As part of a signage project which will show the continued strong presence of the fishing industry in Galilee, Rhode Island, HopArts artist Jon Campbell was recently commissioned to paint this 24″ x 36″ map which will be on one of the 6 or 7 signs placed around the docks. Items in red are fisheries related. Congratulations Jon.

Seems like only yesterday we had the Studio Trail, but now it’s time to get ready for this year’s. Click on the 2017 Studio Trail Application link and get going. This year the deadline for applying is April 30 which is right around the corner. You need to send in a minimum of three NEW images of your work. ( If you want to refresh your memory, last year’s Studio Trail site is still available.) Please use the online form when you apply, it makes the process go more quickly. Looking forward to seeing you on the Trail. Thanks.

Assets for Artists is heading back to Rhode Island!
That’s right, MASS MoCA‘s Assets for Artists program is recruiting artists in all disciplines in the “rural” communities of Rhode Island to apply for grants of $1,000 to $2,000 to strengthen their artistic careers.
Applications are due January 25. Go to the Assets for Artists website  HERE to apply, and keep reading to learn more! (Note some locations are not eligible for these grants. See below.)

What’s This All About?
Assets for Artists is an innovative support model that helps artists strengthen their creative practice and grow its long-term sustainability. Since 2008, Assets for Artists has served over 500 artists in locations across the Northeast.
Thanks to grant funding from the USDA and our partnership with the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, we’re able to offer another round of our A4A services to artists based in rural-eligible areas of Rhode Island.
Artists selected for our 2017 Matched Savings Program will receive:

• A “matched savings” grant that serves as working capital to be invested in the artist’s creative practice. Participants are provided with grants of $1,000 or $2,000 to match an equal amount of savings, and the combined amount is used by the artist toward implementing their career-building plan.

• Free professional development services, including artist-led workshops on financial management and business/career planning.

• Free one-on-one coaching in the development of the artist’s career plan.

Who Should Apply?
Applicants should be motivated to develop a career plan, save funds, and make investments aimed at increasing the profitability and sustainability of their creative practice.

Eligible applicants include Rhode Island artists / creative entrepreneurs:

• At ALL income levels.

• In ALL disciplines — artisans, visual artists, designers, film-makers, photographers, performers, etc. — whose practice would benefit from some modest grant funding and the opportunity to improve their financial and business management skills.

• Based (with either a home or studio address) in a Rhode Island town that meets the USDA definition of “rural.”

Eligible locations include all Rhode Island towns EXCEPT the following locations that do NOT meet the rural eligibility criteria: Providence, East Providence, North Providence, Warwick, West Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Bristol, Lincoln, Central Falls, Portsmouth, and Barrington are not eligible.

Applications will be evaluated on the basis of artistic strength, readiness to benefit from the program services, and financial need. (While lower-income applicants are eligible for greater funding, artists at ALL income levels are encouraged to apply.)

Check out all the Rhode Island artists who have received matched savings grants.

What Are You Waiting For?

Applications are due by January 25, 2017. Click HERE to apply!

Post artwork courtesy of HopArts artist Beth Drainville.

On Friday December 2, from 5-8 pm The Artists’ Cooperative Gallery of Westerly will open its enchanting holiday show, Share The Joy.   HopArts artist Madeline Beaudry has created a new line of Winter Fairies that are featured in the Gallery window creating a magical and festive world for children and adults to enjoy. Along with the fairies there are new felted pieces, ornaments, magic wands and more eco printed silk scarves and handkerchiefs. Come and enjoy a little food, drink, beauty and fellowship.

The Artists’ Cooperative Gallery of Westerly is located at
7 Canal Street in downtown Westerly, RI. The Gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday 11AM to 7PM and Sunday, 1-5PM.
Please call 401-596-2221 or visit www.westerlyarts.com

If being out after dark is not your thing, come and join Madeline for Shaw Pottery and Friends, Saturday and Sunday, Dec 3 and 4 from 10 am-4 pm, 7 Corey Trail, Wyoming RI.

A variety of artists will be exhibiting and it will be a lovely way do to some holiday shopping in a relaxed and peaceful environment.

Hope to see you there!

BRT Holiday Craft Fair and Festival
Saturday, December 3, 2016
9 am to 3 pm

HopArts artist Laura Travis will be participating in the Blackstone River Theatre Craft Fair. She has participated in the past six craft fairs and is one of 27 local artisans, craftspeople and home businesses who are featured in this annual fair. Enjoy live music all day while you browse, with carolers and members of Pendragon along with the Broad Street Fiddlers. This event is handicap accessible.

Find Laura Travis on the upper level near the main entrance.

Blackstone River Theatre, 549 Broad Street, Cumberland, RI 02864

For more information contact: russel@riverfolk.org or 401.725.9272.

HopArtists Margarita and Rick Devin are participating in the  Conanicut Island Art Association (CIAA) Holiday Arts & Crafts Show, Saturday, December 3, 2016, from 9 am to 4pm. This event is handicap accessible.

Lawn Avenue School, 55 Lawn Ave., Jamestown, R.I. 02835

And as a reminder don’t forget the Noank Foundry Show coming up in a couple of weeks.

Noank Foundry Artists are hosting a juried show on December 17 – 18 at the Westerly Armory. Show times are Saturday 10am-5pm,  Sunday 11am-4pm. Artists and crafters are welcome to join them.
This is a professional group and have had a number of shows in Noank for the past several years.

As half the Foundry has been rented, they now plan to have their Christmas show at the Westerly Armory. This will be a juried show but crafters are more than welcome. I hope you can alert the HopArts community to this opportunity. –Mathew Goldman

For more information contact Mary Anne or Robin at foundrynoank@gmail.com or call 860-572-2799