Superlatives

Most Social

Clambake

Posted

The design community is one of Rhode Island’s unheralded economic strengths, claiming architects, industrial designers, illustrators, working artists, furniture designers, videographers and many more among its ranks. Unfortunately, these professionals often work in separate silos, unaware of the potential connection points around them. That is where Clambake comes in. The monthly networking event aims to bring all sectors of the design community together to meet, share ideas and maybe even generate a bit of interest beyond their niche demographic. “The goal is really to help people remember how many great things are happening here – even though many professionals are so busy working on projects they don’t have the time to get out to social events,” explains organizer Matt Grigsby, an industrial designer. He launched the event at ANCHOR, the innovative office and workspace for design-centric start-ups that he co-founded; Clambake is an offshoot of Rally RI, local entrepreneur Allan Tear’s initiative to foster similar events and communities around industries in which Rhode Island is uniquely talented. Matt notes that we have nationally recognized talent and industry leaders right in our own backyard, but local awareness of their work is often scarce. That is why each Clambake features keynote presenters like Martin Keen, a Jamestown resident whose Oregon-based Keen Footwear has grown into a $300-million company, or Boris Bally, an award- winning designer who recycles materials like street signs into cool home goods in his Atwells Avenue studio. “These are incredibly talented professionals who have had massive impacts in their fields,” Matt says. “We want to show people what the Rhode Island creative community is really about in an honest and engaging way.” 

superlatives 2013, clambake, matt grigsby, most social, providence monthly

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