The Proof is in the Coiffurium
In our cover story this month you get to see how Hope Street is adding to the life and economy of Providence. Another layer for not only the neighborhood but the country as a whole, is having one of the establishments nationally recognized. Elle Magazine has ranked the Coiffurium as one of the top 100 salons in the country. And really, are we surprised? The Coiffurium is a little gem that continues to add to the vibrancy of Hope Street. Hope Street is doing something right, and they continue to prove it.
The Big Picture
RISD is once again hosting its Big Draw event, this year on May 19. The family-friendly event involves people of all ages coming to the RISD Museum to make art, and thereby connect them to the fine art in the musuem’s collection. The event is free and open to the public, and is part of the international Big Draw campaign that happens at over 1500 locations worldwide.
Shop SoMa
Sharpening Their Swords
Three Wheel Studio has been a great addition to Wickenden Street’s artsy vibe. The ceramic studio and gallery showcases fun, decorative and often whimsical works from a variety of artists, including proprietor Dwo WenChen. But now his work about is about to get a big boost beyond Wickenden – namely, Boston’s Huntington Avenue. He has been asked to contribute pieces to the Museum of Fine Art’s new exhibit, the succinctly titled Samurai! The showcase of samurai armor from the collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller runs April 14-August 4.
Your Signature Counts
The redevelopment of our waterfront made possible by the relocation of I-195 is an unparalleled opportunity for the city to both beautify and boost the economy along the northern shores of the bay. One project that is certain to enhance that beauty is burying the power lines along the waterfront in both Providence and East Providence. Funds have been raised to do so – to the tune of $17.5 million, or 90% of National Grid’s 2007 cost estimate for the project – and the effort has won the support of Governor Chafee, Mayors Taveras and Briden (EP), and more than 30 city, state and neighborhood organizations. So why do the lines remain above ground. According to Friends of India Point Park, it’s simply because neither National Grid nor either of the municipalities affected have made it a priority. They point out that the funds raised were not drawn from either city’s budget, and that if they’re not used for the power line burial, they’re simply lost, with no comparable benefit. Now they’re trying to spur action with an online petition calling on the governor and both mayors get it done. As of press time the petition already had 498 supporters. Visit Friends of India Point Park to add your signature.
RISD Expands its Global Footprint
It might be easy to forget the reach that some of our local schools have on the international community. As RISD continues to become engaged globally and diversify its student body, so too does its source of donations. In an unprecedented effort, RISD has received its largest-ever donation of $1 million from a recent alumni’s family: donors Vikram and Geetanjali Kirloskar of Bangalore, India whose daughter, Manasi Kirloskar, graduated with a degree in painting in 2012. And given the size of the donation, her parents were clearly impressed with her growth and studies. Manasi credited much of her growth to one teacher in particular, Dennis Congdon. The donation also carries a few caveats – it must go towards a visiting scholar who will promote Indian art and culture in the painting department. We are all welcoming the exchange of cultural art and expression that is sure to come of this opportunity.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here