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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.

Dream Orbs in the Waterplace Park Basin at WaterFire. Photograph by Armin Kososki.

WaterFire Staff Stories: Kim Zoppo

Hi:) My name is Kim Zoppo and I have been working at WaterFire since May of 2019. I currently work on the Development Team and manage the WaterFire Arts Center. I transitioned into this role when COVID hit, and when our beloved WaterFires downtown were not going to be possible. We had to pivot our responsibilities and focus our energy on our Art Center and try to keep our organization going. I’m very proud to be working at WaterFire and I’m very excited to be part of this team and take on this new venture!! Prior to this role, I was the Volunteer Coordinator.

The Starry, Starry Night installation at WaterFire. Photograph by John Nickerson.

WaterFire Staff Stories: Jerry Suggs

I am Jerry Suggs and I am the Manager of Education Programming and Partnerships here at WaterFire. That includes working to create programs and partnerships between WaterFire and colleges, high schools and community programs. It also includes managing our internship program that has had as many as 26 interns working with WaterFire to produce our lightings and other events.

Fire Flowers and a Time Machine background photo. Depicts prayer candles and plastic flowers.

Fire Flowers and a Time Machine – Flores de Fuego y una Máquina del Tiempo

Presented October 1-17 outdoors at the WaterFire Arts Center and the nearby American Locomotive Works campus, ‘Fire Flowers’ is a bilingual performance event directed by Shey Rivera Ríos and featuring work from fifteen performance artists on topics from immigration, ancestral inheritance, and our current moment.

Aerial view of the Waterplace Park basin during a Clear Currents WaterFire lighting. Photograph by John Nickerson.

WaterFire Staff Stories: Peter Mello

I have been working at WaterFire for nearly a decade and what really excites me is how we create and present #Art4Impact that is accessible and approachable for people who might not otherwise experience it because they might not feel comfortable in a traditional arts venue like a museum, gallery or concert hall or might not be able to afford a ticket to the opera, ballet or philharmonic.

Clear Currents and La Gondola on the river (Photograph by Andre Zawadowicz)

WaterFire Staff Stories: Devanshi Ved

My name is Devanshi Ved, I am the Special Events Assistant, and a new member of the WaterFire Team. I started in the position 7 months ago in February, but I was also an Events and Operations Intern in 2018! Normally my job would be designing the Brazier Society reception tent, along with Sponsor Tents. Booking Performers for the Main Stage and Steeple Stage. I would also be responsible for the Celebrate Program where people can book packages to propose, have a special meal, and many other magical moments at the WaterFire Installation downtown.

The American Flag flying over Waterplace Basin. Photograph by Max Dowgiallo.

WaterFire Staff Stories: Marguerite Bernier

My position here is Bookkeeper / Office Manager.  I have been with WaterFire for 13 years.

My favorite events are the Salute to Veterans and the Christmas events.  For the Veterans fire, it is truly magical when the American flag is suspended over the basin area (with the help of 2 Providence Fire ladder trucks) and taps is being played.  There is not a dry eye in the audience.

Boat Procession at WaterFire. Photograph by Kevin Murray.

WaterFire Staff Stories: Bess Butterworth

I am Bess Butterworth and I am the Development Associate here at WaterFire. I have worked with my colleagues on the development team since July of 2019. I just celebrated my work anniversary! I focus on grant writing and individual giving and advancing programs in order to fund our mission. My favorite part about working at WaterFire is knowing that my work directly impacts the economic vitality of Providence by creating jobs, filling hotel rooms and restaurants and bringing a million people to the streets of downtown each year for a shared experience that brings us all closer.

WaterFire at Sunset, photograph by Laura Paton.

WaterFire Staff Stories: Nicole Nehiley

What do you do at WaterFire?
I am currently a part of the Development Team where I work with our other team members to help fundraise, work with our corporate sponsors, as well as interacting with board members and donors. I also previously managed the WaterFire Arts Center and am currently working with another team member to transition out of that role.

Decameron, Providence: New Stories for a New Era

Created as a reinvention of both theatre and audience to assure safety in the COVID-19 era, the event happens over 14 days August 9-22, and featuring dozens of performance artists in outdoor performances across 15 acres of a restored locomotive factory. The Wilbury Theatre Group and WaterFire Providence announce Decameron, Providence: New Stories… Read More »Decameron, Providence: New Stories for a New Era

WaterFire’s 100 Days of Inspiration and Connection

Connections Live Where We Make Them During this time of crisis, we created a program of daily emails to inspire and connect our community. Sharing inspirational quotes, WaterFire stories, and unDistancing Resources from arts/culture organizations as well as economic relief programs and opportunities for our followers to boost our local… Read More »WaterFire’s 100 Days of Inspiration and Connection