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WaterFire Staff Stories: Laura Duclos

What do you do at WaterFire? How long have you been involved?

Hi! My name is Laura Duclos and I’m the Director of Creative Services at WaterFire Providence, I’ve been working for WaterFire for over 10 years – I started as an intern in 2009 – and it’s been an incredible journey!

What is ‘creative services?’ Well it’s our way of trying to best summarize the work we do. From visual communications (social, print + web) to retail management (at events, online + the store at the WaterFire Arts Center) and graphic design to hospitality and visitor experience (way-finding, visitor services + more!) We’re the ones you talk to on Facebook. 😉

Torches light up Waterplace Basin during a WaterFire lighting. Photograph by Laura Patton.

WaterFire Staff Stories: Melanie Steinbrecher

What do you do at WaterFire?

I am the Creative Services Assistant here at WaterFire and have been for just over a year now. Before officially joining the team, I was actually a graphic design intern for a summer too!

My job here is to help out with all of the duties of our department such as graphic design, merchandise, social media, websites, videography, and photography. One of my biggest responsibilities right now is running the WaterFire store both online and in-person, and I do a lot of our merchandise campaigning.

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

Beacon of Hope at the WaterFire Arts Center during Day Time (photograph by Melanie Steinbrecher)

WaterFire Beacon of Hope Art Installation Open for Public Viewing

WaterFire Arts Center and WaterFire Store open Wednesdays through Saturdays during Phase II of the Rhode Island Reopening Plan 7/15/20 UPDATE: Additional evening viewing hours added until the installation closure on Friday, July 31. Hours listed here. WaterFire Providence announces that effective Wednesday, June 24,  the WaterFire Arts Center will… Read More »WaterFire Beacon of Hope Art Installation Open for Public Viewing

A Humble but Meaningful Remembrance: A Night at the Beacon of Hope

As part of the Beacon of Hope ceremony on Monday June 15th, community member, Reverend Kurt Walker, joined WaterFire artists, Melanie Steinbrecher and Barnaby Evans to celebrate and remember forty-six lives lost to COVID-19 who were members of the Orchard View Manor nursing home community in East Providence. It has… Read More »A Humble but Meaningful Remembrance: A Night at the Beacon of Hope