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the RISCA Education Roster!

RISCA Artist Roster

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Artist: Neal Leaheey
Address 132 Volturno St.,  Providence,  RI 02904
Telephone: 781/420-1145
Fax: 
Email: riimprovleague@gmail.com
Artist Category: 
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Neal Leaheey is one of the principal instructors for the Rhode Island Interscholastic Improv League. The League has courses available to help high school students learn about improvised theater and narrative while also linking to Common Core standards in their curriculum. Participating schools then become able to perform with each other in a generous and sporting competitive format. One time trial workshops are also available by contacting us with the information above!

Artist: Pamela Young
Address 29 Orchard Pl,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/272-3389
Fax: 
Email: pyoungceramics@gmail.com
Artist Category: 
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description:  I am a professional artist/teacher who has been working with clay for 30 years. My goal is to bring a positive, creative, clay experience to students. Visuals, Powerpoint and photos, are used to present the project, coupled with hand building techniques. Students are encouraged to explore, take risks, work hard, and have fun. I am there to direct the student's efforts and facilitate a successful outcome. I truly enjoy working with young people, they are stimulating, challenging and engaging. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and passion for ceramics with others.

Artist: Deborah A DeMarco
Address PO Box 23249,  Providence,  RI 02903
Telephone: 401/440-1611
Fax: 
Email: demarko@4dpg.com
Artist Category: Clay
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Deb creates tile murals using a photo-transfer-to-clay process, allowing any photocopied image to be printed directly on raw clay. Relief, extrusion and impression are combined with mono-printing free-form slabs of clay, allowing students to embellish images in clay language. Glazed stoneware tiles are suitable for interior or exterior surfaces. Installation is completed with volunteer help from faculty and parents. Subject matter is drawn from school curriculum, through collaboration with faculty members. As a working clay artist, graphic designer and photojournalist, Deb combines these resources in an academic environment and shares her vision with students ages 12 & up.

Artist: Ellen J Blomgren
Address 11 Verndale Circle,  Bristol,  RI 02809
Telephone: 401/297-9412
Fax: 
Email: ellen@mudstonestudios.com
Artist Category: Clay
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: www.mudstonestudios.com

Description: Ceramic sculptor, Ellen Blomgren has worked with students of all ages and abilities, throughout the state, creating long-lasting, relief tile installations. Ellen owns Mudstone Studios in Warren, is a Ceramics instructor for RISD's CE program and is on VSA's roster of artists. Ellen works with each school or groups current curriculum, so that students will be learning through the art process. Each participant will create a drawing, which is incorporated into the overall template, composed by the artist. All students will then sculpt, refine and glaze the mural. Firings, adhering, grouting, etc. will be completed off site by the artist. Ellen will install the mural at the location at a pre-determined time.

Artist: Kate Champa
Address 37 Creighton St,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/351-1683
Fax: 
Email: kchampa@cox.net
Artist Category: Clay
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Ceramics. Kate Champa has a Masters Degree in Art History from Harvard, and attended the RISD Ceramics Department from 1978-81. She has taught students of all ages and worked in various school and after school programs, both with abled and special needs students. Kate will collaborate with other artists to provide multi-faceted ceramic opportunities for student and community projects. Her work combines handbuilding, throwing and casting techniques to produce both functional ware and whimsical sculpture. She is Coordinator for Raku Rhody-o and is happy to provide raku glazes and her own raku kiln for school & community workshops. Kate is a long-time member of the Foundry Artists' Association and exhibits regularly at the South County Art Association's Earthworks Show.

Artist: Nancy Lyon
Address 1311 Broad Rock Rd,  Wakefield,  RI 02879
Telephone: 401/783-9755
Fax: 
Email: nlyon4@verizon.net
Artist Category: Clay
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Ceramic artist/ potter and educator for more than twenty years, Nancy Lyon offers programs in clay to augment your curriculum. One class or whole school as well as after school programs are available. Nancy is willing to work with teachers and has lots of great ideas for successful projects. Parent/guardian/Child programs available for all ages

Artist: Allen L. Hazard
Address 487 Ross Hill Rd,  Charlestown,  RI 02813
Telephone: 401-322-1021
Fax: 
Email: talloak223@yahoo.com
Artist Category: Crafts
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: 

Description: [F] Allen Hazard has been making wampum for the last thirty years; he acquired his skills from his mother Sarah (Fry) Hazard and her sister Laura (Fry) Mars; "both had an amazing ability to make things with their hands, being able to watch them do needle point and beadwork in my childhood gave me the inspiration to do what I do with wampum today". Allen's jewelry - including wampum beads, necklaces, and belts - is made in an old style so that it can be worn with traditional Eastern Woodland regalia. Mr. Hazard continues to make wampum "to carry on the tradition of wampum beads for the Narragansett Nation".

Artist: Baboucar Jobe
Address 145 Boon St,  Narragansett,  RI 02882
Telephone: 401/516-4869
Fax: 401/516-4869
Email: 
Artist Category: Crafts
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: 

Description: [F] BABOUCAR JOBE is a traditionalist from the Mandingo (African) tribe of Gambia, specializing in basket weaving, storytelling, drumming, mask-making, African songs and culture, and connections between Mandingo and Native American languages.

Artist: Deborah Spears Moorehead
Address 124 Switch Rd,  Hope Valley,  RI 02832
Telephone: 401/539-8686
Fax: 
Email: paintedarrow2@yahoo.com
Artist Category: Crafts
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: 

Description: [F] Deborah Moorehead is a Wampanoag visual & performing artist artist; she obtained her BFA from the Swain School of Design and her Masters in Arts and Cultural Sustainability from Goucher College. In addition, Deborah is versed in Eastern woodlands musical and dance traditions. She performs regularly in the Algonquin language, both as a soloist, and as part of Nettukkusqk, a women's music group.

Artist: Colleen P Cavanaugh
Address 10 Exchange Ct,  Pawtucket,  RI 02860
Telephone: 401/829-6542
Fax: 
Email: colcav@cox.net
Artist Category: Dance
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: www.partoftheoath.org

Description: Artistic Director Colleen Cavanaugh, a choreographer and physician in R.I. for over twenty years, has formed an organization of professional dancers devoted to giving back to the community. Their curriculum integrates writing and dance to help children express their individuality, to empower them and to help them make appropriate choices in life. The ten day residency offered focuses on topics such as heritage, heroes, self-image, beauty, leadership. Through the spoken word and movement, these subjects are explored. Children are encouraged to express themselves. The 10 day residency culminates in an informal performance reflecting their exploration. Two to three dancers lead the residency under Dr. Cavanaugh’s supervision.

Artist: Debra Meunier
Address 204 Hillcrest Dr. No.,  Cranston,  RI 02921
Telephone: 401/944-3664
Fax: 
Email: d_meunier@cox.net
Artist Category: Dance
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.Fusionworksdance.org

Description: Teacher/Choreographer/Dancer. Deb works with children to create modern dances that are both fun and educational. She has worked in schools, nursery through college, museums and festivals for over 20 years. Programs are tailored to the needs of the group. In an in-depth residency, dances can be created working directly out of the curriculum and usually culminate in a public performance-an assembly or a shared performance with Deb's professional modern dance company, Fusionworks. On a smaller scale, basic dance workshops last 45 minutes and are highly participatory (children are creating and moving for 85% of the workshop).

Artist: Douglas Victor
Address 103 Princeton Ave,  Providence,  RI 02907
Telephone: 401/521-0546
Fax: 
Email: doug.dance@juno.com
Artist Category: Dance
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.creativedanceinternational

Description: Creative Dance Educator/Artist offers classes and workshops in the art of body movement as an artistic expression, movement as a vehicle for learning and teaching curricular material, and teacher education targeting the integral place of movement in education. A success-oriented approach to dance and body-based learning for everyone. Founder of the International Association for Creative Dance, Doug directs local dance group Creative Dance Providence, and teaches nationally for Lesley University.

Artist: Edward A Silvestre
Address 54 West Friendship St,  Providence,  RI 02907
Telephone: 401/345-4637
Fax: 
Email: esilvestre33@gmail.com
Artist Category: Dance
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian Martial Art invented over 500 years ago by slaves stranded in Brazil. The slaves disguised it as dance so they would not arouse suspicion from the guards. Capoeira integrates dance, acrobatics, singing, music and the intense discipline it takes to become a martial artist. After studying with Capoeira masters, Eddie Silvestre uses dance and movement to create an experience. A residency with Eddie will not only focus on the physical art but also the discipline. Students will sing the songs and play instruments like the berimbau. The history of the period will be explained in the form of story telling. And Eddie will integrate any student with any body type that wants to try.

Artist: Everett Dance Theatre
Address 9 Duncan Avenue,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/831-9479
Fax: 
Email: info@everett.org
Artist Category: Dance
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: everettri.org

Description: Everett offers a unique, interdisciplinary approach to performance and education. Entertaining educational programs such as "The Marriage of Art and Science", "Written in the Air" (about emotional intelligence), & "Breaking Down Science" (aboout the physics of break dancing), engage audiences through languages as diverse as dance, speech, interactive media, and improvisational theatre. All performances employ audience participation and can be tailored to specific age groups (youth to adult). Additional workshops are available for in-service training or classrooms.

Artist: Festival Ballet Providence
Address 825 Hope Street,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/353-1129
Fax: 401/353-8853
Email: mdjuric@festivalballetprovidence.org
Artist Category: Dance
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: www.festivalballetprovidence.org

Description: The FBP School for Dance Education offers over 80 hours of classes each week during the academic year, providing pre-professional training as well as a full selection of open dance classes to the community for all ages. The school's association with the Company provides opportunities for talented dance students to appear with the professional company dancers in major productions. The school also offers a six-week summer program, including intensive programs for serious young students. The school has become the foundation for the development of future dance professionals in Rhode Island and abroad.

Artist: Fusionworks
Address PO Box 402,  Lincoln,  RI 02865
Telephone: 401/334-3091
Fax: 
Email: fusionwk@cox.net
Artist Category: Dance
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: www.fusionworksdance.org

Description: FUSIONWORKS offers a variety of one-time and long-term programs perfect for every school or organization. With performances for all ages, classes and workshops for all ability levels, and a knowledgeable staff of artists we are sure to have a program (or combination of programs) that will fit your needs. Educators have said of our work: “The students were constantly engaged. Students that I would never have expected to take an interest were caught up in the experience” and “I have been teaching here for 31 years and you have brought us the most extraordinary gift I have ever seen.”

Artist: Heather Ahern
Address 131 Washington Street,  Providence,  RI 02903
Telephone: 304/266-0171
Fax: 
Email: aherndance@yahoo.com
Artist Category: Dance
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Inspired by the belief that we all need to move, and that movement is for everyone, Heather Ahern has made a career facilitating movement experiences for people of all ages and all abilities. From school children to adults, from professional training, to dance for the novice, Ahern capably utilizes dance as a tool for exploring everything from language, physics, anatomy, to self-empowerment and expression. Aerplaye Dance is available for performances, workshops, and residencies.

Artist: Island Moving Co.
Address PO Box 746,  Newport,  RI 02840
Telephone: 401/847-4470
Fax: 401/846-2902
Email: cheryl@islandmovingco.org
Artist Category: Dance
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: www.islandmovingco.org

Description: Island Moving Co. is a professional, classically trained contemporary ballet company located in Newport, RI. In addition to its reputation of presenting world-class dance locally and on tour, the company is known for its work in area schools, having created critically acclaimed residencies through the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts Artists in Residency program for over twenty years. Miki Ohlsen, Island Moving Co.'s Artistic Director, has led the development of their participatory programs that include "Text into Movement", "Introduction to Creative Movement" and "Team Building and Leadership Movement Workshop". All residency planning and teaching is done by IMC's company dancers under the direction of Miki Ohlsen.

Artist: Kevin Doyle
Address 33 Lillis Ave,  Barrington,  RI 02806
Telephone: 401/573-0334
Fax: 
Email: hornpiper@cox.net
Artist Category: Dance
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: 

Description: [F] Kevin Doyle is a master of Irish step dance who learned his first steps from his mother, a native of Roscommon, who taught her children to dance in their Providence home accompanied by her lilted tunes. Kevin's style represents the generations of Irish who made a new home in America…a memory which is reinforced with each kick or pounding step, and his tap-dancing provides the soundtrack to a uniquely American dance story. Irish dance forms as conveyed by Kevin Doyle are appropriate in schools and other arts and education settings. Classroom presentations, performances for groups of students, and lecture/demonstrations with workshops for students and/or teachers will meet arts GSE's in dance or music. This artist is also appropriate for collaborations with humanities teachers working with Historical Perspectives/RI History GSE's. All ages.

Artist: M Bach-Coulibaly/S Coulibaly
Address 18 Imperial Place,  Providence,  RI 02903-4642
Telephone: 401/943-6074
Fax: 401/863-7529
Email: tellicoulibaly@gmail.com
Artist Category: Dance
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: West African and Contemporary Dance, Music and Culture. New Works/World Traditions is a high energy multicultural educational and concert stage performance troupe of world class musicians, dancers, actors and writers. Their interactive presentations are researched in Mande performance traditions from West Africa. New Works/World Traditions' mission is to educate through the power of performance and active participation. They offer evening-length concerts as well as in-school residencies, workshops and master classes that incorporate masquerade theatre, drum making, literacy/oral history, song, proverb and choreography.

Artist: Michelle Kaminsky
Address 18 Imperial Place,  Providence,  RI 02903
Telephone: 401/246-2720
Fax: 
Email: mkfiddle99@gmail.com
Artist Category: Dance
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: 

Description: Michelle, playing the fiddle that she built herself, shares the music & dance of the early American settlers with her students. She creates programs that can integrate a variety of curriculi including American history, phys. ed., music and language arts. Programs available for all ages and abilities.(See also Music listings)

Artist: Shanthi Muthu
Address 11 Bristol Avenue,  Pawtucket,  RI 02861
Telephone: 401/305-5265
Fax: 
Email: shanthi_yoga@yahoo.com
Artist Category: Dance
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: http://www.manishayogadance.webs.com

Description: (F) Shanthi Muthu, formerly a software Engineer, now follows her passion of being a life coach through Authentic Real-deal Yoga, Meditation, Indian Dance, Yogic cooking, chants in Sanskrit language, Stress management workshops and more. She teaches both kids & adults. She and her daughter perform a classical dance form of India called "Bharatanatyam" in elaborate costumes and jewelry. The dance form is colorful, vibrant, dynamic, rhythmic and yet graceful and expressive. The performance includes audience participation at the end. Shanthi offers Indian culture classes in schools, and India-themed birthday parties. She offers "Yoga-Dance story time" with storytelling through Yoga postures and dance movements, enabling people to explore their body and to create various hand gestures for depicting objects, emotions, actions and ideas. See her website above for more information.

Artist: Stephanie Stanford Shaw
Address 21 Whipple St,  Pawtucket,  RI 02860
Telephone: 401/475-4353
Fax: 
Email: dansah@me.com
Artist Category: Dance
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Dancer/Teacher/Choreographer. Through collaboration with educators Stephanie believes every academic subject can be enhanced through Modern Dance. She knows that each student has a unique voice and is inspired by their individual strengths and stories. Imagery, that is appropriate and accessible, is used to help students grasp even complex movement ideas, which fosters a sense of accomplishment. Her love of dance is infectious. Stephanie is available for single classes or in-depth programs with a performance component.

Artist: Nonnie O Brien
Address 1637 South Rd,  Kingston,  RI 02881
Telephone: 401/783-2761
Fax: 
Email: nonnieob@cox.net
Artist Category: Fiber
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: 

Description: Nonnie is a quiltmaker, and a certified Art & English teacher. She shares stories with students as inspiration for their art. Their resulting tapestries and quilts reflect school themes, such as Literacy, Community, and Multicultualism. Students have an opportunity to develop their artistic potential individually and cooperatively. Margaret Mead said, "An ideal community is one in which there is a place for every human gift"- these quilts and tapestries are a representation of that goal.

Artist: Priscilla Carrion
Address 25 Iona Street,  Providence,  RI 02908
Telephone: 401/345-8786
Fax: 
Email: priscilla.carrion@gmail.com
Artist Category: Fiber
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Influened by traditional textile techniques and landscapes Priscilla explores the natural heritage and industrial past of places through knitting, weaving, stitiching or painting. Students explore materials and create pieces that show the hand labor involved. Supporting ideas of sustainability by studying the materials' history and present use is encouraged. Exchanging ideas with participants about craftsmanship, textile history, and the slow process helps them to develop their skills and a connection to articles hand-crafted with care.

Artist: Ruth D Sunn
Address PO Box 416,  Slatersville,  RI 02876
Telephone: 401/766-2005
Fax: 
Email: ruthsunn@gmail.com
Artist Category: Fiber
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: [F] Ruth Sharp Sunn spins tales of Rhode Island history into her art as a knitter. A descendent of Thomas Angell, young companion to Roger Williams, Ruth's first stitches were a family legacy passed from her grandmother, who taught the Yankee virtues of practice and perfection, along with knit and purl. A seasoned, career K-12 classroom teacher, Sunn is also experienced in working with advanced adult knitters...having offered inaugural fiber arts at the Blackstone River Theatre's Heritage Arts Studio and having served as the first coordinator of the Community Guilds Studios at Slater Mill. Sunn is available to create and lead knitting programs in schools, museums, and in fiber arts programs. As a traditional artist and teacher, Ruth Sunn can collaborate and design residencies that connect knitting/fiber arts to RI GSE's in the arts and core standards in ELA and math, as well as standards in social studies. Ruth has also served as master artist for the Southern New England Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program, which supports the enduring legacy of the traditional arts.

Artist: Sharon Cole- Cox
Address 333 Providence St.,  Woonsocket,  RI 02895
Telephone: 401/769-9194
Fax: 
Email: vipshaco2004@yahoo.com
Artist Category: Fiber
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: shacocouture.com

Description: Fashion Designs/Sewing. Sharon Cox-Cole teaches the art of fashion design to middle high school students from concept to paper to fabric to reality by introducing fashion design techniques, fabric painting and couture detail in a fun-filled atmosphere for young, aspiring designers.

Artist: Sharon Cox
Address 333 Providence Street,  Woonsocket,  RI 02895
Telephone: 401/769-9194
Fax: 
Email: vipshaco2004@yahoo.com
Artist Category: Fiber
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: shacocouture.com

Description: 

Artist: Susan Ballenger
Address 240 Ashaway Road 240 Ashaway Rd,  Bradford,  RI 02808
Telephone: 401/595-4994
Fax: 
Email: realfibers@aol.com
Artist Category: Fiber
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.realfibers.com

Description: The merging fields of weaving, technology, fashion, and design allow students and artists to push boundaries far into the future! Suitable for all ages 5+. Individually designed programs that can supplement a math, social studies, business/entrepreneurial, or science curriculum. Hands on explorations include: computer aided technology, e-Textiles, weaving, textile design, fashion, fused and unusual materials, Community Weaving Projects; special needs and high-risk populations; professional development; consultation.

Artist: David Eliet
Address 23 Grove St,  Pawtucket,  RI 02860
Telephone: 401/632-1263
Fax: 
Email: ilitsky@verizon.net
Artist Category: Literature
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: https://sites.google.com/site/davideliet/

Description: Theatre/Playwriting/Creative Writing/Documentary Film Making David Eliet is professional playwright, director, documentary film maker and theatre educator. He offers workshops in playwriting or creative writing in single or multiple sessions. These workshops help students learn how to express themselves through their writing and discover their own imaginative potential. Documentary video workshops show students how to research and prepare for a shoot, interviewing techniques, and how to use archival materials. Basic information about camera placement and lighting will also be covered.

Artist: ImproWriting
Address 120 Riverside Dr,  Riverside,  RI 02915
Telephone: 401/437-2297
Fax: 401/437-2297
Email: barrympress@gmail.com
Artist Category: Literature
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Creative writing and performing arts. Language is the end result of action, both physical and mental. ImproWriting alternates physical, theatre-based improvisational activities with personal writing. All writing is done in class and eventually shared in small groups, where collaborative collages are created of the collective writings and presented to the class. ImproWriting celebrates the idea that we all have stories, and if you can talk, you can write. This fun, participatory workshop enhances both personal and interpersonal communication skills.

Artist: Kate Schapira
Address 4 Brighton St.,  Providence,  RI 02909
Telephone: 860/248-9314
Fax: 
Email: kjschapira@hotmail.com
Artist Category: Literature
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Writing, Drawing and Comics. Combining creative and analytical activities allows students to learn about subjects, and become invested in them, in multiple ways. Kate is a working and published writer and poet who works with teachers to develop imaginative in-class writing and drawing activities that supplement and enhance their curricula. She's affiliated with the Writers in the Schools program. She has led workshops at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School and the Smith Hill Community Library, among others.

Artist: Keith S Munslow
Address PO Box 40173,  Providence,  RI 02940
Telephone: 401/823-9777
Fax: 
Email: kerrilyndailey@yahoo.com
Artist Category: Literature
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.keithmunslow.com

Description: Writer/Storyteller/Improv. Story writing residencies available for grades K-8. The "Build-A-Book" program is centered around the creation of oversized books of class-generated stories. Students will be introduced (or reintroduced) to the various elements of story writing through group exercises. They will collaboratively generate character, setting and plot ideas and then create the story itself. Once the story is completed, it will be typed and formatted onto 11x17" paper. Each student will be responsible for creating an accompanying illustration for one page of the story. Finally these pages will be bound, covered and housed in the school library. This program has been conducted with much success at numerous Rhode Island schools. Providence artist Keith Munslow has been performing, writing and instructing in numerous capacities for over fifteen years. Comedy improv workshops & extended programs are also available. (See also Music)

Artist: Living Literature
Address 120 Riverside Dr,  Riverside,  RI 02915
Telephone: 401/437-2297
Fax: 401/437-2297
Email: barrympress@gmail.com
Artist Category: Literature
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.livingliterature.org

Description: Living Literature has been celebrating the written word through readers' theatre-style preformances of non dramatic writing in schools, libraries and other community venues throughout southeastern New England since 1996. Their biannual, free workshops provide a process of taking any piece of non dramatic writing "from page to stage" by getting participants to read aloud and collaborate on a readers' theater performance.

Artist: Magdalena Picot
Address 636 Rockland Road,  N. Scituate,  RI 02857
Telephone: 
Fax: 
Email: picot48@yahoo.com
Artist Category: Literature
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: 

Description: [F] Puerto Rican Poet. Maggie Picot was raised in the poetic tradition of her father, the "trovador" Pedro Picot, near Cidra, Puerto Rico. The family came to New England in 1973 and she has lived in RI since 1983. Maggie writes Puerto Rican folk poetry extolling the virtues of "jibaro" (hill farmer) life. She has published a collection of poems entitled "Tus campinas claman el llanto de mi alma" (Your countryside claims the the cry of my soul) and has written poetry and columns for Spanish-language periodicals in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. She has worked extensively in schools and correctional facilities for both Spanish and English-speaking audiences of all ages. Maggie also works with the whole family doing literature workshops on any subject. Adults, teens, and elementary school school children will learn to express themelves and be poets during their time with her.

Artist: Mark Binder
Address Pembroke Villa,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/272-8707
Fax: 
Email: mark@storyamonth.com
Artist Category: Literature
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://storyamonth.com

Description: Mark Binder is an award-winning author and storyteller. With a mixture of original and traditional tales, he has delighted RI students for over a decade. His offerings include: Author visits and workshops, The Art of Peace, Eureka! Science and Math, Omakase – multicultural tales, A Holiday Present, Spooky Stories, Silly Stories, and Tall Tales. Mark works with children of all ages, from K through High School in large and small settings. Schedule an event today.

Artist: Peter Mandel
Address 239 Transit St,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/831-5227
Fax: 
Email: pbmandel@cox.net
Artist Category: Literature
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: www.author-illustr-source.com/petermandel.html

Description: Children's book author. Mandel is the author of ten books for children including: "Jackhammer Sam" (Macmillan/Roaring Brook); "Bun, Onion, Burger" (Simon & Schuster); "Say Hey!" (Hyperion); "Planes at the Airport" and "Boats on the River" (both Scholastic). His books have been named a Boston Globe "Quick Pick for Kids", a San Francisco Examiner "Bay City Best", and a "Child" magazine recommended title, as well as being translated into several languges. One of his works was recently included in "The Jump at the Sun Treasury of African American Picture Books". Children's book review columnist for the Providence Journal, Peter can work with any age group in building writing skills and advising student projects.

Artist: Steven Krasner
Address 44 Bayberry Ln,  East Greenwich,  RI 02818
Telephone: 401/884-2617
Fax: 
Email: Nudging@aol.com
Artist Category: Literature
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.nudgingtheimagination.com

Description: Children's Book Author/Education Consultant/Retired Sports Writer: Available for individualized, highly interactive, fun-filled writing workshop residencies that address reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in a format that lends itself to spontaneity and creativity. The end result is independent and enthusiastic writers. The program can include such collaborative finished products as: short stories, mysteries, mystery scripts that can be staged as spaghetti supper fund-raisers, video magazines, a classroom newspaper and tall tales. The workshops are adaptable from K-12. Residencies can include professional development workshops as well as parent-student workshops.

Artist: The Storyteller Jeanne Donato
Address 82 Potter Hill Rd,  Westerly,  RI 02891
Telephone: 401/465-6465
Fax: 401/596-6935
Email: JeanneDonato@aol.com
Artist Category: Literature
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.JeanneDonato.com

Description: Author/Educational Teaching Artist-in-Residence/ 25 years experience collaborating with teachers tailoring narrative or expository “Students Are Writers” programs (Pre-K –Gr.7). Literature enriches student schema; graphic organizers guide analysis and application of writing traits and, integrative exercises reduce stress on writing fostering creativity. Dr. Donato holds a B.A. Elementary Ed., M.Ed. Reading/Story Arts, and Doctorate focused on Reducing Stress and Improving Academic Performance. Co-author: Storytelling in Emergent Literacy: Integrating Multiple Intelligences - professional development - available (See also Theater/Storytelling).

Artist: Tina Cane
Address 6 Bridgham Ct,  Rumford,  RI 02916
Telephone: 401/274-0242
Fax: 646/239-9393
Email: tinacane@aol.com
Artist Category: Literature
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Over the past twenty years, Tina Cane has taught French, English and Creative Writing in public and private schools throughout New York City and Rhode Island. She is the founder/director of "Writers-in-the-Schools, RI" a program that places writers in RI public schools to enhance and support curriculum through teaching "imaginative writing". Students produce, polish, publish, and perform original work, while learning how the habits and concerns of working writers reflect pride in and command of self-expression. Tina’s poems and translations have appeared in numerous journals including Spinning Jenny, The Literary Review, Barrow Street and Salt Hill Journal. Her work, The Fifth Thought, was published by Other Painters Press in 2008. She is also an instructor with Frequency Providence.

Artist: Jeffree Rocco Michaluk
Address 270 Belleville Ave,  Newport,  RI 02840
Telephone: 401/849-1116
Fax: 
Email: rocco@videoandvision.com
Artist Category: Media Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: videoandvision.com

Description: Film & Video Production: From Script to Screen. Hands on filmmaking workshops give students the knowledge, technique and expertise needed to produce short films & videos that are informative & entertaining. The entire class collaborates in all stages of conception, planning and execution in the film & video genre of their choice. Collaborative workshops show the importance of working together to produce one shared artistic vision. Rocco Michaluk is an award-winning filmmaker educating educating youth and teachers since 1989.

Artist: Laura Colella
Address 40 Forest Street,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/453-4372
Fax: 
Email: Lella11@aol.com
Artist Category: Media Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: www.lauracolella.com

Description: Film/Video. Workshops may be tailored to include any or all phases of short video production, including scriptwriting, storyboarding, shooting and editing. The work may focus on narrative or documentary techniques. Depending on the length of the residency, short films and/or excerpted sequences may be viewed for discussion and analysis. Laura Colella is an award-winning independent filmmaker whose works include, features: "Breakfast with Curtis"; "Stay Until Tomorrow"; "Tax Day" and shorts: "The Radiator Hymn"; "The Blind Spot"; "The Burning Hand"; "Statuary" and others.

Artist: Michelle LeBrun
Address 82 Camp St,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/274-1110
Fax: 401/477-4630
Email: michelle@harkenprods.com
Artist Category: Media Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.HarkenProds.com

Description: Youth Media, Documentary Filmmaking & Teacher Training. Harken Productions offers a wide range of educational opportunities to fit the needs of all school districts and community-based programs. From youth media to training teachers to use media in the classroom to serve the curriculum, Harken can help you make your students and teachers more competitive in today's world. We use a combination of media literacy techniques, arts technology, technical training on equipment and high-level problem solving skills as the basis of our approach. Michelle LeBrun is an award winning documentary filmmaker and has been educating youth and teachers since 1989.

Artist: Aaron Jungels
Address 40 Forest St,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/453-4372
Fax: 
Email: ajungels@everettri.org
Artist Category: Mixed Media
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Aaron is an artist/performer who incorporates 3-dimensional design and multi-media effects in his work. He is a founding member of Everett Dance Theatre and has designed sets and props for all of their productions. Examples of past residencies include: transforming a gym into an interactive science and art exhibit with a group of high school Physics and Theater students; and designing and building a fountain in a community park with high school Art and Science students.

Artist: Annette H Dunkelman
Address 7 Arnold Street,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/831-4704
Fax: 
Email: dunkelman@aol.com
Artist Category: Mixed Media
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Festival/Mixed Media Artist. Dunkelman has organized high school Renaissance, Egyptian and Asian Fairs and would like to help others with similar theme-based events or projects. This would include making costumes, props and sets as well as making miniature versions of buildings, objects, etc. The main criteria for success is allowing enough time to do a good job and making sure participants are excited about the project. Music, food and publicity are important also.

Artist: Evangelista Jiménez
Address 57 Putnam St,  Providence,  RI 02909
Telephone: 401/215-0743
Fax: 
Email: 
Artist Category: Mixed Media
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Eva is originally from the Dominican Republic and works as a teacher's aide in the Providence Schools. Moved by the experiences she has observed of exclusion of minorities and different cultures, she has written a book and theatre piece called "The Beautiful Butterfly". This piece is based on the experience of Haitian immigrants in her home country (which shares the island of Hispanola with Haiti). Eva offers a program primarily for elementary grades using visual arts, writing and performance to explore issues of identity and migration.

Artist: Anne Geissinger
Address 168 Fourth St,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/226-5583
Fax: 
Email: anniegeissinger@earthlink.net
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Classes/residencies in group hand drumming including West African traditions (djembe and djun-djun). Students learn about community, collaboration, self-expression, and story through oral traditions. Annie has studied with African drumming masters for over 20 years in the US as well as in Senegal and Mali. She is a licensed mental health counselor and has an M.A. in Expressive Arts Therapies.

Artist: Atwater-Donnelly
Address 20 Campbell St.,  Warren,  RI 02885
Telephone: 401/392-1909
Fax: 401/392-1322
Email: aubreyfolk@aol.com
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.atwater-donnelly.com

Description: Award-winning performers Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly convey American heritage through thrilling and interactive programs of traditional folk songs and dance. Blending gorgeous vocals, Aubrey and Elwood play guitar, dulcimer, mandolin, whistle, harmonica banjo, bones, limberjacks, and other surprises, including Appalachian clogging, square dance and French Canadian footwork. Joining them when possible is Kevin Doyle, master tap and Irish step-dancer and percussionist. All three magically connect with students and create quite a stir when they appear in school communities.

Artist: Carlos de Leon
Address 135 Verndale Ave,  Providence,  RI 02905-1448
Telephone: 401/578-2192
Fax: 
Email: latinmusicmaster@yahoo.com
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: 

Description: [F] Trumpeter Carlos de Leon is a composer, arranger, band leader, vocalist with 45 years experience in the Latin Music field. At present performing with his multi-national music group, Mr. de Leon does all the arrangements, which combine Latin Jazz, Salsa, Son, Merengue, Cumbias from around Latin America and the Caribbean.

Artist: Cathy Clasper-Torch
Address 24 Fourth St,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/272-3942
Fax: 401/331-1963
Email: cathfiddle@hotmail.com
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.cathyclasper-torch.com

Description: Cathy Clasper-Torch plays & teaches piano, fiddle/violin and the Chinese "er-hu". Both a private instructor) and a group instructor, Cathy has taught ages 5-85 and works with children in schools, churches, camps and various other performance settings. RED TIDE RAMBLERS a trio with Cathy Clasper-Torch, Mike Fischman and John Sousa, combines a lively program of traditional folk music with lots of audience participation. The children are introduced to a wide assortment of folk instruments and how they are played. Instruments include: fiddle, guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, "er-hu", bones & bodhran. Programs include: "Folk Music for Young Folks" (aimed at youger audiences, participatory); "Songs of Peace & Protest" (aimed at Middle and High School audiences); and "What's That Instrument?" (a lively overview and demonstration of 15 acoustic instruments/questions & answers-for all ages).

Artist: Christopher P Turner
Address 238 Williams St,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/831-6208
Fax: 
Email: maloneyturner@gmail.com
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: http://www.fiddleandharmonica.com

Description: [F] Folk musician. Harmonica vituoso. Traditional English and British music. Born in London to a musical family, Chris learned to play the harmonica from his father and brother. In 1975 he won the European Harmonica Championship. Chris also plays flute, whistle, bagpipes and jewsharp. He is also a composer. Experience with a wide range of ages. Limited Availability.

Artist: Claude St Franc
Address 76 Ontario St, #2,  Providence,  RI 02907-1713
Telephone: 401/270-2088?
Fax: 
Email: 
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Haitian music & dance

Artist: Colette Fournier
Address 18 Harmony St,  West Warwick,  RI 02893
Telephone: 401/826-0093
Fax: 
Email: jcharmony@verizon.net
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: 

Description: [F] An engaging fiddler and French speaker, Colette Fournier has maintained the traditional tunes and songs from her Franco-American family and community. Travelling through New England, she and her partner, Jim Chapin, regularly present a diverse repertoire of both French and folk music. Colette is as comfortable in school settings as she is at community events, such as quadrilles, and festivals.

Artist: Community MusicWorks Players
Address 1392 Westminster St,  Providence,  RI 02909
Telephone: 401/861-5650
Fax: 401/861-3700
Email: info@communitymusicworks.org
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.communitymusicworks.org

Description: The Providence String Quartet is the resident ensemble of Community Music Works, and has developed a strong reputation through its concerts in Rhode Island, Boston, New York and Los Angeles. The PSQ performs music from the 18th-21st centuries, including frequent collaborations with artists from other disciplines. Its education concerts include humor, insights into music through visual artwork, story-telling and improvisation, as well as introductions to repertoire heard in their concerts.

Artist: Diana Young
Address P.O. Box 40546,  Providence,  RI 02940
Telephone: 401/300-1915
Fax: 
Email: dianayoung@youngfishschool.com
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.youngfishschool.com

Description: Diana is a world percussionist and educator. She conducts global drumming workshops, assemblies, and performs on dumbek from North Africa, djembe and djun-djun from West Africa along with other percussion instruments from around the world.Co-founder with RA Fish of the Young/Fish School of World Drumming she is expeienced in the development of needs assessment, curriculum design and the evaluation process for schools and special needs programs. Ms. Young performs and records with Annie Geissinger's Drum Sisters and R.A. Fish's Global Jazz Ensemble. Ms. Young is also listed on the Artists Roster of the Music School of RI Philharmonic and VSA of RI for youth with special needs.

Artist: Faith Knowles
Address 48 Sayles Ave,  Pawtucket,  RI 02860
Telephone: 401/721-9892
Fax: 
Email: FaithKnowles@cox.net
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Vamos a Cantar: Faith Knowles offers teachers and children a practical introduction to a valuable new resource, "Vamos a Cantar; 230 Latino and Hispanic Folk Songs to Sing, Read and Play", selected and edited by Faith Knowles and published by the Kodaly Institute at Capital University. Backed by her knowledge of sequential music education and its various applications along with understanding the importance of using culturally authentic materials. Faith will jump start you toward incorporating children's songs and games in Spanish into your daily curriculum.

Artist: Fatai I Ijifisoye
Address 220 Wadsworth Street,  Providence,  RI 02909
Telephone: 401/228-6725
Fax: 
Email: 
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: 

Description: Fatai is a master drummer from Ile Ife, Nigeria a major center of Yoruba culture. He offers workshops and more extended residencies about the "talking drum" ensemble and other aspects of Yoruba tradition. Yoruba culture was and continues to be a major feeder into Brazilian, Cuban and other Afro-American traditions. Because Yoruba is a tonal language the drums of Fatai's ensemble can be a source of communication. Fatai has learned from several Yoruba masters in Nigeria and the US and has performed at many community events.

Artist: Frank Ward Jr
Address 57 Roanoke St,  Providence,  RI 02908
Telephone: 401/272-7838
Fax: 
Email: frankward6@aol.com
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Frank Ward, Jr., bass-baritone, is a versitile performer in recitals, operas and oratorios. He received his music degrees from Morehouse College (B.A.) and the University of Michigan (M.M. and D.M.A.). In October 2005, Mr. Ward premiered "Crispus Attucks", written for him by composer Adolphus Hailstorck, at the Attucks Theatre in Norfolk, VA with members of the Virginia Symphony. Mr. Ward has presented recent recitals in North Carolina, Mississippi and Pennsylvania. For more information about Mr. Ward please visit www.frankwardjr.com.

Artist: Issa Coulibaly
Address 46 Gooding St,  Pawtucket,  RI 02860
Telephone: 401/559-1198
Fax: 
Email: IssaCoulibaly@hotmail.com
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: issacoulibaly.com

Description: [F] Issa Coulibaly performs and teaches West African drumming and songs from his native country, Mali. In the 1990s he toured Europe with Nahawa Doumbia. Since moving to Rhode Island in 2000, he has toured with Troupe Badenya and Seydou Coulibaly (see Dance). Sites have included, Brown University, RIC, URI, Shea High School, Central Falls High School, Gordon School, and Wheeler School. Currently Issa performs with his own group, Didakan. He also is an assistant professor of West African Music and Dance at Connecticut College, and a Musician for African Dance at Wheaton College.

Artist: Jason Roseman & Tropical Gems
Address 560 Mineral Springs,  Pawtucket,  RI 02960
Telephone: 401/574-6617
Fax: 
Email: musicj@live.com
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: http://www.jasonroseman.com

Description: (F) Steel Pan player & maker. A native of Trinidad/Tobago Jason Roseman brings to us the warmth and vitality of Caribbean sounds. Steel drums were born as a means of playing music when drums were banned in Trinidad. Jason plays the classic calypso tunes the island is known for as well as jazz and his own compositions. Jason also makes and tunes steel pans, skills that he inherited from his father. Jason is also a seasoned instructor.

Artist: John C Monteiro
Address P.O. Box 5586,  Pawtucket,  RI 02860
Telephone: 401/728-3822
Fax: 
Email: Joao_cerilo@cox.net
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: http://www.JoaoCerilo.com

Description: (F) At ease with both traditional and popular music of the Cape Verde Islands, John Monteiro (Joao Cerilo) regularly entertains large audiences at festivals and in the more intimate setting of local clubs. An internationally known musician, Mr. Monteiro has performed at a number of world music festivals and recorded several CDs. He performs in the "funana" and "batuko" styles on accordion, keyboard and other instruments. He is available for educational performances as well.

Artist: Jon Campbell
Address 4 Marten Ave.,  Narragansett,  RI 02882
Telephone: 401/439-3296
Fax: 
Email: jcampbellwampum@yahoo.com
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: http://www.jcampbellwampum.com

Description: [F] Folk Artist. Instrument & Wampum making; Antler & Wood Sculpture. Jon began building musical instruments in 1970. He has built guitars, mandolins, bouzoukis and, more recently, drums and rattles both on commission and for his own musical endeavors. He also spent several years researching and building Uillean (Irish) bagpipes with Patrick Sky. Jon's interest in traditional instrument ornamentation and inlay has led to a sideline of jewelry making which now includes the manufacture of tubular beads from Quahog shell, historically known as Wampum. He has also done several wood sculpture projects.

Artist: Joseph Obuamah Addy
Address 54 Pocaset Ave,  Providence,  RI 02909
Telephone: 401/787-4832
Fax: 
Email: laudobaddy@gmail.com
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: www.laudobaddy.com

Description: [F] Obuamah Laud Addy was born and raised in Ghana, West Africa in a family of traditional musicians and healers. During the 1970's, he played "high life" (Ghana's popular dance music) with several bands as the lead singer and a percussionist. In 1983, Obuamah came to the US and joined the ensemble Odadda as a lead singer, led by his uncle Yacub Addy who was awarded a 2010 fellowship from the National Endowment of the Arts. Odadda has toured and collaborated with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra releasing an album "Congo Square" and traveling widely through the US, Japan, Canada and the Carribean; with appearances at the Kennedy Center (DC) Rose Hall at Lincoln Center (NYC) and the Montreal Jazz Festival (Canada). A broadcast performance by Odadda, included the President Obama pre-inaugural "Celebration of America" led by Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in January 2009. In 2010 Obuamah established as the musical director the AS220 Criss Cross Orchestra (ACCO) with the help of Umberto Crenca, artistic director of AS220 and Rhode Island Philharmonic School of Music in Providence, Rhode Island. The AS220 Criss Cross Orchestra is a dance band, with a variety of global sounds and a contagious energy. "Criss Cross" is a worldwide, polyrhythmic music that combines traditional native African, American, Caribbean, Cuban, Latin American and European musical styles, and includes the tonality, improvisations, and other musical dynamics found in Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, and Hip Hop. ACCO is prepared for school and college workshops or concerts for special events and festivals. Since Obuamah's arrival in New England in 2007 he has also served as a master/teacher to youth in several local schools and colleges, teaching traditional Ghanaian West African drumming, dance, songs and rituals. He directs the AS220 Criss Cross Orchestra along with a traditional Ghanian ensemble called Norchemi.

Artist: Kathryne Jennings
Address 79 Wheeler St,  Cranston,  RI 02905
Telephone: 401/467-7545
Fax: 401/467-7545
Email: Kathryne_Jennings@brown.edu
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Singer/Actress. Kathryne is a professional singer who performs both classical and popular music. She sings with opera companies, orchestras, and in solo recitals as well as in musicals and cabaret. Her approach to residencies involves introducing students to musical styles, instruments, and stories about great musicians, incorporating as many art forms as possible (poetry, literature, drama, visual arts, and dance). With the students, she emphasizes singing, performing, creativity, and most of all, a sense of fun as they learn to appreciate all kinds of music!

Artist: Keith S Munslow
Address PO Box 40173,  Providence,  RI 02940
Telephone: 401/823-9777
Fax: 
Email: kerrilyndailey@yahoo.com
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.keithmunslow.com

Description: Musician/Performer/Songwriter. Songwriting workshops/residencies available for grades K-8. Keith has conducted simple songwriting workshops as well as multi-week, performance-based programs in which student-generated songs, skits, improvs, poems, and stories are developed into a show and presented at the school. Providence artist Keith Munslow has been performing, writing and instructing in numerous capacities for over fifteen years. (See also Literature)

Artist: Kevin Fallon
Address 36 E Killingly Rd,  Foster,  RI 02825
Telephone: 401/996-4024
Fax: 
Email: 
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: 

Description: [F] Kevin Fallon is a traditional fiddler who inherited his music from his family and from local fiddlers, including the Old Time Fiddlers of RI. He offers music instruction and performance in old-timey, celtic, jazz standards and euro-ethnic music. Since 2009 he has run Slow Jelly Ensemble which performs locally. He has run "slow-jam" workshops at festivals and is active in the traditional music scene.

Artist: Kim D. Trusty
Address 7 Talbot Manor,  Cranston,  RI 02905
Telephone: 401/621-7205
Fax: 
Email: kim.trusty@gmail.com
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: 

Description: Musician, Actress and Vocalist Kim Trusty offers a series of educational concerts for lower, middle and high school students.Concert Series are: Blues Kids can use, Folk Tales, The Music of Harlem and Great African American Women Guitar Players. Blues Kids Can Use: This concert talks about the music of Bessie Smith, Ray Charles, B.B. King Big Mama Thorton, Etta James. and others Folk Tales: This Concert is about the impact the music of Peter Seeger, Phil Ochs, Odetta and Bob Dylan and many others, had during the civil rights movement. The Music of Harlem: Talks about the music of the Harlem Renaissance ad the impact of jazz music. music performed is the music of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn and others. Great African American women Guitar Players: This concert explores the talents of lady greats Elizabeth Cotten, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Odetta, and their influences on my own guitar playing and writing.

Artist: Lydia E Perez-Nieves
Address ,  Warwick,  RI 02888
Telephone: 401/737-0751
Fax: 401/737-0751
Email: yorubapr@verizon.net
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: http://www.priaa-ri.org/

Description: Afro-Puerto Rican and Caribbean Arts- Music & Dance (Performing Arts) Lydia Perez & Yoruba2, an award-winning group of national renown, presents traditional Afro-Puerto Rican and Caribbean music and dance. Lydia has experience working as an arts educator, presenter and as an artist/arts administrator. She has received 2010 and 1998 Running Up Fellowship, the 2000 Fellowship in Traditional Arts from RISCA, The 1999 and 2000-American Tradition and the 2000 Rhode Island Foundation Fellowship. She is the founder of the Puerto Rican Institute for Arts and Advocacy, (PRIAA). PRIAA was awarded by the RI Foundation with the 2007 Economic & Community Development award. She is member of Coalicion Artistas de Puerto Rico, Cambridge Who's Who, New England for the Arts, Latino Artist Speaker Bureau, and Artistic Associate of Teatro Vida.

Artist: Martin Grosswendt
Address 68 Tallman Avenue,  Cranston,  RI 02910
Telephone: 401/785-3044
Fax: 
Email: lesmoore2u@cox.net
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Martin Grosswendt is an experienced multi-instrumentalist, primarily on guitar. He has been a mainstay of the folk, acoustic music scene in New England since the 1970's. He is available for residencies or lessons on roots music of many kinds for childrenof all ages.

Artist: Michael Fishel Bresler
Address 857 Hope St,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/273-9814
Fax: 
Email: breslersmusic@gmail.com
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: 

Description: [F] Folk Artist. Jewish folk arts- music, stories and dance, shared as a lively and living legacy of diverse Jewish cultures. Students learn: What's Jewish? What is Klezmer?…the Kabalah? Who are the Hassidim & the Sephardim? How are cultures passed on to the next generation?...effected by neighboring cultures? Students develop new excitement about their own ethnic heritage. Michael (BA Music) has studied and performed traditional Jewish music for several years. Musician. One day show(s) or 5 -15 day residencies. Michael offers a choice of programs adapted to the needs of the students. He has a multicultural musical repetoire and a supply of easy student participation instruments. Michael's professional bands give concerts of klezmer, bluegrass or old-time string band music. Michael (BA in music) has been teaching for 25 years, kindergarten through college, including extensive experience with special needs and multi-ethnic inclusion projects. Flute Soup. Michael and Phyllis Aronson demonstrate an exciting multi-cultural array of flutes, fifes & other flute-like instruments, including the traditional music of each. Different musical structures are described; students are involved in singing and clapping to teach careful listening. Adapted to age group. Michael (BA in flute) has been teaching/performing for 25 years; Phyllis (MA in music), teaches and performs, including the Hartford Symphony and the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra.

Artist: Michelle Kaminsky
Address 18 Imperial Place,  Providence,  RI 02903
Telephone: 401/246-2720
Fax: 
Email: mkfiddle99@gmail.com
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: [F] Fiddler. Playing on a violin that she built herself, Michelle uses her background of hot Old-time and Cajun music to share older American folk traditions. Since her teens, she has immersed herself in fiddle & dance styles from New England to Louisiana. Combining music, dance and singing games, Michelle will create a program that integrates folk arts into your curriculum. Guitar, banjo and rhythm instruments can be included. Available for all ages and abilities. Marimba Magic. In this participatory workshop, Michelle uses fabulous-sounding xylophones; the gentle, yet rich tones remind one of windchimes, only the players are creating the music! The instruments, ranging from soprano to bass are especially designed with removable wood or metal bars. The goal is to give everyone, including those with no music background, a chance to make music that sounds great in a relaxed informal setting, while building self-esteeem. Available for all ages and abilities. (See also Dance listing)

Artist: Opera Providence
Address 585 Elmgrove Avenue,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/331-6060
Fax: 
Email: rderobbio@OperaProvidence.org
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: www.operaprovidence.org

Description: Opera Providence (OP) fosters access to opera for all and promotes the development of community among the diverse cultural groups living in the greater Providence region through OPERAtunity education and outreach programs. Programs include: artist-in-residence multi session projects; after school programs, outreach, in-school performance, main-stage professional performance, interactive assemblies and performances in collaboration with other non-profits. Study guides provide age-appropriate and standards-based activities that are easily integrated into class curriculum. These programs have proven impact on student academic success and positive social outcomes.

Artist: Philip G Edmonds
Address 24 Dixon St,  Providence,  RI 02907
Telephone: 401/461-3683
Fax: 
Email:  philwhistle@gmail.com
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: 

Description: [F] As a native of Killaloe, County Clare, Ireland, Phil learned to play the tin whistle in a place where, as he says, "The backyard was the fields." When he was 14 years old, Phil, along with his family emigrated to America and settled in South Providence, where he still lives.Besides the Gnomes, Phill presently plays whistle and button accordion with several RI ensembles including: The Providence Wholebellies, Trua and the AS220 Criss Cross Orchestra directed by Ghanaian Obuamah Laud Addy. The world music scene of Providence has had a big influence on Phil's music. Catch him some Friday nights sitting in with Zerui DePina's Cape Verde band in Central Falls. Phil has written two books "Reconnecting with the Soul of Ireland" and "Taking Great Care: A Protrait of Community".

Artist: Rachel Maloney (Turner)
Address 238 Williams St,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/831-6208
Fax: 
Email: maloneyturner@gmail.com
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: http://www.fiddleandharmonica.com

Description: [F] Folk Artist. American folk (Appalachian) music and musical instruments. For all ages. Rachel was born in Norton, Virginia. Her love of the fiddle was nurtured at an early age by the many festivals in the mountains of Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Rachel's greatest inspiration has been the powerful musical tradition in that pocket of the Appalachians where she grew up. Her travels to Europe broadened her love of folk music. Rachel plays the fiddle, washboard, melodian, jawharp, bones, viola, psaltry, mandolin, and cornet. Limited Availability.

Artist: Rebecca Chace Brewster
Address 31 Hanson Rd,  Barrington,  RI 02806
Telephone: 401/378-0065
Fax: 
Email: beckychace@cox.net
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.beckychace.com

Description: Singer/songwriter. Becky Chace has been performing and writing roots, country, blues, folk, and rock music for over a decade. She's best known for her powerful vocals and prolific songwriting. Chace offers workshops that connect students to music through songwriting in ways they may have never known were possible. Her workshops in songwriting, performance, poetry and singing can be tailored to any age group or skill level.

Artist: RI Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School
Address 667 Waterman Avenue,  East Providence,  RI 02914
Telephone: 401/248-7070
Fax: 401/248-7071
Email: WFRIED@riphil.org
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: www.riphil.org

Description: The Rhode Island Philharmonic & Music School is the nation's largest combined professional orchestra and music school, with 70 faculty, and 65 orchestra members. We offer in-school performances, workshops & residencies; Education and Rush Hour Concerts, Open Rehearsals; master classes, chamber/ensemble study, teacher professional development; as well as private lessons on 30 instruments plus voice/choral; classical, jazz, rock & blues and world music.

Artist: Robert "Mance" Grady
Address 94 Angell Rd,  Cumberland,  RI 02864
Telephone: 401/333-2293
Fax: 
Email: info@mance.com
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: http://www.mance.com

Description: [F] Mance Grady has amazed many with his mastery of the traditional Irish frame drum, the bodhran, as well as with his skills on other ethnic percussion. Rhythm is the tie that binds us all which Mance has shown in workshops and clinics on the bodhran. Venues have ranged from schools to festivals, including the Berklee College of Music (where he shared the stage with Giovanni Hildago, Victor Mendoza and Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez) and ICONNS Music Festival. Mance has performed with a virtual who's who in the Celtic music genre in his 37 plus years as a Celtic percussionist. When not performing with specific bands, Mance continues to be a guest artist both in performances and in the recording studio. His organic feel for rhythm allows him to journey into different musical genres and he loves to bring the bodhran into new musical territory. Performances can be arranged to include other musicians in various configurations for such events as concerts, weddings, private parties, and corporate functions.

Artist: Robert Arthur Fish
Address 460 Charles Street,  Providence,  RI 02904
Telephone: 401/228-4899
Fax: 
Email: rafish222@gmail.com
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.youngfishschool.com

Description: RA Fish began the study of American drumset & marching drums in 1962. At Berklee College of Music he studied with Alan Dawson. After moving to New York City in 1973, Mr. Fish began to study global percussion, including Indian tabla, North African/Middle Eastern dumbek (two recordings on Lyrichord discs) and other forms. He has played and recorded with a wide range of jazz, pop & ethnic musicians. In 1998, after returning to RI, he co-founded the Young/Fish School of World Drumming (see also) with Diana Young. Together they have formulated a unique teaching methodology for all populations, including those with special needs. Mr. Fish & Ms. Young collaborated with the RI Phiharmonic and composer/educator Judith Sainte Croix on a piece for RI 2000. In 2002 Mr. Fish received the Fellowship for music composition from RISCA. He is also listed the rosters for the Music School of the RI Philharmonic and VSA of RI for special needs children and youth.

Artist: Sidy Maiga
Address 86 Grand View St,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 216/502-7940
Fax: 
Email: sidymaigadrum@yahoo.fr
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: www.sidymaiga.com

Description: Description: Sidy Maiga is an award winning African drum performer and teacher from Mali, West Africa. His engaging performances, classes and workshops invite participants to experience the excitement and complexity of African music while learning about the culture and history of West Africa. Sidy has been artist in residence at the Trinity Academy of the Performing Arts and has taught workshops and performed at assemblies at URI, Brown University, RISD, The Lincoln School, Lincoln High School, Rhodes School and Lewiston Academy among others. In 2011, he was awarded the prestigious MacColl Johnson Fellowship for Music Composition and in 2012, he was the winner of the RI Folk Arts Fellowship from RISCA. Sidy's first album, Malidén, was released in 2011 and his second album is released in 2013. Malidén, has received repeated airplay on the national radio and television stations in Mali. Sidy and his band, AfriManding, regularly tour throughout the East coast.

Artist: Solati Trio Inc
Address 23 Methyl St,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/521-2602
Fax: 
Email: hctatian@cox.net
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Rhode Island's award winning Solati Trio, whose members, Ludmilla Lifson, Sophia Herman and Hrant Tatian are accomplished performers, is involved in all aspects of music presentation. The Trio has given educational concerts, participated in residencies and master classes, recorded a CD of new compositions as well as trios from the standard repertoire, in addittion to presenting it regular series of formal concerts for the past several years. In 2006 Solati Trio performed in Rio de Janeiro at the 12th Annual Cello Encounter and conducted a succesful residency at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Providence.

Artist: Song Heng
Address 257 Massachusetts Ave,  Providence,  RI 02905
Telephone: 401/263-2089
Fax: 
Email: songjewelry@netscape.net
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: 

Description: [F] Song Heng and his group regularly perform at Cambodian community events, including Cambodian New Year celebrations and weddings. Song Heng is a master musician and plays the"roneat" (Cambodian xylophone). He accompanies himself with several Cambodian musicians.

Artist: Young Fish School of Drumming
Address PO Box 40546,  Providence,  RI 02940
Telephone: 401/300-1915
Fax: 
Email: dianayoung@youngfishschool.com
Artist Category: Music
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.youngfishschool.com

Description: Global drumming program, workshops and assemblies for K-12; special needs children, adults, seniors, colleges, hospitals, community centers, etc. Co-founders & teachers R.A. Fish and Diana Young present a most celebrated and enjoyable approach to multi-cultural diversity through their global drumming programs. Utilizing a world map and an assortment of drums and percussion instruments from around the globe they explore the musical and rhythmic landscape of North Africa, the Middle East, West Africa, India, Asia and the Americas. All programs are tailored to the specific needs of the school and its curriculum. Music departments and social studies programs could integrate lesson plans into this process to create their own individual program. Young Fish are also on the artist roster of VSA Arts RI and New England States Touring roster of the New England Foundation for the Arts.

Artist: Aurea, Inc.
Address 43 Arlington Street,  Pawtucket,  RI 02860
Telephone: 401/723-9972
Fax: 
Email: 
Artist Category: New Genres
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: www.AureaEnsemble.org

Description: Aurea is an ensemble of musicians and actors from several genres which presents thematic programs of music linked to dramatic readings. Themes have included "Albion's Tears: Poetry and Music of England"; "Child's Christmas in Wales"; "Not About Heroes"; T.S. Eliot's "'Til Human Voices Wake Us"; "Under a Latin Moon"; "Reflections on Rilke"; and "Inflections of Love". Members include classical string players Charles and Consuelo Sherba, folk & avant-garde multi-instrumentalist Chris Turner, actor Nigel Gore and others. All artists have many years experience working with young audiences. Available for performances and residencies. Recommended for middle school and up.

Artist: Christopher E. Johnson
Address 60 Trask St,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/954-0721
Fax: 
Email: tranzitthawt@yahoo.com
Artist Category: New Genres
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: An internationally known Poetry Slam champion, Christopher is known for his constant evolving style that without complaint, combines the experience discord of his past, the wisdom of now and the hope of the future to give voice to a universal message of human spark that connects us all. Using the intricate combination of academia, hip hop, traditional story telling, theater, and just plain old common sense, Poetry/Spoken Word.Christopher provides a soulful, uplifting experience guaranteed to move his audience through several states of equilibrium, challenging the listener to remain in an emotional stagnant state. Christopher is a Providence, Rhode Island residen. He organizes spoken word events, gives workshops on writing, performing, and public speaking, as well as growth and empowerment for youth and adults through words. He has been an active community member of Brown University's student spoken word/poetry organization "Word!" since since 2006. In 2010, Christopher was commissioned by Providence's Department of Art Culture and Tourism to write the poem "Providence Divine to commemorate the city's 375th birthday and by Brown University in 2012 in celebration of the the inauguration of the university's 19th president.

Artist: Lisa Abbatomarco
Address 148 Howland Ave,  East Providence,  RI 02914
Telephone: 914/388-4328
Fax: 
Email: sadhukitty@yahoo.com
Artist Category: New Genres
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Lisa is an interdisciplinary artist, who creates visual and performance events that integrate a myriad of elements as well as examine social, environmental and universal themes. With everyday and recycled materials, she introduces youth to new or unusual concepts in art through a hands-on approach, experimentation and play. In collaboration with community, curriculum or educators, she mindfully designs programs for opening minds and engaging conversation. Her 20+ year career includes puppetry, sculpture, improvisational theater, installation art, sound poetry and a BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Artist: Dan Butterworth
Address 451 Eagle Peak,  Pascoag,  RI 02859
Telephone: 401/568-4251
Fax: 401/568-2187
Email: butterworth1@mindspring.com
Artist Category: Puppets
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: butterworthproductions.com

Description: Puppetry, (Dance, Festival, Gallery, Museum, Animated Sets and Shadow Images). Themes from around the world emerge from a highly decorated stage, through the air and right out into the audience. Music, dance and movement allow show anywhere: in-school, festival, or full theatre production. Carnaval del Mundo. Residencies: Tailored for each occaision/curriculum. Single class/school or community-wide. Gallery/Museum: Interactive exhibits/artists of all kinds. Coupled with performance & community outreach. Exhibits travel or are custom made for theatre/movies or permanent installation. Set Design and Custom, Inventive Theatre Construction: Including Wheelchair theatre (Mobile Effects Platforms) lights, images, sounds and animated sets for wheelchair users...Now conducting community wheelchair theater events: Creating and training for public performances in schools and other centers.

Artist: Erminio Pinque
Address PO Box 5742,  Providence,  RI 02903
Telephone: 401/831-9652
Fax: 
Email: bignazo@bignazo.com
Artist Category: Puppets
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.bignazo.com

Description: Puppeteer/Maskmaker/Director. "Creature-Creation" is a combination puppet/maskmaking performance residency. Erminio is a faculty member at RISD, and the artistic director of the BIG NAZO LAB. He has worked with special needs, elementary, high school, and elderly students in assisting them to bring to life the characters that exist in their imaginations. Using foam rubber, fabric, cardboard and tempra paint, participants create original and extraordinary masks and puppet creatures. The process develops drawing, painting and 3-D building techniques, as well as encouraging experimentation with materials, creative storytelling, and collaboration with fellow students. The final project is to form a play, parade, environment or video.

Artist: Abigail Jefferson
Address 166 Columbia St,  Wakefield,  RI 02879
Telephone: 401/932-6565
Fax: 
Email: abijef@cox.net
Artist Category: Storytellers
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: http://www.AbigailJefferson.com

Description: [F] Abigail promotes multicultural awareness through creative expression. Through a unique blend of story, dance, song, and rhythm, she brings to life traditional stories from around the globe with an emphasis on the African diaspora. Abigail's (Ifatola's) performances & workshops are highly interactive, educational and fun-filled. Audiences of all ages have described her performances and workshops as inspiring, informative and energizing!

Artist: Christopher "Kavi" Carbone
Address PO Box 3759,  Newport,  RI 02840
Telephone: 401/846-9014
Fax: 401/846-9014
Email: bpresent@earthlink.net
Artist Category: Storytellers
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.arts-in-celebration.com

Description: Storyteller, theater artist, musician, yoga instructor. In performance, Christopher presents "Story & Song Celebrations", interactive experiences based on themes of your chosing. Workshop subjects include: "Storytelling and Creative Drama", "Yoga & Movement", "Music & the Special Child". Programs are especially geared towards grades K-4 and Special Education classes, but are available for all grade levels. A graduate of NYU's Performance Studies Program (M.A.), Christopher is dedicated to personal growth & community-building through the arts.

Artist: Cindy Killavey
Address 240 Bramans Ln,  Portsmouth,  RI 02871-3311
Telephone: 401/847-5148
Fax: 
Email: storyteller@storyri.com
Artist Category: Storytellers
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.storyri.com

Description: Storyteller/Voice Talent/Actress offers programs that encourage creativity and cooperation. She can help students collaborate on a dramatic presentation; encourage poetic & literary efforts or bring classic stories to life in tandem with Anne Marie Forer. Cindy has performed in schools, libraries and festivals throughout New England.

Artist: Diane Postoian
Address 1 Midland St,  North Providence,  RI 02911
Telephone: 401/487-1400
Fax: 
Email: dianepostoian@gmail.com
Artist Category: Storytellers
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.dianepostoian.com

Description: STORYTELLER/COMEDIAN/WRITER/CREATIVE DRAMATIST In 2006, Diane Postoian received an Honorary Doctorate from Rhode Island College for her life-long acheivements in theatre and education for young audiences. During her time as director of Looking Glass Theatre she received grants nationwide for her commitment to educate through performance. "I didn't choose my profession. It chose me. Once I knew I had a gift for comedy and a love for learning, I knew I could use my performance energy to teach in a way both children and adults would find entertaining and inspiring." Diane's programs include: Acting Naturally About Reading- Staged stories and classroom workshops helping students to connect the passion and emotion of the spoken word to its written text. The Olga! Project- A 'serious' comedy routine tackling such topics as media-hype, body image, violence in entertainment and bullying. ParentZING- A playful, informative lecture/workshop for educators and parents on the value of pretend in early childhood education. Tell Me a Story- professional exploratory coaching for beginner storytellers Do That Again!- During free play student's say many astounding things. With a creative dramatist to inspire them into creating dialogue and improvisation, a workshop transforms into a magical, almost unbelievable story.

Artist: Len Cabral
Address 30 Marcy St,  Cranston,  RI 02905
Telephone: 401/781-0019
Fax: 401/781-0020
Email: len@lencabral.com
Artist Category: Storytellers
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.lencabral.com

Description: Len is an internationally known storyteller, who uses the art of storytelling to engage listeners of all ages & backgrounds. Through storytelling and questions asked by Len during the course of his performance, students will be motivated to begin interviewing parents, grandparents & elders in their families for stories about the "olden days". This will lead to better listening & speaking skills.

Artist: Marc Joel Levitt
Address 20 Pinehurst St,  Wakefield,  RI 02879
Telephone: 401/783-0887
Fax: 
Email: marcjoellevitt@gmail.com
Artist Category: Storytellers
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: marclevitt.org

Description: Corwin Press author/storyteller/radio host and documentary filmmaker, Marc Levitt has worked throughout the United States and in forty-five countries. Mr. Levitt's work includes workshops in writing based on his book "Putting Everyday Life on the Page", storytelling performances of primarily memoirs, original New England-based Halloween tales, workshops in oral presentation and diversity celebration. Marc Levitt believes in encouraging students to write from their own experiences and to utilize their home and school environment for inspiration. Mr. Levitt has won both RISCA's New Genres Fellowship and was the original recipient of RICH's Tom Roberts award for the creative use of the Humanities.

Artist: Mark Binder
Address Pembroke Villa,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/272-8707
Fax: 
Email: mark@storyamonth.com
Artist Category: Storytellers
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://storyamonth.com

Description: An award-winning author and storyteller, Mark's school events combine the best of the spoken and literary for elementary and middle schools. His writing workshops engage minds, and get students writing furiously. His author visits are inspiring. His story programs keep children and adults riveted. Themes include: Cinderella Spinderella (and tall tales); It Ate My Sister; Stories for Peace—resolving conflicts/handling bullies; A Holiday Present (Multicultural); Stories for Fun and Laughter.

Artist: Melodie Thompson
Address 23 Anstis St,  Cranston,  RI 02905
Telephone: 401/368-1955
Fax: 
Email: melodyarts@aol.com
Artist Category: Storytellers
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Multi-genre Storytelling and Dance. Using acting, writing, dance and sign language, Ms. Thompson empowers young people and adults to share their stories, as she in turn, shares her own. She is a certified teacher in regular and special education, specializing in performing arts access for diverse and differently-abled populations. As a nationally-recognized storyteller, teaching artist and worship arts minister, Ms. Thompson brings a wealth of experiences to both stage and educational settings. Ms. Thompson holds a Masters in Teaching, certification in Special Ed. and has conducted a variety of impacting arts education workshops for schools, churches and universities. She is also available as a mentor for emerging teaching artists in the areas of creative writing, acting, storytelling and dance. Her most recent RISCA project, "Advancing through Dance for the Differently-Abled will be available for schools that service special needs populations starting in the fall of 2013.

Artist: The Storyteller Jeanne Donato
Address 82 Potter Hill Rd,  Westerly,  RI 02891
Telephone: 401/465-6465
Fax: 401/596-6935
Email: JeanneDonato@aol.com
Artist Category: Storytellers
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.JeanneDonato.com

Description: Storyteller/Author/Expressive Arts Facilitator/Brain Gym Instructor/Educational Teaching Artist-in-Residence: Building students’ schemata, creativity; listening, focus, retelling and writing skills through: Expressive Arts & Integrative Movement– Programs (Pre-K –Gr.8): “Student Storytellers,” Creative Writing. Storytelling Ladies Series: The Winter Lady ®, Pioneer, Patriotic & Storybook Ladies celebrate our humanity and delights in our cultural differences. Dr. Donato holds a B.A. Elem. Ed., M.Ed. Reading/StoryArts, and Doctorate Improving Academic Performance Reducing Stress. Co-author of Storytelling in Emergent Literacy: Integrating Multiple Intelligences - professional development workshops available (See also Literature)

Artist: V Raffini
Address 73 Tanner St,  Providence,  RI 02907
Telephone: 401/588-0966
Fax: 
Email: raffini_productions@yahoo.com
Artist Category: Storytellers
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Storytelling/Arts Educator. Raffini has been doing community-based storytelling & programs for over 25 years. Her work will transfix & transform you into a world of never ending possibilities. She is captivating, original, inventive and exciting as well as an outstanding educator. The Sister to Sister youth initiative; The Bam Poetry Slam; & "The" Theatre Technique are some of the courses/classes she offers. She was also the producer of "The Harlem Renaissance". Through her special talents she has touched and changed the lives of many.

Artist: Valerie Tutson
Address 155 Lexington Ave,  Providence,  RI 02907
Telephone: 401/273-4013
Fax: 
Email: vtutson@yahoo.com
Artist Category: Storytellers
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.valerietutson.com

Description: Storyteller. Valerie Tutson graduated from Brown University with a Masters Degree in Theatre Arts and a degree in Storytelling as a Communication's Art. Valerie draws her performance stories from around the world with an emphasis on African traditions. Her repertoire includes stories from the Underground Railroad as well as the first person characterization of Ellen Craft. In addition Valerie also shares stories celebrating the lives of notable RI black women Duchess Quamino and Nancy Elizabeth Prophet. Valerie also offers workshops for students and teachers in theater, storytelling and story writing. Appropriate grade levels for performances include grades Pre-K through 12. Workshops grades 3 to adult.

Artist: ACT @ St. Andrew's School
Address 63 Federal Road,  Barrington,  RI 02806
Telephone: 401/246-1230#3063
Fax: 401/246-0510
Email: labbatomarco@standrews-ri.org
Artist Category: Theatre
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: standrews-ri.org/page.aspx?pid=464

Description: ACT @ St. Andrew’s (ACTSA) is a premier children’s theater offering comprehensive professional training in theater arts for all youth, grades K-12, in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Mentored by Theater Teaching Artists, student ACTors build a foundation in acting technique, character creation, ensemble skills, play scripting, voice and diction, movement and improvisation. The ACTSA Ensemble is the gem of ACT @ St. Andrew’s, performing four full-scale public productions throughout the year. Ensemble members, ages 8-18, continue to study advanced acting and technical theater while also expanding their personal practice with challenging roles and dramaturgy. Each program is a unique experience in which students explore imagination and storytelling in a creative, collaborative and supportive environment. Classes, camps, residencies, workshops offered year round. All ACTSA programs are open to the public.

Artist: Amy L. Budd
Address 12 April Court,  Providence,  RI 02908
Telephone: 401/965-5198
Fax: 
Email: amylynnbudd@mac.com
Artist Category: Theatre
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: www.amylynnbudd.com

Description: Specializing in integrated curriculum performance projects, grades 2-12. Choose a residency plan or collaborate with Amy on a customized one. She trains students in the foundations of acting and works with them to build original shows around academic subject matter. Students RAISE their knowledge by Reading or Researching, Analyzing & Interpreting information, Synthesizing it into new forms, and Evaluating their work. Recent subjects include: Kwakiutl storytelling; the UFO debate; body systems; RI ghost stories; and vaudeville

Artist: Beth Hettrick Berry
Address 250 Main Street,  Wakefield,  RI 02879
Telephone: 401/207-1853
Fax: 
Email: Bethberry_2001@yahoo.com
Artist Category: Theatre
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: gearproduction.org

Description: Playwright/director Beth Berry works to provide a positive performing experience to students of all ages. Key to this process is the practice of "self-casting", where students choose their own roles after hearing an outline of the play. The script is then tailored to fit the participants. Past themes have included: art history, the human body, the water cycle, tolerance, & exploring the library. Casts number from 36 to over 250. Work with Beth to create a unique theatre experience for your learning community.

Artist: Center for Dynamic Learning
Address 1 Louisa St,  Providence,  RI 02905
Telephone: 401/461-1813
Fax: 
Email: sarah@cdlri.org
Artist Category: Theatre
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: cdlri.org

Description: Traveling Theatre is a non-profit, educational arts enrichment organization located in Providence. Its mission is to create a community of highly qualified teaching artists who travel throughout the state providing artistic experiences for youth that strengthen creativity, literacy, problem solving, cooperative learning, self-confidence, and the life skills necessary to face everyday challenges. Our vision is to see youth actively engaging in creative learning. Traveling Theatre designs and implements high quality arts integration programming that meets the needs of the individual school and state curriculum expectations.

Artist: Clare Vadeboncoeur
Address 2420 Plainfield Pike,  Johnston,  RI 02919
Telephone: 401/943-2159
Fax: 
Email: goodheartpro@cox.net
Artist Category: Theatre
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.goodheartpro.com

Description: Story Performer. STORY ALIVE! An Expressive Arts Experience for Children This program integrates body, mind and spirit through a poetic blend of creative movement, drama and storytelling. The goal is to provide a safe, loving environment to empower children to give physical form to their ideas and feelings. Clare enjoys working with teachers and designing residencies that can be integrated into curriculum.

Artist: Daniel Lee White
Address 69 Kneeland St,  Providence,  RI 02905
Telephone: 401/261-7678
Fax: 
Email: Me@DanielLeeWhite.com
Artist Category: Theatre
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: DanielLeeWhite.com

Description: Daniel Lee White is a professional who excels in the arts of film and theatrical directing, acting, improvising and filmmaking and enjoys teaching these crafts to youth, grades 6 to 12 and college. He has already worked for programs throughout the state and is available to teach during school and after school programs and can easily modify many of his workshops to meet your classroom needs. Please visit: www.DanielLeeWhite.com to learn about and contact him.

Artist: Don C Mays
Address 878 River Ave,  Providence,  RI 02908
Telephone: 
Fax: 
Email: dcmays@mac.com
Artist Category: Theatre
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Don Mays, a self-taught writer/filmaker, produced his first theatrical piece some fifteen years ago. A graduate of Drake University (BFA) and the National Shakespeare Conservatory in New York, he has worked as a producer, director, actor, stand-up comic, writer and educator for many years. He is also a founding member of Mama's Reel Blackmarket Films, co-producer of "Same Difference". Mr. Mays will work with students to write and mount a video/theatre production in cooperation with school staff and possibly other artists.

Artist: Elizabeth Anne Keiser
Address PO Box 2744,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/316-7255
Fax: 
Email: elizabeef@hotmail.com
Artist Category: Theatre
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Elizabeth has developed numerous curriculae which are facilitated "on the feet, instead of the seat" with a major focus on literacy, tolerance and global issues. She has worked for six years with ArtsLiteracy (through Brown University) and the Providence Black Repertory Company. Each workshop is tailored to the goals of teachers, runs between 3 and twenty visits, and culminates into a student-driven performance. She has three touring shows available (Reading Changed My Life; The IgnorAnt {both for ages 12+} and BeA Walking {for K-5}).

Artist: Fantasy Works Youth Theatre dba RI Youth Theatre
Address 2170 Tower Hill Rd.,  Saunderstown,  RI 02874
Telephone: 401/294-2215
Fax: 401/295-4574
Email: annjogrady@aol.com
Artist Category: Theatre
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: RIYT.org

Description: Rhode Island Youth Theatre collaborates with schools and other educational partners to promote arts literacy through: Stories on Stage workshops-(Improv. Workshops boased on literature) 6-week after-school programs-(Ensemble production of a play or musical) Teen playwriting festival-(One-week residencies leading to the development of original works presented as stage readings at a culminating festival). RIYT has been doing educational theatre programs since 1987 (previously known as FantasyWorks).

Artist: Laurie Heineman
Address 36 Hundred Acre Pond Rd E,  West Kingston,  RI 02892
Telephone: 401/782-2464
Fax: 
Email: laurihei@cox.net
Artist Category: Theatre
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: THEATRICAL CATALYST/ACTOR/ DIRECTOR/ COACH Laurie has acted and directed professionally on stage, film, & TV( wnning an Emmy Award) and she joyfully provides hands-on collaboration with students and teachers around classic plays and literature. Program's vary from a 2 hour stand-alone, to month long productions with whole teams. She will craft a program to fit your needs, curriculum, and time. Her book on taking the fear out of teaching Shakespeare, in AP Classroom: A Midsummer Night's Dream (Prufrock Press). Laurie taught at St. Andrew's school for four years, honing skills in working with a variety of learners, including those for whom English is a second language. In the award-winning PBS documentary A Touch of Greatness, she agrees with her late mentor Albert Cullum, that students are bored by mediocrity, but turned on by greatness. Her Playing with Shakespeare workshops in K-12 schools, in hospitals, libraries and other venues have brought joy and insight to all. She treasures the richness of discovery at each age. Laurie also provides professional development in multi-disiplinary curriulum, working inclusively with teachers and/or with therapeutic staff's. She is always eager to use theatre, improvisation, movement and voice to enhance understanding and improve reading skills. Shakespeare, Aesop, Lorca, Greek and Roman plays are some of the many genres she will use.

Artist: Len Cabral
Address 30 Marcy St,  Cranston,  RI 02905
Telephone: 401/781-0019
Fax: 401/781-0020
Email: len@lencabral.com
Artist Category: Theatre
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: http://www.lencabral.com

Description: [F] Folk Artist. Cape Verdean culture and storytelling. Len is also available as a folk artist storyteller. Len's mother and grandmother sang to him in Portuguese Creole. All around were songs and stories in other tongues, Armenian, Italian, Bulgarian, it was a true melting pot. Len uses mime, poetry, song, humor, and vivid characterizations to engage children of all ages through the magical power of the spoken word, while at the same time connecting with each other through stories told and heard.

Artist: Marc Kohler
Address 23 Turner Avenue,  Providence,  RI 02908
Telephone: 401/351-0373
Fax: 
Email: Marcwkohler@aol.com
Artist Category: Theatre
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Multi-disciplinary Artist. Storyteller, puppeteer, face painter, art workshop specialist. Marc has worked with the RISCA Arts in Education Program from its inception. He is a working storyteller, face painter, puppeteer, and character actor. He graduated from Brown in 1969 in English, and did graduate work in Theater and Creative Writing. His residencies have included theater arts (Playwriting, historical re-enactments, make-up, masks, solo and group plays) and puppet arts (Many kinds of puppet making, character creation, and performances). He has ten years in residence at special needs locations for children and adults (Groden Center, Cranston Center, Meeting Street School, CITE, Providence SIEP, etc.). In September 2010, his studio became a performance and arts workshop location for field trips in the arts and performance disciplines.

Artist: Marvin Novogrodski
Address 25 Charles St,  East Providence,  RI 02914
Telephone: 401/578-9399
Fax: 
Email: marv@marvmarv.com
Artist Category: Theatre
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.marvmarv.com

Description: Marvin Novogrodski, more popularly known as Marvelous Marvin, offers three science-based shows entitled "The Magic of Science", "How the Body Works" and "Buggin' Out". Check out www.marvmarv.com Fees range from $300 up for shows. Marvin is also available for residencies that mix science, dance, circus arts and theatre. Prices are negotiable. Shows are geared for a K-6 grade age range.

Artist: Michael Fishel Bresler
Address 857 Hope St,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/273-9814
Fax: 
Email: breslersmusic@gmail.com
Artist Category: Theatre
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Actor (including comic & mime), Storyteller: Introducing students to realistic characters bringing stories & songs from other cultures. Engaging, creative performances: "Sappy the Old Cowpoke", "Around the World in 50 Minutes" etc. Classroom materials provided. Also available for extended creative performance residencies. Michael (BA in in music) studied theater with Tony Montanaro, and has taught music at all levels from kindergarten to college for 25 years. Michael has a multi-cultural repertoire and extensive experience with special needs students. Dr. Lambert's Travelling Medicine Show: Lively recreation of old-time travelling "snake oil" peddler, including magic, music and comedy. Authentic painted backdrop. Audience participation. Fourth grade through adult. Designed to teach critical thinking and help students evaluate sales pitches. Classroom materials available. Michael, who performs with a keyboardist and assistant, has been doing this show for 15 years.. (See also Music listing)

Artist: Ricardo Pitts-Wiley
Address 146 Colonial Road,  Providence,  RI 02906-2550
Telephone: 
Fax: 401/475-6676
Email: pittswiley.ricardo@gmail.com
Artist Category: Theatre
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.mmtri.com

Description: Ricardo Pitts-Wiley develops projects 2-6 weeks long with high school/college students or community groups. The artist, teachers and students break down text, language styles and acting problems to develop a final theatre event and experience.

Artist: Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre
Address 172 Exchange Street,  Pawtucket,  RI 02860
Telephone: 401/723-4266
Fax: 401/723-0440
Email: steve@gammtheatre.org
Artist Category: Theatre
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: gammtheatre.org

Description: The Gamm Theatre Education Department helps students improve their reading skills, gain confidence, and better express themselves through a literacy-through-performance pedagogical model. The Gamm provides in-school residencies, artist/teacher partnerships and after-school drama programs to local schools. Performances are made accessible to young audiences through daytime matinees at reduced rates. The Gamm Studio offers a wide selection of theatre classes for adults and children and Gamm Outreach works with community partners to help support life-long learning.

Artist: Trinity Repertory Company
Address 201 Washington Street,  Providence,  RI 02903
Telephone: 401/521-1100
Fax: 401/521-0447
Email: education@trinityrep.com
Artist Category: Theatre
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: www.trinityrep.com/education

Description: Project Discovery offers student matinees of select mainstage productions, supported by in-school programming, study guides, and teacher preview performances. The Young Actors Studio offers a wide range of year-round, out-of-school classes for students in grades K-12. Backstage tours, job shadows, and internships are available. Lifelong learning opportunities include post-show talkbacks, an in-depth magazine published three times per year, study guides for all productions, acting classes and discussion groups for adults

Artist: Alice Benvie Gebhart
Address 5580 Post Rd,  East Greenwich,  RI 02818
Telephone: 401/714-5328
Fax: 
Email: alicearts@verizon.net
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: www.abgebhart.com

Description: Alice's work translates the everyday into a celebration. Fused glass is the media that reveals this vibrancy. The technique of using glass to create something that is both abstract and literal is a learning experience for any child. Glass is cut or grains of glass are sprinkled to create an image. The piece is then fired in a kiln to create a solid panel. The panel can be displayed individually or used in unison as window or tile.

Artist: Amy Bartlett Wright
Address 39 Massachusetts Blvd,  Portsmouth,  RI 02907-1007
Telephone: 401/293-0572
Fax: 
Email: info@amybartlettwright.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: www.AmyBartlettWright.com

Description: Amy paints large realistic murals for public educational facilities such as Museum of Science Boston, US Fish and Wildlife Service at Sachuest Point in Middlletown, Save The Bay's Environmental Education Center and Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence. Paintings show realistic background scenery and animals in appropriate habitat. The public or students can watch work in progress which is not only a lesson in the mechanics of mural painting but also instructive about the animal/ habitat relationship. Amy teaches Natural Science Illustration at RISD's Continuing Education. www.AmyBartlettWright.com

Artist: Amy Leidtke
Address 19 Harvard St,  Pawtucket,  RI 02860
Telephone: 401/751-9999
Fax: 
Email: leidtkedesign@mac.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: amyleidtke.com

Description: Design Thinkshop is an interactive hands-on and minds-on experience that ignites essential panhuman questions. Seeking to stimulate curiosity, launch investigation and build thinking skills, the integrated curriculum includes a variety of synthesizing activities, such as inquiry, reflection, expansion, visualization, iteration, formulation, critique, and presentation. Cross-disciplinary programs focus on themes including but not limited to ideation, collaboration, empathy, communication, drawing, and design thinking. Design Thinkshop creator, Amy Leidtke, is an industrial designer, arts educator, and artist. She is a faculty member in the Department of Industrial Design and the Department of Continuing Education at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), as well as is a faculty member of SmART Schools, “a K -12 research-based, comprehensive, whole-school reform initiative that places arts-infused communities of learning at the fulcrum.” She is author of RISD Design Connections: Curriculum Tools for Design Education, which includes a set of design skill-building projects for middle and high school students.

Artist: Andrew M Sloan
Address 160 Atlantic Ave,  Providence,  RI 02907
Telephone: 401/432-6300
Fax: 
Email: andrew@newsheriff.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Andrew Sloan is a self-taught visual artist and muralist who works in a distinctive, vivid style. He shows his bright, bold contemporary works in galleries throughout the United States and France. As an arts instructor, Andrew, often in tandem with his wife Sula, has completed many projects with children and teens in the past four years, including indoor and outdoor mural work with City Arts!/PASA, Community Works Rhode Island, West Elmwood Housing, City Year, UCAP, Community Prep School, Network (Attleboro) and St. Andrew's School. Last year, they led the visual arts component of the "I Come From" Project, creating 120 self-portraits with 1st, 2nd and Special Education students at Vartan Gregorian Elementary. Andrew recently delivered three paintings to Hasbro Children's Hospital. Andrew and Sula are currently in Miami working on the relaunch of Damien B Contemporary Art Center, an exhibition space with artist studios and an arts education non-for-profit. They are available for intensive residencies and are booking projects beginning in Spring 2012 and throughout the Summer of 2012.

Artist: Anna Jane Kocon
Address 16 Winsor Street,  Providence,  RI 02908
Telephone: 401/256-1859
Fax: 
Email: annajanekocon@gmail.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Visual Artist. Silkscreen printmaking to create one-of-a-kind garments for a group of up to ten students. Beginning with a demonstration and examples of single color garment silkscreening, students will be walked through the process of designing and printing their own tshirts. The artist can either come to a facility and perform a two day workshop or a group can come to the artists studio for a one day workshop.

Artist: Arthi Sundaresh
Address 249 1/2 Carpenter St,  Providence,  RI 02903
Telephone: 401/374-5349
Fax: 
Email: Arthi@riseup.net
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Arthi Sundaresh is a photographer and oral historian. Through portraits and interviews, her work presents commentary on peoples' histories: on social inequalities, gender conformity, and on loss, grieving and healing. By sharing experiences, people can relate to each other and begin to break down constricting boundaries. Sundaresh's work aims to put forth these themes in writing and photographs in order to re-open dialogue and build understanding across differences. Limited Availablity.

Artist: Beth Drainville
Address 256 Canonchet Rd,  Rockville,  RI 02873
Telephone: 401/539-3113
Fax: 401/539-3113
Email: bethdrainville@aol.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.bethdrainville.com

Description: Painter/Illustrator. Directs diversified groups with individual abilities and needs. The instructional objective is finding the "artist within" by developing observation skills and drawing and painting techniques to express and communicate concepts, ideas and emotions. Using the state art standards as a guideline to create an arts-integrated curriculum, students and educators benefit from a valuable resource to enhance and fufill new education initiatives.

Artist: Brad Fesmire
Address 16 Winsor St,  Providence,  RI 02908
Telephone: 401/743-7449
Fax: 
Email: bradfesmire@gmail.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: www.bradleyfesmire.com

Description: Visual Artist. Combining history and practice, this artist will work with students and engage them in a painting project that centers around the ideas of surrealism and abstraction. Beginning with the ideas of chance that the surrealists used in their practices, students will learn the history of surrealist art and thought and then proceed to make an abstract painting using the idea of chance. With a concentration on mark making and learning the medium, students of all ages can enjoy this project and leave with a work of art all their own.

Artist: Brent Bachelder
Address 195 Lenox Ave,  Providence,  RI 02907
Telephone: 401/467-5277
Fax: 
Email: Neopolsi13@aol.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.clubneopolsi.net

Description: Muralist/ Painter/ Graphic Designer/ Sculptor/ Illustrator Brent has worked professionally in RI as a commercial artist and owns Club Neopolsi Creations Design Studio, established in1989. Additionally, he has taught for over nineteen years as a freelance instructor at such places as R.I.S.D., Providence CityArts for Youth, Highlander Charter School, the Learning Community Charter School, The Met School among many others. Brent has also created numerous large-scale community mural art projects all over the state as well. Please visit his website or Google his name to see some of his projects and he also has a great short documentary video on YouTube too. He feels that it is extremely important to not only teach technical art skills in the programs and classes he runs, but also to use the creation process as an avenue to teach other subjects such as literacy, science, math, history and ecology. Past educational projects include Dinosaurs!, The History of Whaling, Architecture: Bridges and Skyscrapers, Weather Systems, Planets & Outer Space, Environmental Biomes and Systems of the Body. Brent can tailor a custom educational program on other subjects as well and he can fit one of his existing curricula into your schedule. Available weekdays, after school, weekends, summers and vacations. Available for consultation, grant preparation, instruction, community art project development and teacher training to non-profit organizations or schools throughout Rhode Island.

Artist: Cathren Lee Housley
Address 1400 S Broadway,  East Providence,  RI 02914
Telephone: 401/434-1922
Fax: 
Email: cathrenhousley@aol.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: www.cathrenhousley.com

Description: Achieving great work takes more than inspiration; it requires an understanding of process. Often, what holds us back is that we don't know how to start…or where to go from there! Cathren, an award winning illustrator and writer, shows how to take an idea from inception to finished form and reveals her tricks for overcoming writer's block. This picture book workshop teaches creative problem solving skills, each student will create their own book.

Artist: Cheryl Kirk Noll
Address 19 Hooker St,  Providence,  RI 02908
Telephone: 401/861-5869
Fax: 
Email: ckirknoll@verizon.net
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.cherylkirknoll.com http://cherylkirknoll.blogspot.com

Description: Cheryl is a watercolor painter who has illustrated over 30 books for children, contributed to magazines such as Highlights and Calliope, and done dozens of illustrated stories for elementary reading programs. She specializes in multicultural and historical art. Her picture books include several Japanese folktales and a history of the Black regiment of RI. She also teaches at RISD-CE and is advisor for their Children's Book Illustration certificate program. Cheryl is available for presentations. BS-Lebanon Valley College, BA-Rhode Island School of Design

Artist: Dana Simmons
Address 18 Imperial Place,  Providence,  RI 02903
Telephone: 401/831-7360
Fax: 401/831-7360
Email: dana@sprintmail.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.danasimmons.com

Description: Painting/Photography/photshop/Sculpture/Drawing/Mixed Media. MFA Pratt Institute. RI & MA certification K-12. Offering an eclectic and varied format to reach individual needs. Independent study programs or collaborative teacher/classroom hands-on curriculum. Multi-media expression emphasised. Twenty-eight years of teaching experience and residencies with all ages & needs. Critiques, informative discussions foster & encourage creative and individual self-expression. Program may culminate with an exhibition.

Artist: Eclipse Marcy Neilson
Address 17 Whipple St,  Barrington,  RI 02906
Telephone: 
Fax: 
Email: eclipsfey@aol.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: A.W.A.R E (Awareness With Art Education) offers a wide range of art possibilities and experiences. Eclipse has won a variety of awards for model programs in the past. Projects focusing on environmental topics, community issues, theater, fun and fantasy are some of the many possibilities. Project A.W.A.R.E is committed to designing projects that fit your needs and has a team of skilled artist and professionals in the field. Available during the daytime, Fridays and weekends. We are excited to announce our two new cutting edge programs. 1. C.O.P.E (CIRCLES OF PEACE EDUCATION) The team is exploring new creative ways to look at peace both within our communities, ourselves and the world. This program brings visual and literary arts together through simple creative projects. C.O.P.E helps develop communication and leadership skills with journal writing, story development visual arts and simple musical projects. This is great for small groups or for teacher training days. 2.EARTH TAPESTRIES (K-12). Discovering the magic of art is the foundation. This is a really fun project, where all students can get involved and explore their individuality and imagination. The students are taken through a series of step-by-step exercises to explore the creative process as they learn about the world around them. They learn to stretch their imagination with a beautiful array of craft materials. Eclipse Neilson is an experienced educator, artist and author. She is currently the artist in residence and program coordinator at Pawtucket COZ - Child Opportunity Zone. She is the former art director at St. Dunstan's school and offers leadership workshops nationally.

Artist: Elizabeth Talbot
Address 100A Lafayette St,  Pawtucket,  RI 02860
Telephone: 703/901-2392
Fax: 
Email: Talbot.elizabeth@gmail.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: www.liztalbot.com

Description: Description: storytelling/World art, landscape/garden design. Inspired by Hip Hop 4 and author Joyce Sidman,“Project Universe” is a model to incite the imagination and promote our connection with our planet. Utilizing story games, drawing, and 3D creation, we will discover the universe through play. We may develop a play, a garden, or a public work of art. Up cycled and natural materials are given preference in projects. Day workshops to semester long classes are welcome. Liz is a Mobile Studio Artist for Riverzedge Arts Project and a CE RISD instructor. She looks forward to working with students in creating a universe filled with peace, love, unity, and play.

Artist: Erik Gould
Address 518 Pawtucket Ave,  Pawtucket,  RI 02860
Telephone: 401/726-1259
Fax: 
Email: erikom3@gmail.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.erikgould.net

Description: Photo and new media workshops. Traditional photo processes including pinhole cameras, camera obscura, and experiments with light sensitive materials. Projects include creating camera obscura within rooms and free standing boxes, building pinhole cameras from found materials such as mint tins and garbage cans. Digital and new media workshops employing digital photography, video and audio capture exploring documentary and self expressive modes. Projects include slideshows with audio,video shorts and field recording of audio and video interviews and found sounds. Personal mapping and gps tagging explored.

Artist: Gail Porter
Address 152 Bayard St,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/273-9529
Fax: 
Email: g.porter@cox.net
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: STILL PHOTOGRAPHY: Students are challenged to discover their unique ways of seeing and to expand their vision by exploring their environments from many vantage points. Students use digital cameras, and learn a photo program; or use film, and learn b+w printing in a darkened room; or use a combination of the two. Sample projects: students make “sunprint” photo paper and use it; construct and use pinhole cameras; create self-portraits with self-reflective writing; create abstract photographs that inspire poetry; or create documentary projects. Teacher and artist design a custom photography program that meets state standards in literacy, social studies, visual literacy, science and/or technology. CLAY ANIMATION: Students create a short animation using stop motion animation. Working in teams, they write a simple script; draw storyboards; form their characters from modeling clay; build mini sets and make props from found/recycled objects, cardboard and/or clay. Meets several technology and art standards as well as those mentioned above.

Artist: Gail Whitsitt-Lynch
Address 44 Rockaway St,  East Providence,  RI 02914-1012
Telephone: 401/434-4957
Fax: 
Email: gail@whitsitt-lynch.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.whitsitt-lynch.com

Description: Visual Artist. Residencies in sculpture, kindergarten through high school, and for social service agencies. Large groups including grade levels, multi-disciplines, etc., can be developed jointly by teachers and the artist. Core groups can vary according to need and project focus. For example, students can work in a group on a large sculpture, wall relief, or on individual pieces. Media used by Whitsitt-Lynch include: ferro-cement, papier mache, wood assemblage, clay, wood carving, stone carving, fibers, wire, soft materials, and geometric paper forming. Printmaking and Sumi Ink techniques can also be incorporated. Whitsitt-Lynch is primarily a wood and stone carver, assemblage sculptor, and printmaker. Her work appears in numerous public and private collections, and includes a ferro-cement eagle in Roger Williams Park.

Artist: Holly Ewald
Address 35 S Atlantic Ave,  Warwick,  RI 02888
Telephone: 401/862-4229
Fax: 401/467-7826
Email: Hewald@me.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: voicesandvisions.org

Description: Visual Artist/ Bookmaking, Collage, Drawing, Photography, Public Art. The artist enjoys collaboration and will work closely with teachers to incorporate classroom curriculum. She mostly enjoys exploring a sense of place (History and environmental issues) and facilitating community connection through collaborative art making. Ideally projects involve parents and broader community in oral history that informs student visual art.

Artist: Jane Hesser
Address ,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 
Fax: 
Email: jhesser01@risd.edu
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.hesserstudios.com

Description: Photography, mixed media. In addition to being an artist and part-time professor at RISD, Jane is a licensed social worker. She enjoys working with children of all ages, as well as adults. She has significant experience working in after-school art programs as well as teaching high school and college students.

Artist: Jessica Regelson
Address 52 Dexterdale Rd,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/273-9667
Fax: 
Email: jessregelson@gmail.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.indigomoonmosaics.com

Description: Students will work together to design and make a mosaic mural. The design will incorporate images from the students' sketchbooks in which they explore a theme from their academic curriculum in a very personal way. They will learn how to cut tile, glue and grout the finished piece, which will be on permanent display in the school. Alternatively, individual mosaics on a much smaller scale can also be made. The scope, complexity and level of dexterity needed can be adapted to any age group.

Artist: John Kotula
Address 16 Amos Street,  Peace Dale,  RI 02879-2414
Telephone: 401/783-0610
Fax: 
Email: johnkotulapchn@yahoo.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: portraitoftheartistasanoldman.blogspot.com

Description: John is a visual artist who is interested in public art. He has worked with young people in the United States and Central America to develop and paint murals. Other workshops include: portraiture, self-portraiture, mask-making and comic books/graphic novels. John has a lot of experience working with schools and would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with teachers to develop projects that meet their curricular goals. He is a returned Peace Corps volunteer and speaks intermediate-advanced Spanish.

Artist: Kenneth A Speiser
Address 131 Rochambeau Ave,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/521-9652
Fax: 401/454-0184
Email: kspeiser@cox.net
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: www.publicartri.com

Description: Sculpture/Printmaking/Painting. Kenn Speiser is a professional sculptor who has worked with High School students to create painted wall murals and 3-Dimensional works of art that have a special relationship to a specific site (Site Specific Art). Students and teachers work together with Speiser to identify an appropriate location, select and collect materials, work on design possibilities, and complete the installation within budget and time limits. Learning takes place throughout every stage of the project's development. Www.rustprints.com www.safetyenvelopes.com

Artist: Kurt R Van Dexter
Address 1740 Stony Lane,  No Kingstown,  RI 02852
Telephone: 401/837-2215
Fax: 
Email: asclepiask@aol.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.stonylanestudios.com

Description: Landscape/Garden Design. Through design, students forge connections with the natural world. Schoolyards serve as canvas while plants, paths and gardens become the pallette. Math, Science, Language Arts and research skills will be combined with art and design to create outdoor classroom spaces, gardens and otherwise enrich the schoolyard environment. Student-produced schematic design plans, models, sketches and presentations will take place. Kurt, a registered landscape architect, visual artist, and certified K-12 visual arts educator, works to educate people about nature through art and design.

Artist: Laura E Travis
Address 15 Maple St,  Wakefield,  RI 02879
Telephone: 401/792-7149
Fax: 
Email: laura@as220.org
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: campus.digication.com/lauratravis or facebook:lauratraviscarving

Description: Sculptor/Stonecarver: Laura Travis is an award-winning visual art educator with over 20 years experience. She has worked with children & adults of all ages teaching stone carving. Small, individual or group projects can be arranged according to site & interest. Limestone and soapstone used are soft and easily managed by beginners.

Artist: Lauren W Scotto
Address 22 Orchard Avenue,  Greenville,  RI 02907-1007
Telephone: 401/949-4891
Fax: 
Email: laurenscotto@verizon.net
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: risd.digication.com/laurenscotto

Description: Painter, Visual Artist. Using mostly nature as her subject, Lauren creates drawings and paintings that exploit the qualities of her surfaces and media, always allowing texture and mark-making to have a prevalent voice in her work. Collaborating with teachers for content and subject matter, Lauren works closely with students to create murals in public spaces. Students become familiarized with the steps of the design process including brainstorming, sketching, designing and refining ideas, while gaining much from the process of working on a large, sustained project.

Artist: Liz McGrath
Address 116 Yorkshire St,  Providence,  RI 02908
Telephone: 401/527-2020
Fax: 
Email: 
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: lizmcgrath9@gmail.com

Description: Children's Book Author & Illustrator/Painter Liz collaborates with teachers to bring the visual arts into the classroom. Projects can be designed to meet your school's curriculum needs and requirements. Bookmaking themes can range from simple counting books to historical fiction or complex science books. She emphasizes a detail-oriented, back-to-basics approach (with no computer assistance) to learning & creating.

Artist: Lucille Mota-Costa
Address 34 Plenty St,  Warwick,  RI 02889
Telephone: 
Fax: 
Email: lamotacosta@gmail.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.artisessential.nct

Description: Murals, Mosiacs, Spontaneous Happenings. Multi-media presentations, and Digital imaging are my passion. The bigger the better. The more participants the better. I am a painter, illustrator, and sculptor. I work in a wide range of mediums in all these areas. I also have advanced skills using a variety of computer software as a tool for planning art as well as creating it. As an arts educator I have extensive experience developing curricula based on state/national standards and applying this curricula in a classroom setting. Theme projects which address such topics as cultural diversity, ethics, self-awareness, political awareness and community involvement, are all areas I enjoy exploring with students of all ages and learning styles. Viva the Arts!

Artist: Mary Beth Meehan
Address 109 Burlington Street,  Providence,  RI 02906
Telephone: 401/480-3184
Fax: 
Email: marybethmeehan@cox.net
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: www.marybethmeehan.com

Description: Photographer/Writer Mary Beth Meehan is a professional photojournalist & documentary photographer with a particular interest in issues of urban life, including immigration, culture and community. Her educational work assists students-both native speakers and ESL students- in telling the stories of their own lives through images and words, promoting both visual and verbal literacy. Students become familiar with the visual language of photography and are asked to reflect on such themes as: self, home, family, neighborhood, community and dreams. (These themes may be adapted to suit any classroom curriculum.) Students then make their own storytelling pictures. Their photographs serve as a springboard for writing, reflection and further photography. Projects culminate in a publication or a final public exhibition. Mary Beth has received RISCA education grants for for projects with Groundwork, Providence, and RI Youth Guidance as well as working in the Central Falls school system.

Artist: Michael Townsend
Address 55 Sims Ave,  Providence,  RI 02909
Telephone: 401/225-8552
Fax: 
Email: tapeart@gmail.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.www.tapeart.com http://www.www.trummerkind.com

Description: Tape Art is a collaborative visual art form that uses a special, low-adhesive tape to draw. Students work together to develop themes and create temporary tape art murals on the walls of their school. Invented in Providence over 13 years ago, Tape Art has travelled as a public art form around the world and extensively through the United States, transforming buildings into works of art. All Tape Art programs are custom tailored to each school to integrate existing themes and curricula. Appropriate for all age levels. For more information view a wide range of Tape Art projects on the web at www.tapeart.com or call 1-800-TAPE-ART.

Artist: Monica Shinn
Address 33 Armstrong Ave,  Providence,  RI 02903
Telephone: 401/965-5045
Fax: 
Email: mshinn1@cox.net
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: With degrees in painting, metals and education, Monica has worked in theatre and welding fabrication for over 20 years. She enjoys working with students of all ages and capabilities and believes everyone can learn to make art. Her skills are in promoting individual creative thinking and using drawing, painting, theatre craft, and sculptural mediums to increase self expression and self awareness. She can easily work with teachers to combine their teaching objectives with her skills to provide a challenging and exciting artistic experience.

Artist: Munir Deishinni Mohammed
Address 35 Whitney St,  Providence,  RI 02907
Telephone: 401/461-0897
Fax: 
Email: munirhajara11@yahoo.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: 

Description: Fine Artist. Mr. Deishinni was born in Kumasi, Ghana, West Africa. He holds a Masters in Arts Education from RISD and a Bachelor of Arts from Ghanatta College of Art. An educator and muralist his media include oils, acrylics, water color, pastels, pen and ink, and wash. He enjoys teaching art to students, middle school through college. Additionally he has taught community art projects at numerous centers for all ages.

Artist: Nancy N Brown Garcia
Address 40 Toledo Ave,  Warwick,  RI 02888
Telephone: 463-5043
Fax: 
Email: imbabywoman@yahoo.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Folk
Artist Website: 

Description: [F] Folk Artist. Native American material culture & music. Nancy is a Narragansett Indian. She has worked in the school systems for over 30 years. Her experience with all ages is a special gift. Nancy shares her smallest beadwork in the world, artifacts, history, language & songs. She lives what is art to most. Her shoes, baby carrier or blanket are utilitarian objects she made herself.

Artist: Servio Agustin Patino Sanchez
Address 25 Iona Street Apt 1,  Providence,  RI 02908
Telephone: 401/432-6397
Fax: 
Email: patinoartstudio@yahoo.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Painter/Muralist/Portrait Artist. Agustin Patino has extensive experience teaching both in the U.S. and in Latin America. His unique system of instruction is practical and effective. Students of all ages would benefit from instruction in methods and mediums such as painting (oils & acrylic), drawing, pastels, watercolor and the creation of murals. Agustin is multi-lingual in Spanish, English, Italian and Portuguese.

Artist: Steve Brosnihan
Address PO Box 111,  Bristol,  RI 02809
Telephone: 401/253-5909
Fax: 401/253-5909
Email: Stevebfly@msn.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: http://www.stevebcartoons.com

Description: Steve Brosnihan is a professional cartoonist who has been published in Rhode Island newspapers and national magazines. His "Cartoonagrams" program employs a method that is easy to learn and remember. Using letters of the alphabet, students draw fun and unusual cartoon characters created by Steve. All students, from grades K through high school, regardless of artistic ability, will enjoy drawing Cartoonagrams. Steve also teaches academic classes using Cartoonagrams, putting a cartoon spin on subjects including American History, Shakespeare, Geography, Astronomy and Rhode Island awareness. Instruction periods are ideally one hour per average size class.

Artist: Susan Clarke
Address 67 Wilbur Road,  Lincoln,  RI 02865
Telephone: 401/724-8878
Fax: 
Email: susanraeclarke@gmail.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: 

Description: Visual Artist/Surface Artist. Susan will work closely with teachers and students to create a project that integrates art into the classroom curriculum. Using state standards, she develops an art experience to enhance and reinforce the learning experience, leaving the teacher with knowledge and material to recreate the activity. She uses a variety of materials to create murals, mosiacs, quilts, journals and 3-D models. She has 35 years of public school teaching experience.

Artist: Victor M Justo
Address 90 Evergreen St,  East Providence,  RI 02914
Telephone: 401/286-2318
Fax: 
Email: victorkanyo@gmail.com
Artist Category: Visual Arts
Artist Type: Education
Artist Website: www.victorkanyo.com

Description: Victor Justo (Victor Kanyo) is an experienced artist and teacher who has a diverse professional and educational background in sculpture and teaching. He is skilled in various mediums such as concrete, wood, paper mache, metal, and he is a master of foam construction technique, (puppets, muppets and creatures). He utilizes contemporary, classical and impressionistic styles for creating sculptures that have both aesthetic and functional value. He has created many unique and original designs, sculptures and creatures for use in the entertainment and amusement industries. Victor has also taught art and sculpture to school age students, for more than 13 years. As a teacher in the Dominican Republic and the United States, Victor has helped many young people develop and grow, by using art to discover their creative expression. He has instructed his students in the use of various mixed media, such as, paint, and paper mache, clay sculpture, wood work & handcrafts. Please contact him for possible collaborations.



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