 Exhibition to Explore the Transformative Power of Light Through Works by Regional Artists
BRISTOL, R.I. — The Bristol Art Museum invites artists to submit original works for Light in Motion, an upcoming exhibition exploring the dynamic relationship between light, movement, and artistic expression. The exhibition will be on view at the Bristol Art Museum’s community gallery at Rogers Free Library from Tues. Sept. 29 through Wed., Nov. 18. The deadline for submissions is Mon., Aug 31. Light has long been one of the most powerful forces in art, capable of transforming mood, perspective, and experience. Artists are invited to interpret the many ways light shapes the world around us, from the changing qualities of light across seasons and places, to the interplay of shadows, reflections, and illumination. Submitted works may explore fleeting moments, shifting rhythms, movement, or the symbolic connections between light, transformation, and discovery. “Light in Motion invites artists to capture not only what we see, but also what we feel,” said Jennifer Tappero, Bristol Art Museum at the Rogers Free Library Committee member. “We look forward to showcasing works that reveal the many ways artists use light and movement to tell stories, evoke emotions, and offer new perspectives on the world around us.” The exhibition will be juried by Greg Anthony, an award-winning photographer whose creative studio career spans more than 40 years. Formerly based in Boston, Anthony now resides in Bristol, where he has focused on his fine art photography and connecting with art collectors. His commercial work has included creative studio and location imagery for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to emerging businesses. Known for vibrant, detailed images that highlight the complexity of his subjects, Anthony brings extensive experience and a unique artistic perspective to the selection process. Artists age 18 and older are invited to submit original, ready-to-install artwork in the following media: drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, fiber arts, and photography. No three-dimensional works will be accepted. Artwork must not exceed 18” x 24” and may be available for sale. All sales are negotiated directly between the artist and collector; the Bristol Art Museum does not take commissions. Additional information can be found at http://www.bristolartmuseum.org/light-in-motion.html
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 The Bristol Art Museum announces that it is accepting applications for a new, one-day Harbor Art Residency that will give six artists the opportunity to experience the 2026 Huckins Rendezvous & Herreshoff Classic Yacht Regatta from the deck of Wilco, a converted U.S. Army support tug built in 1946 that now serves as New England's first Art Boat.
Made possible through the generous support of Bristol Marine, the residency will take place on Sat., Aug. 29, as Wilco travels through Narragansett Bay alongside the regatta. Artists will have the opportunity to observe the classic yachts, the shoreline, and activity on the bay, using the experience as inspiration for new artwork. The residency is the first of two opportunities for artists to be part of East Bay Observed 2026, an exhibition exploring the landscapes, communities, and character of Rhode Island's East Bay. A second call for artists will be announced later this summer. Artwork created through the residency, along with works selected through the open call, will be exhibited at the Bristol Art Museum from Dec. 6 to 20. Six artists will be selected through a competitive application process. Each artist will receive a $500 honorarium to help offset the cost of materials, framing, and exhibition preparation. Participating artists will create one original two-dimensional work inspired by the residency for inclusion in the exhibition. "We're excited to offer artists the chance to experience Narragansett Bay from a perspective that few people ever have," said Mary Dondero, Museum Board member and Curator. "While the residency isn't about documenting the regatta, it is about providing artists the time and space to observe, reflect, and create work that expresses their own connection to this remarkable place we call home." Artists working in all two-dimensional media are encouraged to apply. The Museum welcomes a wide range of artistic styles and interpretations, whether inspired by direct observation, memory, atmosphere, or personal response. Applications are due Aug. 15. Complete residency information and application materials are available here or by calling the Museum at 401-253-4400. Bristol Art Museum Presents The Persistence of Hand: Material Stories – Time + Material + Hand Labor7/22/2026  Artists’ Reception to Celebrate New Exhibition on Sunday, July 26 BRISTOL, R.I. — The Bristol Art Museum presents The Persistence of Hand: Material Stories – Time + Material + Hand Labor, a new exhibition celebrating the beauty, patience, and storytelling power of handmade art. The exhibition will be on view from Sun., Jul. 26 through Sun., Sept. 20, with an opening artists’ reception on Sun., Jul. 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. The public is invited to attend and meet the artists. Featuring the work of Steven Easton, Kim Gatesman, Tayo Heuser, Catherine Moylan, Allison Paschke, David Poyant, Kim Savoie, and Francine Weiss, the exhibition explores the enduring significance of craftsmanship in an era shaped by speed, immediacy, and digital experiences. Through glass, embroidery, drawing, painting, and mixed media, the featured artists highlight the relationship between material, process, and the human hand. Thread becomes image, molten glass becomes form, and layers of pigment and texture become visual narratives. Each piece reveals the marks of its creation, stitching, casting, carving, layering, and building, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and engage more deeply with the work. “The Persistence of Hand reminds us of the power of slowing down and experiencing art that carries the presence of the artist,” said board member and exhibit curator Mary Dondero. “These works celebrate the connection between creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling while inviting us to consider the memories, emotions, and experiences embedded within the materials themselves.” The exhibition explores themes of memory, fragility, endurance, and humanity’s connection to the natural and emotional worlds. By bringing together traditional craft practices and contemporary artistic expression, The Persistence of Hand offers a thoughtful reflection on the importance of time, attention, and intentional creation.  The Bristol Art Museum Announces a Call for Art: Gardens and Gathering Places.
Exhibition to be on view at Rogers Free Library Aug. 10 to Sept. 23 Bristol, RI — The Bristol Art Museum invites artists to submit work for Gardens and Gathering Places, a juried community gallery exhibition celebrating the landscapes and shared spaces that inspire connection, creativity, and belonging. The exhibition will be on view at Rogers Free Library from Mon., Aug. 10 to Wed., Sept. 23. The exhibition welcomes interpretations of gardens, parks, woodlands, seaside lawns, vegetable patches, baseball fields, and other places where people gather to enjoy the beauty of natural and human-made environments. Artists are encouraged to explore the theme through realistic depictions or abstract impressions of growth, abundance, reflection, and community. "Gardens and gathering places are where memories are made and communities take root," said Trish Sylvester, BAM@RFL Committee Member. "We look forward to seeing how artists interpret these spaces through their own unique perspectives and celebrate the beauty found in both the natural and human-made landscapes around us." The exhibition will be juried by Paul Olson, a Rhode Island-based landscape painter whose work reflects a deep connection to the natural splendor of Narragansett Bay and the region's coastal landscape. A longtime educator at the Rhode Island School of Design and Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Olson has spent more than twenty-five years inspiring artists while building a celebrated body of work centered on the beauty of the natural world. "Whether inspired by a neighborhood park, a flourishing garden, or an imagined place of gathering, this exhibition offers artists the opportunity to reflect on the spaces that foster connection and belonging," added Sylvester. "We hope visitors will experience both the beauty of the artwork and the shared sense of community that inspired it." Invited media includes drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, fiber arts, and photography. All artwork must be original, ready to install, and no larger than 18 inches by 24 inches. Artists must be 18 years of age or older. The submission deadline is Fri., Jul. 17, with notifications of acceptance to be issued by Tues., Jul. 28. Accepted artwork will be hand-delivered on Wed., Aug. 5, from 4 to 6 p.m., or Thurs., Aug. 6, from 1 to 3:00 p.m. Submission fees are $20 for one entry or $30 for two entries for Bristol Art Museum members, and $25 for one entry or $40 for two entries for non-members. Artwork may be offered for sale, with all sales negotiated directly between the artist and collector. The Bristol Art Museum does not take a commission on artwork sales. Questions regarding the exhibition may be directed to [email protected].  The Bristol Art Museum will host a hands-on workshop, Experimental Drawing with artist Pamela Seymour Smith Sharp, on Wed., Jun 10, from 12 to 4 p.m.
This class takes a different approach to working with letterforms. It begins with an introduction to single-stroke-written Roman Capital letters, using the “Ideal Letters” developed by Fr. Edward M. Catich as a point of reference. Fr. Catich was a calligrapher, teacher, and scholar whose study of Roman inscriptions shaped modern understanding of how classical Roman Capital letters were originally written. Participants will look closely at how the letters are constructed such as the stroke order, proportions, and subtle geometry that give them their balance and clarity. From there, the session moves into more open territory. Rather than focusing on perfect replication, participants will be encouraged to experiment by developing their own alphabets and working through the movement and rhythm of drawing letters by hand. Each person will leave with a finished piece created during the workshop. “Roman Capitals can look deceptively simple, but they require a trained eye and a steady hand,” Sharp said. “In this class, we start with that structure, then loosen it a bit. The goal isn’t perfection, rather it’s to explore what happens when you really engage with the form.” Sharp studied with Father Catich in the 1970s and brings a long perspective to the work. She recalls the discipline of those early lessons and how they continue to shape her approach today. That balance between structure and freedom is at the heart of this class. The workshop is open to visual artists, designers, and anyone interested in letterforms. No prior experience is required. Organizers note that this is not a traditional calligraphy class, but a drawing-based exploration of written forms. Cost: $55 for members, $65 for non-members Supplies (participants should bring):
Space is limited. For more information or to register, click here.  The Bristol Art Museum is inviting artists to take a closer look at the familiar moments and scenes that often go unnoticed as part of a new summer exhibition, “Everyday Wonders,” opening June 16 at the Rogers Free Library. The deadline to submit artwork is Mon., May 25, and artists selected for the exhibition will be notified by Fri., Jun. 5.
The exhibit, which will remain on display through July 29, invites artists to reflect on the small but meaningful details that shape daily life in Bristol during the summer months, which could include neighborhood gatherings, children playing outside, evening walks, flags lining the streets, sunlight on the harbor, and the traditions surrounding the town’s famed Fourth of July season and the nation’s 250th anniversary. Jen Charleson, a Bristol artist whose work is known for blending layered textures, organic forms, and influences ranging from meditation to sacred geometry, will serve as the juror for the exhibit. Charleson also operates Plumb Gallery in downtown Bristol. “There’s something special about artwork that helps people see familiar things in a new way,” said Jenn Tappero, Bristol Art Museum at the Rogers Free Library Committee member. “So much of summer in Bristol is tied to memory, tradition, and community. We’re hoping artists will capture those moments that feel personal, honest, and connected to everyday experience.” The Bristol Art Museum’s gallery space at Rogers Free Library has become a gathering place for exhibitions that highlight both emerging and established regional artists while making art accessible to the wider community. Submissions are open to artists aged 18 and older. Eligible artwork includes painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, collage, and fiber arts. All entries must be original, ready to hang, and limited to a maximum size of 18 by 24 inches. Three-dimensional work will not be accepted for this exhibition. Artwork may be submitted here. Artists may submit up to two works. Entry fees are $20 for one submission or $30 for two submissions for Bristol Art Museum members. For non-members, the fee is $25 for one submission or $40 for two.  The Bristol Art Museum will offer The Wandering Brush: Florals, A Watercolor Workshop led by artist Lana Quann, on Thurs., May 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., for beginner and intermediate artists. Designed for beginner and intermediate students, the workshop will introduce participants to foundational watercolor techniques while helping them build confidence in a medium that requires a unique approach. Students will learn how to layer color section by section to create depth, explore pigment combinations that keep colors vibrant, and avoid muddy tones in their work. The session will focus on creating expressive floral compositions while balancing both loose and detailed techniques. Quann, who has been leading workshops for several years, emphasizes an approachable and supportive learning environment. She works frequently with beginners, while also incorporating intermediate-level techniques to help participants continue to grow. Her teaching style encourages students to embrace watercolor as a fluid and sometimes unpredictable medium, one that rewards patience, experimentation, and trust in the creative process. “Watercolor is a completely different medium as one has to think about it and approach it differently,” shares Quann. “The artist gradually builds up color and because it’s transparent, it requires a sense of patience and trust in the process. I often think of watercolor as a metaphor for life. It’s not something you can fully control. You have to let go a bit, trust the water, and when something unexpected happens, learn how to work with it and make it part of the piece. That approach helps build confidence, especially for beginners. I work with many people who have no background at all, and they still leave feeling inspired and comfortable.” The workshop is open to a wide range of participants, including those new to watercolor as well as artists (or budding artists) interested in journaling, card-making, or other artistic practices. All materials will be provided, lowering barriers for those who may be hesitant to invest in supplies before gaining experience. Fees are $50 for Museum members and $55 for non-members. For more information or to register, please visit the Bristol Art Museum’s website. Rhode Island Artist Susan Hardy to Discuss Work on History and Memory at Bristol Art Museum3/9/2026  The Bristol Art Museum invites the public to a special artist talk with Rhode Island artist Susan Hardy on Sun., Mar. 29 at 2 p.m. at the Museum 10 Wardwell Street. Hardy is the featured regional artist in the Museum’s current national exhibition, When in the Course of Human Events, and will share insights into the ideas, research, and creative process behind her work on view.
Artist talks offer a rare opportunity to hear directly from artists about the stories and inspirations that shape their work. During the program, Hardy will discuss her powerful explorations of history, memory, and cultural identity, themes that often emerge from her use of found objects and materials that carry traces of lived experience. Among the works on display is Hardy’s compelling series “Middle Passage,” as well as artwork inspired by “Lost and Found,” a black rag doll that the artist transforms into a reflection on deeper cultural narratives. Through these works, Hardy invites viewers to consider how everyday objects can hold profound historical and emotional meaning. “Artist talks give our visitors the opportunity to connect more deeply with the work on view by hearing directly from the artist,” said Mary Dondero, Curator and Museum Board Member. “Susan Hardy’s work invites thoughtful reflection on history and identity, and we are pleased to welcome the community to hear about the inspiration and research behind this important body of work.” Admission is $5 for Bristol Art Museum members, free for students, and $10 for non-members.  The Bristol Art Museum invites artists to submit work for Shorelines and Stories, an upcoming juried exhibition to be presented in the Museum’s community gallery at the Rogers Free Library from Apr. 21 through Jun. 3, 2026. Juried by Bill McLane, the exhibition will explore artistic interpretations of the shoreline, both literal and imagined.
Artists are encouraged to share their unique shoreline stories and help celebrate the beauty, memory, and meaning found where land meets water. All works must be received by Tues., Mar. 24, to be eligible for consideration. Artists may submit their work on the Museum’s website. Shorelines and Stories seeks artwork inspired by the sea, the harbor, and the shifting edges where land meets water. From sweeping seascapes of Block Island to intimate studies of local docks, from memories of summers by the shore to metaphorical reflections on life’s transitions, artists are encouraged to consider the many meanings and moods of coastal living. Work may reflect the natural beauty of the shoreline, human interaction with the coast, or the emotional resonance of living near the water. “Living in a coastal community, the shoreline is part of our collective story,” said Jenn Tappero, Bristol Art Museum at Rogers Free Library Committee Member. “This exhibition invites artists to reflect on how the sea shapes our memories, our identity, and our sense of place. We’re excited to see the many creative ways artists interpret this theme.” Submission Requirements Artists must be 18 years of age or older. All work must be original, ready to install, and no larger than 18” x 24”. Eligible media include drawings, paintings, printmaking, collage, fiber arts, and photography. (No three-dimensional works will be accepted.) Artwork may be offered for sale; all sales are negotiated directly between artist and collector, and the Museum takes no commission. Submission fees are $20 for one entry or $30 for two entries for BAM members, and $25 for one entry or $40 for two entries for non-members. Questions may be directed to [email protected] .  The Bristol Art Museum invites its members to submit artwork for consideration of its upcoming exhibit Still Growing: Art Inspired by Trees, the Museum’s 2026 open Members’ Exhibition to be held at the Marjorie Van Wickle Lyon Gallery at Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum. The exhibition will be on view from Sat., Mar 28, through Sun., May 10, 2026, with an Artists’ Reception on Sun., Mar. 29, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Submissions must be made online by midnight on Mar. 20. The exhibition celebrates Blithewold’s 100th anniversary as a recognized arboretum, first acknowledged by scientists from the Arnold Arboretum. “The Bristol Art Museum invites artists to reflect on the enduring presence of trees and their role in shaping landscapes, memories, and the passage of time,” said Museum Board Member and Curator Mary Dondero. “Submissions may explore trees as living forms, symbols of growth and resilience, or quiet witnesses to seasons, history, and change. Works may be inspired by Blithewold’s gardens and arboretum, personal experiences with trees, the natural environment, or the metaphorical meaning of trees in our lives. Representational, abstract, and conceptual approaches are all welcome.” The exhibition is open to artists 18 years of age or older who hold an active Bristol Art Museum membership. All submissions must be original works that have not previously been exhibited at the Museum. Artists may submit one two-dimensional work (maximum 20 inches in any direction) in any medium. Due to Blithewold’s gallery system, artwork must be wired for hanging; saw-tooth hangers cannot be accommodated. Artists may choose to offer their work for sale. All sales will be processed through Blithewold’s gift shop, with 50 percent of proceeds going to the artist and 50 percent to Blithewold. Alternatively, artists may designate their work as not for sale. |
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