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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

Announcing the 2019 #Art4Impact Series and WaterFire Season Schedule

To celebrate 25 years of transforming a place and building community in Providence, RI, WaterFire Providence announces its inaugural #Art4Impact series of events. The #Art4Impact series will include three themed series of WaterFire lightings and events with each series highlighting community milestones, challenges or issues that WaterFire has been helping… Read More »Announcing the 2019 #Art4Impact Series and WaterFire Season Schedule

President and Prime Minister of Portugal Visit Providence for WaterFire and RI Day of Portugal Celebration

Sunday, June 10th, 2018 was certainly a momentous day in Providence, it was the final day of PVDFest and the second of two days of annual celebration of Portuguese heritage and history that comprises Rhode Island Day of Portugal. This day was the 41st RI Day of Portugal celebration and there… Read More »President and Prime Minister of Portugal Visit Providence for WaterFire and RI Day of Portugal Celebration

WaterFire Providence Statement About Brown’s Exhibition Cancellation

Regarding the planned exhibition of artist Ryan Mendoza’s “2672 South Deacon” at the WaterFire Arts Center. PROVIDENCE, RI (09 February 2018) – Brown University’s withdrawal from our partnership exhibiting artist Ryan Mendoza’s “2672 South Deacon” has not changed our passion regarding the importance of the work. The art installation includes… Read More »WaterFire Providence Statement About Brown’s Exhibition Cancellation

Building for the Future | Episode 27 Historic Architectural Elements

Standout Historical Features

There are many historical features that make the WaterFire Arts Center unique. When the building was owned by the US Rubber company it had different needs than it does today. Those needs demanded solutions that we no longer commonly see today. But those original provisions make the WFAC unique.

The WFAC has a great number of large windows. This allowed the maximum amount of natural sunlight to enter the building, and minimize the amount of electrical light needed to function in a time when electricity and electric lighting were much more expensive than today.

The large scrolling doors were tall enough to allow full-size locomotives to enter the space and unload cargoes of rubber, and deliver finished product out.

Read More »Building for the Future | Episode 27 Historic Architectural Elements