – Sunday, April 25, 2021. Robert Rohm is internationally recognized for his sculptures with exhibitions at… Read More »Down to Earth: Robert Rohm Sculpture, 1963-2013

Studio Installation

Private Visions, Public Ideals – The Legacy of Howard Ben Tré

Coming in January 2021 to the WaterFire Arts Center.

WaterFire Providence is pleased to present an exhibition in honor of the life and legacy of Howard Ben Tré at the WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC). “Private Visions, Public Ideals – The Legacy of Howard Ben Tré” show will run from January 27, 2021 – March 7, 2021. In addition to the regular WFAC hours, the exhibition will include a series of receptions and talks.

The LET-OUT A Vanta Guild Exhibit

THE LET-OUT a Vanta Guild Exhibit

WaterFire’s New Flame initiative is pleased to present a group exhibition of current photography curated by The Vanta Guild in the WaterFire Arts Center Gallery. “The Let-Out” show run is December 9, 2020 – January 15, 2021.

Six photographers are featured in the show: Jonathan Pitts-Wiley, Dee Speaks, Nicholas Mendes, Shaun Morse, Rafael Medina, and Marlisse Payamps. Featured images in “The Let-Out” exhibit focus on the joy, anger, and uncertainty of Black American experiences in Rhode Island as people grapple with the realities of pandemic-induced lockdowns, socio-political uprisings, and the struggle to maintain a sense of beauty, joy, and balance in the century’s most turbulent year.

Holiday ArtMart December 19, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Holiday ArtMart: Artist Pop-Up Market – December 19, 2020

Saturday December 19, 202011:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Safely Inside at the WaterFire Arts Center We’re bringing ArtMart inside to the spacious Main Hall of the WaterFire Arts Center for a 1-day Holiday Saturday on December 19th. Support 25+ Rhode Island artists and makers by joining us for some socially distanced… Read More »Holiday ArtMart: Artist Pop-Up Market – December 19, 2020

WaterFire Theater Under The Stars Brings Live Theater and Film Screenings to the Valley Neighborhood

The WaterFire Theater Under the Stars is the second-largest outdoor theater in Rhode Island and the first of its kind in Providence. Peter A. Mello, managing director and coCEO said, “In the spirit of the Governor’s ‘Take it Outside’ initiative our goal is to provide a safe experience for all Rhode Islanders by offering a wide variety of arts programming for the community at the WaterFire Arts Center.”

Veteran Torchbearers at the 2019 WaterFire Salute to Veterans event in Providence, Rhode Island. Photograph by Erin Cuddigan.

WaterFire Salute to Veterans Panel Discussions presented by WaterFire Providence and Leadership RI

Leading up to the 2020 WaterFire Salute to Veterans Online Video Premiere on November 14, WaterFire Providence and Leadership Rhode Island will present two live panel discussions moderated by Casey Woods, Executive Director at Overwatch Project | FORGE, and emceed by Mike Ritz, Executive Director of Leadership Rhode Island. Innovative… Read More »WaterFire Salute to Veterans Panel Discussions presented by WaterFire Providence and Leadership RI