Faded, the gallery, exploring the lineage of graphic t-shirts

Faded, the gallery is a month-long exhibition exploring the lineage of graphic t-shirts from their earliest adaptations as a new medium for creative self expression in the 1930s to present day. On view in the WaterFire Arts Center gallery from Thursday, May 5 through Sunday, May 29, 2022. Opening night is Thursday, May 5, from 6-9 pm and Gallery Night Providence + TroopTop, a rooftop bar with neighborhood restaurant Troop PVD (third Thursday of the month), May 19, 5-9pm.

The exhibition will have over one hundred rare examples of vintage t-shirts, showcasing eight decades of explosive genre defining artwork while highlighting groundbreaking innovations in design and printing techniques.

In addition to the historic survey of t-shirts, the exhibit will showcase the work and careers of three world renowned artists – Joey Mars, Joe Perez, and Sean Taggart, who’ve all played influential roles in shaping the medium and culture of t-shirt design over the past forty years and today.

The WaterFire Arts Center store + gallery hours are Wednesday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. *

Faded, the gallery will culminate with TWO EVENTS at the end of the month:

“Inside Faded” An Artist Panel will take place on Friday, May 27th from 6:00 to 8:00pm. Join us for a moderated artist panel with three world renowned artists – Joey Mars, Joe Perez, and Sean Taggart – discussing their art, process, and industry. The panel will be moderated by Coffee and J’s. A Q&A will follow. Admission to the panel is free; RSVP as seats are limited.

The Faded Show is a one day only convention on Saturday, May 28th, showcasing the art and business of vintage t-shirts and beyond. The show features a choice array of dealer booths, a designated trade pit and special guest appearances from authors and artists behind some of the most coveted vintage shirt designs. The day long event will include food trucks, a roof top bar and live DJs. The Faded Show is a ticketed event: General Admission, pre sale, 11am-6pm, tickets are $10.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RELATED EVENT, FADED SHOW, SAT. MAY 28»

* The WaterFire Arts Center will be closed on Friday, May 20 for a private event.