Bristol Art Museum Presents a New Exhibit Celebrating the Cultural Identity of the East Bay9/13/2023 ![]() The Bristol Art Museum announces a new exhibit, "A Small Point of Land," a juried exhibit of artists living and/or working in the communities on the East Bay. The exhibit will be on display from Sat., Sept. 23 to Sat., Oct. 28. An artist's reception is scheduled for Sun., Sept. 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. Local painter, Michele Poirier Mozzone, served as the juror for this exhibit which included more than 130 submissions for consideration. "A Small Point of Land" celebrates the cultural identity of Rhode Island, particularly the East Bay area, which is intimately connected to the surrounding waterways and the Atlantic Ocean. The exhibit's title is inspired by the word "Narragansett," meaning "a small point of land" in the indigenous language. Artists were invited to explore their relationship to place, creating artworks that delve into the complexities of forming identity, spiritual experiences, psychological connections, and the intertwining of past, present, and future. “I am honored to have been invited by The Bristol Art Museum to act as juror for this meaningful community exhibition,” said Poirier Mozzone. “The works submitted ran the gamut from representational to abstract, painting to printmaking, sculpture to photography. The prospect of thinning out so many wonderful entries into a cohesive exhibit celebrating the East Bay area was daunting. I commend each artist who submitted work to this show and applaud the obvious love of this area that inspires them to create. I gave my full attention to each entry before making final decisions about which pieces would be selected. Accepted or not, congratulations to each artist who felt inspired, created the work, photographed it, made the entry deadline and crossed their fingers. Bravo! It was a joy to see so many original expressions, so many viewpoints, such appreciation for this very special ‘Small Point of Land.’ ” “This showcase of artwork is a captivating collection of images that convey a strong sense of place and emotions associated with our proximity to Narragansett Bay,” said Museum Curator Mary Dondero. “On behalf of the Museum, we express our gratitude to juror, Michele Poirier Mozzone, who meticulously evaluated all of the submissions from incredibly talented artists. Her task was certainly demanding, and she noted that the competition was fierce, with numerous remarkable artworks vying for inclusion.” The juror, Poirier Mozzone, is renowned for her captivating figurative work. She brings a unique perspective shaped by her series of paintings entitled "Fractured Light." Her work is represented by galleries in Venice, Italy; New York City, New York; Connecticut; and Maine. A graduate of Emmanuel College in Boston, Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, Poirier Mozzone primarily worked in watercolor and pastel for years. While she still delights in the inherent beauty of both mediums, Poirier Mozzone has expanded her style to oil paint. The exhibit includes work from artists who live or work in Bristol; Barrington; Cambridge, Mass.; East Providence; Gales Ferry, Ct.; Jamestown; Little Compton, Middletown; Portsmouth; Riverside; Saunderstown; South Kingstown; Tiverton; Warren; and Warwick.
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![]() The Bristol Art Museum today announced that it is the recipient of a grant to improve exhibit spaces in one of its galleries. The lighting in the Museum’s Livingston Gallery was last changed during the original restoration of the building. This exhibit area is where local and national artists’ artwork is showcased. Since installation, the lighting has aged. Rhode Island State Representatives June Speakman (Bristol - Warren) and Susan Donovan (Bristol-Prudence Island) secured a $1,500 Legislative Grant to upgrade lighting to energy-efficient LED lighting that will more effectively showcase artists’ work. “Nonprofit arts organizations such as the Bristol Art Museum make immeasurable contributions to the East Bay area, which offers several arts and culture destinations,” said Rep. Speakman. “We are pleased to support this arts organization that works tirelessly to bring the work of local, regional and national artists to Rhode Island for the viewing and enjoyment of those with an affinity for art. This grant is a great example of how the legislature can support local nonprofits that offer so much to the people of Rhode Island.” “Living in a community with active arts organizations enhances the quality of life in Bristol,” said Rep. Donovan. “The Art Museum’s presence here has contributed to our standing as a destination town serving visitors and local inhabitants alike. We are happy to be able to support ongoing improvements to the space.” “The Bristol Art Museum offers its sincere gratitude to Representatives Speakman and Donovan for securing this needed grant to enhance exhibit space in our Livingston Gallery,” said Mary Dondero, Museum Curator. “This particular gallery often exhibits works from local and regional artists. With this grant, we can enhance the space to properly showcase artwork.” Rep. Speakman has served District 68, which includes Warren and Bristol, since 2019. A champion of affordable housing, she is a former college professor at Rutgers University and the Claremont Colleges. Rep. Speakman currently serves as a faculty member in Roger Williams University’s Department of Politics and International Relations. Rep. Donovan has served District 69, which includes Bristol and Prudence Island, since 2016. A retired health and physical education teacher who taught hundreds of Bristol children during her thirty-five years of service is a former Bristol Art Museum board member. Rep. Donovan is Chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee and member of the Education, Oversight and Veterans Affairs Committees. The Bristol Art Museum, founded in 1964, is a nonprofit organization located at 10 Wardwell Street in Bristol, Rhode Island. Its mission is to encourage the creation, promotion, and appreciation of the arts through rotating exhibitions and educational opportunities. Community outreach programs and partnerships are central to our goal of engaging diverse audiences in the arts of our time. The Museum enriches the cultural life of the community and region through eclectic exhibitions and educational programs The Bristol Art Museum is pleased to announce the opening of its latest exhibition, Tensions: New Directions in Fiber Art. This captivating exhibit showcases the works of 36 innovative and talented Rhode Island-based contemporary fiber artists, exploring new frontiers in the realm of fiber art.
The exhibit opens on Sun. Jul. 23 and will be on view until Sat., Sept. 9. An opening reception will be held on Mon., Aug. 7, from 5 to 7 p.m., providing an opportunity for visitors to meet the artists and gain deeper insights into their artistic process. Curated by renowned local art expert, Allison Wilbur, Tensions brings together an impressive collection of artists who are pushing the boundaries of their medium. Embracing the diverse possibilities of fiber art, the exhibition features a captivating array of textiles, sculptural installations, mixed media compositions, and immersive experiences that challenge traditional notions of what constitutes fiber art. “Fiber Arts have long been woven into our history and culture as an integral part of daily life,” shared Guest Curator Allison Wilbur. “From utilitarian pieces such as clothing and bedding to decorative arts, women, in particular, have expressed themselves through fiber. Today's contemporary fiber artists take time-honored techniques and traditions and elevate and reshape them to create new forms that reflect our ever-changing world.” Speaking to the rich textile history in Rhode Island, local artists have created works based in the textile traditions of weaving, quilting, crochet, basketry, rug hooking and garment making. Moving away from the utilitarian, this new fiber art speaks to critical issues like the environment, the status of women, and self-realization. In addition to the featured fiber artists displayed in the exhibit, the local art quilt group, Rhode Island Threads, will display a collection of quilts created in the style of Japanese scrolls. Art quilters use several techniques including fabric dyeing and painting, hand and machine stitching, embroidery and embellishment with found materials to create wall hangings similar to paintings but with the texture and feel of quilts. The artwork displayed in Tensions is paired with historic artifacts, including weaving tools, an antique quilt, photographs and memorabilia. These artifacts evoke the roots from which this new artwork has sprung; the hands of the past that passed these cherished techniques down through the generations. Stitching global textiles, color combinations, and design elements together with traditional American piecing, Wilbur creates art quilts that celebrate the international language of fiber shared by women around the world. She is an internationally recognized curator of fiber art exhibits, with an eye to raising awareness of global women’s issues. Wilbur’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally at venues including the United Nations Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, the United Nations Visitor Center in New York, the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, the Human Rights Gallery at Kean University in Union New Jersey, the New England Quilt Museum in Lowell, Massachusetts, and in major national quilt festivals and art galleries. The Bristol Art Museum (BAM) announces a call for art for, "A Small Point of Land," a juried exhibit comprised of artists living and/or working in the communities on the East Bay. Local painter, Michele Poirier-Mozzone, will serve as the juror for this exhibit.
"A Small Point of Land" celebrates the cultural identity of Rhode Island, particularly the East Bay area, which is intimately connected to the surrounding waterways and the Atlantic Ocean. The exhibit's title is inspired by the word "Narragansett," meaning "a small point of land" in the indigenous language. Artists are invited to explore their relationship to place, creating artworks that delve into the complexities of forming identity, spiritual experiences, psychological connections, and the intertwining of past, present, and future. “The East Bay has inspired countless artists to create unique art that expresses the individual’s interpretation of the beauty or history of Rhode Island’s coastline,” said Museum Curator Mary Dondero. “Set against the backdrop of our charming coastal town, a remarkable collection of art will celebrate the ever-changing landscapes that grace our world, from the perspective of those who live or work in the East Bay. From tranquil seascapes to vibrant forests, artists are invited to share the experiences of an adventure that transcends time and place, allowing them to pause and marvel at the sheer magnificence of our communities.” Accepted artworks must be hand-delivered to the Bristol Art Museum on Sunday, September 10, or Monday, September 11, between 1 and 3 p.m. The exhibit will be on display from Sat., Sept. 23 to Sat., Oct. 28, and all artwork must remain in the exhibition until the closing date. An artist's reception is scheduled for Sun., Sept. 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. The museum invites artists working in various media to submit their artwork for consideration, with the exception of video or time-based pieces. Submissions can include up to three works, and the entry fees are as follows: $30 for one entry, $40 for two entries, and $50 for three entries. The deadline for online submissions is midnight on Sunday, August 6, 2023. Artists may submit entries here. The juror, Poirier-Mozzone, is renowned for her captivating figurative work. She brings a unique perspective shaped by her series of paintings entitled "Fractured Light." Her work is represented by galleries in Venice, Italy; New York City, New York; Connecticut; and Maine. A graduate of Emmanuel College in Boston, Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, Poirier-Mozzone primarily worked in watercolor after college. While she still delights in the translucence and the inherent beauty of this medium, Poirier-Mozzone has expanded her style to pastel. GoLocalProv: An Extravagant Exhibition of Paintings in Bristol - Inside Art with Michael Rose11/16/2022 At a time of year when many community art centers are beginning to turn their attention to small works exhibitions, Bristol Art Museum is hosting an altogether different type of show. The museum’s current exhibition Extravagant Chemistry, Anatomies of Painting, is a breathtaking survey of painters from throughout the region, and one that will excite anyone who loves the medium. While digital work and cutting-edge technology often make headlines in today’s art world, this exhibition proves that the art and craft of painting is alive and well.
READ MORE ![]() The Bristol Art Museum and Rogers Free Library to Host Juried, Community Exhibit The Bristol Art Museum in partnership with the Rogers Free Library announces a call for artists for a juried, community exhibit, Small Works, featuring two-dimensional works of drawings, paintings, photography, prints or collage. The deadline to submit artwork for consideration is Monday, October 17 at midnight. For more information, and to submit artwork, please click here, http://www.bristolartmuseum.org/form-small-works.html. Small Works are two-dimensional works of art limited to 12 inches on either side. Large in imagination, but small in size, Small Works provides artists the opportunity to share a wide variety of styles, media, and subject matter. The exhibit will be on view in the Community Galleries at Rogers Free Library. The exhibit, which will be judged by Rhode Island artist Rina Naik, will be on view in the Community Galleries at the Rogers Free Library from November 7 to December 16, 2022. “As an artist myself I can relate to all the hard work and effort that the submitting artists are going through, said Naik. “As a juror, I will be looking for a wide variety of things which includes technical skills, a good understanding of the design principles, clear concept/idea, adept material handling and some elements of visual energy. I think of this visual energy as something different/ unique that the artist has done. Something that captures your attention and then retains it with an invitation for more exploration. Pushing the conceptual and material boundaries and breaking the rules also add to the interest.” “The Bristol Art Museum is pleased to provide this opportunity to local artists to have their work available for public view and enjoyment,” said Bristol Art Museum Curator, Mary Dondero. “The Museum’s partnership with Rogers Free Library is a wonderful example of how Bristol’s nonprofit organizations can collaborate to make meaningful contributions to the local arts and culture offerings in our town. I look forward to viewing the works of art selected by Rina Naik and exhibited in the Library's community gallery.” All works of art from artists at least 18 years old must be original and no longer than 12 inches on the longest side (frame included). Chosen artwork must be ready to install with a wire on the backside of the frame and artists must insure their work, if desired. Artists whose work is chosen for the exhibit are invited to make their work available for sale, all sales are negotiated between the artist and the collector. No commissions are taken by the Museum. Those interested in purchasing art are invited to contact the artist by email, which will be included on the exhibit label. There is a minimal $10 submission fee - payable by credit card - and artists are welcome to submit up to five pieces of art for consideration. Submission fee: $10 per submission. Up to 5 submissions are welcome. Artists whose work is selected will be notified by email no later than Wednesday, October 26. “As an artist who paints on the smaller scale most of the time, I can attest to the challenge of creating compelling pieces of artwork at a small scale,” added Naik. “Small scale adds an element of preciousness and intimacy to the artwork. I will be looking for pieces to have all the elements mentioned above and hold the viewers' visual interest at a smaller scale.” Naik, the juror, is an Asian Indian-American artist who primarily focuses on oil painting using the cold wax medium. As of late, she has been exploring mixed media pieces on paper and panel with sumi ink, acrylic inks, asemic writing, Japanese papers, etc. She draws inspiration from the New England Landscapes, in particular, plein air painting on the Cape. Naik shares “New England landscapes are magical in their beauty,” and created a series of mini paintings called Truro wanderings. Ms. Naik holds a certificate in drawing and painting from RISDce and an MFA in Interior design from Endicott College. She lives and works in Plainville, Massachusetts and has participated in numerous shows, receiving awards of merit and excellence. Her work can be found in private collections. Naik was awarded the Best Emerging Artist Award at the Art Providence Holiday show in 2018; Viewer’s Choice Award, second place, Pawtucket Arts Collaborative Member Show; Merit Award, Attleboro Museum Member Show, Attleboro Arts Museum; and Distinction of Excellence, National Juried Show, IMAGO Gallery, Warren, RI. Naik is a member of IFA Imago Foundation for the Arts, Fort Point Arts Community; Monotype Guild of New England; Attleboro Arts Museum; Pawtucket Arts Collaborative; and the Concord Center for Visual Art, Concord. ![]() Nearly 50 Artists to Attend Opening Reception this Sunday The Bristol Art Museum today announced an Opening Reception for its annual Juried Members Exhibit which opens on Saturday, September 24. The public is invited to the Opening Reception will take place on Sunday, September 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. The exhibit was judged by Rhode Island artist Kristin Street, who has exhibited locally, nationally and internationally. Bristol Art Museum members were invited to submit all forms of media for consideration, except video and site-specific installations. "In selecting the work to be included in this member’s show I opted to embrace the diverse nature of the submissions," said Street. "The range of style and media offered an engaging mix of traditional to abstract offerings, which made my job of selecting the work for this show very challenging. The thread that runs through all the pieces selected can be found in a rich attention to composition, an intriguing use of texture, line and color, and the avid curiosity expressed in the use of unconventional materials." “Our annual Juried Members Exhibit is an opportunity to showcase the depth of creative talent among our members with a passion for the mission of the Bristol Art Museum,” said Exhibition Curator Mary Dondero. “This exhibit is among our most popular each year given the unique and varied perspectives of those that comprise our membership.” Artists scheduled to attend the reception include Bern Altman; Deborah Amylon; Karen Rand Anderson; Ann Barrett; Cicek Beeby; Mary Brennan; Karen Clair; Janet Dubuc; Mary Ellen Dwyer; Kendra Ferreira; Carol FitzSimonds; Claudia Flynn; Frank Gasbarro; Vera Gierke; Ann-Marie Gillett; Gary Graham; Susan Graham; Joanne Gregory; Donald Heymann; Bonnie Jaffe; Marc Jaffe; Jean Keller; Peter Landry; Daniel Lake; Suzanne Lewis; Maria Loring; Eileen Mayhew; Johanna McKenzie; Vicky McGrath; Linda Megathlin; Paul M. Murray; Elena Obelenus; Elizabeth O'Connell; Jeanne Cardelli Raimondi; Sandra Richard; Julie Schnatz Rybeck; Deborah Schuessler; Pamela Seymour Smith Sharp; John Sideli; Kathleen Tirrell; John Udvardy; Lelia Stokes Weinstein; Karen Wheet; Nancy Whitcomb; Shawen Williams; Howard Windham; Carolyn Winter; and Al Wroblewski. Street is a Providence native who earned a BFA in Textiles from the Rhode Island School of Design and a an MFA from The Maryland Institute College of Art, in Sculpture/Studio Art. She augments her formal education through travel study grants and course work. With a commitment to promoting the work of colleague artists through curatorial work in the two galleries she established, The Krause Gallery in Providence RI and The Mill Gallery in Pawtucket, RI, Street has maintained an aggressive exhibition schedule over the years, exhibiting in museums and galleries locally, nationally and internationally. Land Acknowledgment Bristol Art Museum is located on the ancestral homelands of the Pokanoket, Wampanoag, and Narragansett tribal nations whose people have an enduring, reciprocal relationship to this sacred site. The Museum is also sited on the grounds of Linden Place, which was once a slave-holding estate. Colonial inhabitants of this land benefited politically and economically from the economies of slavery that cultivated Bristol, Rhode Island. Through this acknowledgment made is 2021, the Bristol Art Museum seeks to recognize the complex cultural and social history of the land upon which the Museum is physically situated, as a way to resist ongoing settler colonial narratives that marginalize Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. ![]() This fall, individuals with an interest in creating works of art with colored pencils will have an opportunity to learn about this unique technique from an expert in the art form, Kendra Ferreira, at the Bristol Art Museum. The one-day in-person class, Drawing the Autumn Landscape, is scheduled for Saturday, October 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. Participants in this class will capture the glorious colors of autumn in colored pencil. Using techniques such as layering, blending and mixing colors directly on paper, individuals will learn to interpret the vibrant and colorful beauty of the New England autumn landscape. This class is geared towards students with some drawing experience. Those interested in enrolling in the class should email kjfdesign13@gmail.com. “My goal is for students to learn or practice colored pencil techniques as well as to learn about creating values of light and dark, textures and composition,” said Ferreira. “I would like each student to enjoy the process to feel good about the drawing they will take home from the class.” Individuals with any level of experience drawing with pencils of any form are strongly encouraged to enroll in the one-day workshop. Participants will create a drawing using a landscape photo or autumn still life object as their inspiration. “When drawing with colored pencils, the colors are mixed on the paper through layering,” said Ferreria. “This differs from colors being mixed on a palette when using paints. I have always felt more comfortable using pencils to layer and achieve rich colors versus mixing paints to achieve colors.” Past participants in this workshop have shared they learned to see more detail or more colors when drawing. Other participants have experienced a heightened level of comfort drawing shapes, perspective and values of light and dark. “The autumn season is my favorite to depict in art not only because of the fall leaves and colors on the trees, but also the slant of the sun during the season,” said Ferreira. “The sunlight hits the earth at a different angle creating different wavelengths of color. If you think of an apple, you probably think of the color red. However, if you really study an apple you will see so many other colors such as yellow, orange, green and purple or blue as it turns toward shadow.” Ferreira earned a bachelor’s degree from the Massachusetts College of Art. During her first year there, she enrolled in an illustration class in colored pencil. It was her favorite class. That class, combined with a Color Theory class, inspired her to learn about drawing and color. Ferreira has been using colored pencils ever since. Exhibit Provides a Timely Opportunity that Challenges Observers to Explore the Different Ways Symbols, Imagery and Words are Interpreted
The Bristol Art Museum today announced an opportunity to meet the artists of its current exhibition, Shift, a collection of work by local and regional artists that uncovers the many ways that we all create associations and arbitrary meaning to symbols, imagery, and words. The event will take place on the last day to view the exhibit, Sunday, September 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. The artists who will attend the event and speak about the inspiration and influence of their pieces include Boris Bally, Brett Day Windham, Kate Gilbert, Lois Harada, Matthew Kemp, Thomas Spencer Ladd, Scott Lapham, Lisa Lowenstein, JP Terlizzi, and William Van Beckum, “We often assume that objects and images have a fixed meaning, the artwork in this exhibit challenges this notion,” said Exhibition Curator Mary Dondero. “Visitors are prompted to reconsider the meaning or value of common objects; for instance, if a handgun is encrusted with mussel shells how does that change this symbol of power? Also included are works that could shift our opinions about commonly held beliefs, which in turn could create cultural change. We are grateful to the artists whose work comprises Shift for agreeing to share with our members and visitors the inspiration for their work.” The Bristol Art Museum announced that it is accepting submissions from its membership for its 2022 Juried Members Exhibit which opens on Saturday, September 24 and runs until Sunday, October 23. An Artist Reception will take place on Sunday, September 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. The exhibit will be judged by Rhode Island artist Kristin Street, who has exhibited locally, nationally and internationally.
Bristol Art Museum members are invited to submit all forms of media for consideration, except video and site-specific installations. All entries must be received by Friday, September 2 at 11:59 p.m.; juror choices will be announced by Saturday, September 10. All artwork will be submitted online on the Museum’s website, bristolartmuseum.org. Each artist may submit up to three entries. “Our 2022 Juried Members Exhibit is an opportunity to showcase the depth of creative talent among our members with a passion for the mission of the Bristol Art Museum,” said Exhibition Curator Mary Dondero. “This exhibit is among our most popular given the unique and varied perspectives of those that comprise our membership.” Street is a Providence native who earned a BFA in Textiles from the Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA from The Maryland Institute College of Art, in Sculpture/Studio Art. She augments her formal education through travel study grants and course work. With a commitment to promoting the work of colleague artists through curatorial work in the two galleries she established, The Krause Gallery in Providence RI and The Mill Gallery in Pawtucket, RI, Street has maintained an aggressive exhibition schedule over the years, exhibiting in museums and galleries locally, nationally and internationally. |