NEW: Rhode Island College Unveils New Alex and Ani Hall Art Center

NEW: Rhode Island College Unveils New Alex and Ani Hall Art Center

Rhode Island College today hosted the official ribbon cutting for the first phase of the new Alex and Ani Hall Art Center on campus.

Alex and Ani, the Cranston-based jewelry company, will be giving $1 million to the $17 million facility that was approved by Rhode Island voters in 2010 as a bond referendum

The existing building is being renovated to add new art studios and workshop spaces, as well as classrooms and offices, and will serve as the center of RIC's art program.

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"Rhode Island Proud and Rhode Island Based"

On hand at the ribbon cutting this morning were Governor Lincoln Chafee, RIC President Nancy Carriuolo, Alex and Ani owner, Carolyn Rafaelian, and Alex and Ani CEO Giovanni Feroce, among other elected officials, alumni, students, and supporters.

Governor Chafee said, "Anytime we invest in education and infrastructure, it's a good thing."

 

 

Carriuolo, speaking on the partnership with the jewelry company, said "They're Rhode Island proud and Rhode Island based, just liked RIC."

"We believe in reinvestment," said Feroce, of the "workforce incubator" the Art Center will provide.