Merge, a One Gun Gone exhibition

Merge, the largest to date One Gun Gone exhibition, combines art and activism through the creation and sales of art made from disarmed guns. In addition to pre-pandemic visual artwork, the exhibition includes the unveiling of welded metal sculptures. ArtLab@WaterFire fellows were involved in creating these sculptures as part of a new collaboration between Princes 2 Kings, a Providence Boys and Girls Club teen program, and the Steel Yard.

The month-long exhibition is on view in the WaterFire Arts Center gallery from Thursday, May 4 through Sunday, May 28, 2023 with an opening reception on Thursday, May 4 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The third Thursday of the month, May 18, is Gallery Night Providence, the WFAC gallery as well as other galleries in the city are open late and trolley tours are available. In addition, an artist talk and community conversation will take place on Thursday, May 25 starting at 6:00 p.m.

One Gun Gone is a multidisciplinary anti gun violence public art project. Students from underserved neighborhoods in Providence, RI have participated in a professional art making project where students and adult artists transform disabled fire arms into art works that communicate how they feel about gun violence. In the process students are introduced to anti gun violence activists, artists and organizations that work to shift culture and policy to push for safer communities for us all.

The (P2K) Princes 2 Kings program at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence serves high school men of color encouraging positivity in discovering and exploring self, community and career. Teens express creativity in learning skills in culinary arts, creating awesome murals, producing anti-gun violence artwork, playing basketball and more. P2K has a strong partnership with Brothers On a New Direction (B.O.N.D.), who are college men of color attending University of Rhode Island. The men of B.O.N.D. pledge to help guide adolescent men of color towards personal growth, provide the tools for academic success, and lead by example.

ArtLab@WaterFire is a year-long, paid internship and mentorship program for BIPOC male high school students to develop professional skills in the arts and culture industry. Led by Program Coordinator, Grechel Rosado and Peter Mello, Managing Director + coCEO, the program officially launched in January of 2023 in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Providence and support and guidance of artist and educator Scott Lapham as well as the Papitto Opportunity Connection.

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.