Pawtucket Launches Major New Arts Marketplace

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Saturday, August 04, 2012

GoLocalProv Features Team

The work of ceramic artist Brenda Gaudette will be among the fine arts and crafts exhibited at the first Arts Marketplace: Pawtucket, coming this fall.

A new arts and crafts show launching in Pawtucket this fall gives more momentum to the city evolving into a burgeoning arts center, attracting artists from across the United States. While big businesses are shrinking, new enterprises, driven by artists and designers, have been finding a welcome environment in the city.

The First Annual Arts Marketplace: Pawtucket will launch Saturday, September 8 and Sunday, September 9, 2012, from 10am to 4pm, in the Drill Hall of the newly renovated Pawtucket Armory Art Center, 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket.

Two artists have a vision

Organized by two civically-minded, well-known and savvy artists, whose own studios are in Pawtucket and East Greenwich – Gretchen Dow Simpson and Nancy Gaucher Thomas – this event has the markings of becoming one of the most esteemed art shows in the region.

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“We have been excited to see the success of the Pawtucket Arts Festival, with which are are partnering. But we always felt there could be a wonderful showcase for fine artists during this annual event,” said Nancy Gaucher-Thomas. “When we suggested the possibility of such an event,” added Gretchen Dow Simpson, “we thought it was something we could definitely do. We are thrilled to say that we are very happy with the enthusiasm of the participants and the city.”

The show will be comprised of fifty artists working in fine arts and crafts, many with connections to Rhode Island, others from throughout the region and from as far away as Arizona. The work they will be exhibiting and selling is highest quality fine art and crafts: jewelry, sculpture, painting, printmaking, fine wearables and accessories.

What else makes this show different?

The Arts Marketplace: Pawtucket, is one of the few-juried shows in the area. Jurors for the show are: Jewelry Designer, Micki Whelan and Sculptor, Kenn Speiser and artists Gretchen Dow Simpson and Nancy Gaucher-Thomas. Additionally, it takes place in the recently renovated Drill Hall in the Armory Art Center in Pawtucket, the perfect site for this exhibit. A spectacular, light-filled 11,000 square foot space with soaring ceilings and beautiful balcony, The Drill Hall is becoming one of the most coveted event spaces in New England.

In addition to the exhibit, the entire family will enjoy some wonderful and free activities that have been planned to take place over the course of the weekend. These include” an interactive demonstration of printmaking by the Ink Monkeys, whose unique program employs a giant, 12’ steamroller for printing on paper; “Ceramic Throw,” a hands on-program for all ages that allows participants to make bowls and cups from clay and subsequently, they throw their objects on a wall to create an original art installation; Dan Butterworth and his marionettes, the Rossonians music group and Sidewalk Chalk Artist, Michael Macaulay who will create a special chalk painting on the sidewalk leading up to the Armory Art Center; and the work of students from the JM Walsh School for the Visual and Performing Arts. Additionally, colorful, handmade banners designed and created by students participating in the New Urban Arts program will line the Morris Nathanson Bridge on Exchange Street.

Now in its thirteenth year, the Pawtucket Arts Festival attendance totaled over 35,000 in 2011. Nearby Festival events will include music, demonstrations, and many other family programs. There is ample parking and a beautiful Blackstone River view from the nearby Morris Nathanson Bridge. For additional information and application go to: www.artsmarketplacepawtucket.com

The mission of the PAF Visual Arts Committee is to review, oversee and support events and activities of the Pawtucket Arts Festival as they relate to the Visual arts. Specifically, the coordination and production of the Arts Marketplace: Pawtucket.