For 500 lightings, WaterFire has brought people together at the edge of the river. What began in 1994 as an unexpected spark along the Providence River has grown into an internationally recognized work of art that transforms the city through fire, water, music, and community. In 2026, WaterFire marks its… Read More »Your Torchbearer Moment Awaits
WaterFire is pleased to announce an open call for artists for America, Unfinished?!, a large-scale group exhibition open from July 2 through August 30, 2026 in Providence, Rhode Island. Set within the 15,000-square-foot industrial space of the WaterFire Arts Center, this exhibition will explore the idea of America as an… Read More »Call for Artists: Join America, Unfinished?! in Providence, RI
We are proud to announce the fifth cohort of WaterFire Accelerate, a year-long professional development program supporting artists under 30 as they build sustainable creative careers while living and working in Rhode Island. Supported by the U.S. Department of Labor, WaterFire Accelerate provides emerging artists with mentorship, professional training, and… Read More »Announcing the 2026 WaterFire Accelerate Cohort!
On December 5th, 2025, our community came together to celebrate the season at the WaterFire Providence Festival of Trees Installation at the Holiday Basin Lighting. And thanks to all of you, it was a night overflowing with light and holiday magic. This year’s installation featured 20 beautifully decorated trees donated… Read More »A Season Brightened: Thank You for an Incredible 2025 Festival of Trees
It’s Giving Tuesday! Across the country and around the world, this day inspires more charitable giving than any other. Last year, more than 36 million Americans made a donation to their favorite nonprofits. That shared spirit of generosity is what helped turn WaterFire’s 2025 from a year of deep uncertainty… Read More »Help Us Celebrate #GivingTuesday on December 2nd, 2025
Looking for a memorable way to connect with friends, students, or colleagues this summer? The WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC) offers an ideal destination—especially during our current large-scale exhibition, Growing the NetWorks, on view now through August 31, 2025. Spanning 15,000 square feet of space, this expansive exhibition showcases the work… Read More »The WaterFire Arts Center: A Unique and Inspiring Group Outing
This Independence Day, WaterFire Providence is proud to celebrate not only our nation’s birthday but also the incredible small businesses that make Rhode Island thrive. As part of our July 4th WaterFire lighting, we’re hosting a Small Business Market in Market Square — offering local entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to… Read More »Support Local: WaterFire’s Fourth of July Small Business Market
A cherished member of the WaterFire family Jean Giorgio was a dear friend and a longtime member of the WaterFire Providence community: as a volunteer, a part-time staff member, and a trusted presence for more than a decade. Jean first joined WaterFire as a volunteer in 2010, becoming a regular… Read More »In Loving Memory of Jean Giorgio
CURATOR’S REFLECTION By Emily Gray, Executive and Curatorial Assistant at WaterFire Providence As I reflect on Gretchen Dow Simpson’s restrained canvases, Emily Dickinson’s words surface: “There’s a certain Slant of light,Winter Afternoons –That oppresses, like the HeftOf Cathedral Tunes – Heavenly Hurt, it gives us –We can find no scar,But… Read More »In Memory of Gretchen Dow Simpson (1939-2025)
The WaterFire community didn’t have to travel too far to celebrate in Nashville, to kick off our 30th Season. Over in downtown Providence, Moonshine Alley hosted WaterFire’s first Moonshine + Dine event! On Wednesday, April 23, WaterFire and Moonshine Alley partnered to bring an amazing fundraising night for WaterFire. Staff,… Read More »Moonshine + Dine: WaterFire’s Kicks Off It’s 30th Season in Style
