June 2024…
While updates on upcoming exhibitions make up most of the what I have to share each month, I would like to start with updates on some of the less visible projects and upgrades at the Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts.
In the gallery we have been working on number of upgrades over the past year including movable wall panels that provide a cleaner and expanded exhibition space. But the real advance is in the expanded storage space they provided and that they have moved us that much closer to realizing one of my earliest visions for the the photo center…
Building on those upgrades and thanks to a generous donation of a large selection of photo books by Olivia McCullough and John Sharlin, we are happy to be able to expand your summer reading list… Their donation includes books covering a wide range of topics from individual photo essays to historical surveys, theory, criticism, educational texts along with a nearly full set of “Aperture” magazines from roughly 1974 -2014 and an as yet to be inventoried collection of “Contact Sheet”. Their donation has greatly expanded our library and provided an added incentive to follow through on my early concept for a Reading Room at the center available as a resource for Members. The Reading Room was envisioned from the very beginning as place to gather, share ideas and explore the ideas and work available in the collected books and periodicals. While much of the work and information is available online, there is no better way to share and view photography than as a physical object, something you can hold in your hand, pass around the room to share and discuss in a group setting. The books are not currently available for lending but are available for browsing and will be incorporated into future programing. Follow along @RIPhotoArts for updates on sharing this resources and spotlights on some of the books in the collection.
As part of our ongoing efforts to serve an ever more diverse membership and use our exhibition schedule to connect with new audiences and communities I am excited to be bringing the Vanta Guild to our Galleries to present “Family Business” We will be hosting a soft opening/open house on Juneteenth followed by a Gallery Night Opening reception on June 20th. Family Business will feature work from Vanta Guild members; Momo Akoiwala, Kai Davis, Aiyah Josiah-Faeduwor, Rafael Medina, Kincaid McLaren, Shaun Morse, Marlisse Payamps, Kevin Saye, Jonathan Pitts-Wiley, Sean Powell, Dee Speaks & Imani Ylsanita. The exhibition is co-curated by Jonathan Pitts-Wiley and Melaine Ferdinand-King to present a positive and uplifting look at connections, across family, across community & across generations. The Vanta Guild is a collective of active, Rhode Island-based Black photographers who unapologetically celebrate and depict the experiences and imaginations of descendants of the African diaspora.
Time is running out to get your entries in for our 5th Annual Spotlight Member exhibition with juror Frances Jakubek
Entry for our 5th Annual Spotlight Member exhibition is open for members at all levels. Details and entry is available online, submissions for this unique member exhibition requires five related images that will be juried and hung as a set or series. This year we are pleased to have Frances Jakubek as juror for this annual member exhibition. Entry closes June 15th
The curators are coming July 18th for a very special exhibition… of their own work. Six curators, all photographers, will be coming together to exhibit new work in Cu.ra.tor: noun. an artist, partially hidden at the Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts in July. A unique chance to see new work from the photographers behind some of the area’s leading exhibition spaces, join us for the opening on July 18th.
Print share and Peer Review… our next open session is June 12th and starts at 6:30. Join us for this open session to share and get feedback on work and work in process.
Members Wanted…We are a member supported, volunteer organization and your Membership comes with many benefits, including the opportunity to participate in our three annual member exhibitions including our 5th Annual Juried Exhibition that closed on February 9th. Entry is open for our 5th Annual Spotlight Member Exhibition… Included among the other member benefits is our monthly Print Share & Peer Review series. The next session is scheduled for June 12th, bring some prints to share and feel free to bring a friend or two…
Membership starts by registering at https://www.riphotocenter.org/registration
Details on our Membership options are outlined at https://www.riphotocenter.org/membership-info
Join us… as a Visitor or Member, visits to the gallery are free and new exhibitions open on the third Thursday of each month… The Vanta Guild is coming June 19th and Beyond the Photograph and Jim Bremer’s Guardians of Arcadia remain on view through June 14th
The gallery is open Wednesdays – Saturdays, Noon – 6:00pm or by appointment
Call For Entries: Fifth Annual Spotlight Member Exhibition
Entry Deadline is June 15th
Five photographs to tell a story or present a unified idea… One entry, One price
This Member exhibition provides that rare opportunity to show a collection or series of images to tell a story or present a unified idea. Whether you have a personal story, or a set of images with a unifying theme, this juried call is your chance to exhibit your project. Entry is available online, through June 15th. This Call provides an opportunity to share a small body of work, and is a great opportunity to launch a new body of work, without the expense of mounting a solo exhibition.
This year’s juror is Frances Jakubek, an image-maker, independent curator, and consultant for artists. She is the co-founder of A Yellow Rose Project, past Director of the Bruce Silverstein Gallery in New York City,
Currently in the Galleries – Through June 14th
Beyond the Photograph
This years look at “alternate process” is looking to the future, and drawn from a juried call for entries to explore composite imagery and AI generated or augmented image making. The exhibition presents a range images and exploration, some real, some imagined and explores what might be possible.
Guardians of Arcadia: Jim Bremer
A solo exhibition in the Focus Gallery to present a selection of carefully crafted photo illustrations by Jim Bremer
Join Us Juneteenth for a soft opening of Family Business with the Vanta Guild –
(Gallery Night Opening Reception, June 20th)
The Vanta Guild presents…
Family Business an exhibition celebrating intimate scenes of Afrodiasporic life through the lens of photography. Featuring the work of Momo Akoiwala, Kai Davis, Aiyah Josiah-Faeduwor, Rafael Medina, Kincaid McLaren, Shaun Morse, Marlisse Payamps, Kevin Saye, Jonathan Pitts-Wiley, Sean Powell, Dee Speaks and Imani Ylsanita, this exhibition delves into the intricate interplay between heritage, belonging, and the diverse meanings of being together and staying together. Don’t miss this inspiring showcase of culture and creativity on view from June 19th to July 12th, 2024!
Family Business, is co-curated by Jonathan Pitts-Wiley and Melaine Ferdinand-King to present a positive and uplifting look at connections, across family, across community & across generations. The Vanta Guild is a collective of active, Rhode Island-based Black photographers who unapologetically celebrate and depict the experiences and imaginations of descendants of the African diaspora.
In commemoration of the Juneteenth holiday and the critical need to celebrate, educate, and agitate for a better future, Family Business seeks to explore the vital importance of given and chosen familial ties. Through images that challenge the monolithic Black struggle narrative that has been baked into the American conscience, this exhibition demonstrates the myriad ways family remains critical to the survival of Black people in America and beyond.
Soft Opening/ Open House: Juneteenth, Noon – 6:00pm
Gallery Night Opening: June 20th 5:00 – 8:00pm
Exhibition: June 19th – July 12th
The Curators are coming in July – Opening July 18th
Cu.ra.tor: (noun) an artist, partially hidden
For this unique curated exhibition we will be filling the gallery with the work from a selection of local curators who are also photographers. The exhibition will feature new work from; Jessica Burko, Creative Director, Photographic Resource Center; Emily Belz, Independent artist, educator and curator; David DeMelim Managing Director, RI Center for Photographic Arts; Erin Carey, artist, curator, and educator; Frances Jakubek, independent curator, co-founder of A Yellow Rose Project & Francine Weiss, Senior Curator at the Newport Art Museum, to present and explore the work of these artists who spend much of their time working to promote the work of others.
Most of our featured artist/curators have juried or curated exhibitions at the Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts and the rest are on the short list for upcoming exhibitions here in Providence.
Past Exhibitions Live On…
The Exhibition may have ended… but the exhibition lives on online.
Once a gallery presentation ends, our exhibitions remain available online… The original exhibition links remain active and our past exhibitions can found under Exhibitions> Past or order your own copy of select exhibition catalogs here
Exhibition catalogs are a new program launched in 2023 and are available for most of our exhibitions. Catalogs are available in the gallery in limited quantities and links to order can be found on the respective exhibition pages and collected here to be ordered for home delivery
Print Share:
Our next Print Share & Peer Review session is scheduled for June 12th.
These peer review sessions are open to interested in sharing and commenting on work with fellow members and enthusiasts. Bring your prints to this monthly event which is generally scheduled for the Second Wednesday of each month and starts at 6:30pm. Check the events section on our website for more information and updates.
Individual Portfolio/Project Reviews:
Individual feedback opportunities are available on an ongoing basis in four different formats for 2023. These review sessions can be used to preview new work, share ideas and explore future directions or projects in development. Appointments can be scheduled online for Zoom or in person sessions at www.riphotocenter.org/portfolio-reviews-and-consultations
Registration is open for our annual 20 minute individual Member review sessions.
We are also offering 45 minute one on one sessions open to the public via zoom or in person at the Gallery
New for 2022 we will also be offering “Lunch with the Director” for those interested in a more immersive conversations about your work and your goals. Lunch is included with these two hour more casual sessions. Questions can be directed to gallery@riphotocenter.org
Currently Available Online:
All of our exhibitions are available on the RICPA website, past exhibitions can be found here https://www.riphotocenter.org/category/exhibits/past
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