 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.
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 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. |
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