PIVOT, 2024 (installation view). From left: Algernon Miller, Brooke Erin Goldstein, Martin Keen
Dear Friends,
It is with great excitement and pride that I share Jamestown Arts Center’s very first Annual Report—a reflection on a truly pivotal year in our history. As I look back on my first year as Executive Director, I am filled with gratitude for the achievements of 2024 and the continued support of our remarkable community. Together, we’ve made meaningful strides, strengthened connections, and laid the groundwork for an exciting future.
JAC has evolved into a vibrant community art center that serves as both a hub and a bridge—connecting artists with audiences, ideas with expression, and individuals with each other. Through our ever-evolving programs—classes, student art clubs, film screenings, literary and art-making workshops, artist-centric strategies, and free family art days—we’ve nurtured a space for experimentation, inspiration, and meaningful dialogue. We are proud to be an incubator where artists test ideas, push boundaries, and share their work with receptive and engaged audiences.
Over the past 15 years, JAC has helped shape the cultural landscape of Southern Rhode Island and the broader region. We’ve launched the careers of numerous artists, displayed public works by renowned figures, and collaborated with visionary and emerging thinkers, curators, and internationally recognized artists. These partnerships reflect our belief in the power of art to spark conversation, cultivate empathy, and drive progress.
As we move forward, we do so with an unwavering commitment to our mission and a renewed vision for what’s possible. We are poised for growth and eager to welcome both familiar faces and new friends through our doors. Whether you’ve been with us for years or are discovering JAC for the first time, we invite you to be part of this exciting journey. Come take a class, attend a performance, explore an exhibition, or join one of our thought-provoking JAC Talks. Sign up for our weekly newsletter, volunteer, become a member, and find your own connection within our creative community.
Now, more than ever—amidst cultural shifts and financial uncertainty—your support is vital. If JAC has brought joy, inspiration, or connection to your life, please consider donating. Every contribution helps us maintain the quality and accessibility of our programming and ensures that art remains an essential part of our community fabric.
We believe deeply in freedom of expression, the power of collaboration, and the importance of spaces that celebrate creativity in all its forms.
To our donors, funders, Board of Directors, and the many volunteers who give so generously of your time and energy—thank you. You make this work possible. To everyone who has stepped through our doors or will join us in the future: welcome. JAC is a place of meaning, learning, and joy, and it belongs to all of us.
Here’s to a vibrant, art-filled 2025.
Christine Cocca Executive Director Jamestown Arts Center
I S I NO
MISSIONAND
The mission of the Jamestown Arts Center is to engage, enrich, and inspire through extraordinary arts and educational experiences.
The Jamestown Arts Center (JAC) was established in 2008 by a passionate group of women artists who recognized the community’s need for a dedicated space for the arts.
JAC is a community-driven and artist-centered organization dedicated to fostering creativity in all its forms. We engage residents and visitors alike in arts experiences that are experimental and inspiring. To stay relevant and exciting within the art world, we are responsive and ever-evolving. JAC aspires to national recognition for world-class exhibitions and for bringing the highest caliber artists, speakers, and instructors for the benefit of the communities we serve.
2024 AT A GLANCE
2,318 HOURS
19 FREE FAMILY DAYS attended by over 2,500 participants
$8,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS
awarded to individuals and families for classes, camps, and workshops of Open Studio time for printmaking and ceramic artists
395 STUDENTS
taught by 22 artist-instructors in 70 classes and camps
7,650 POUNDS OF CLAY
used by ceramics artists and students in Studio C
PROGRAMS & EDUCATION
For 15 years, JAC has been a vibrant hub for artistic innovation, now offering more than 50 dynamic events annually. Serving as both an incubator for bold ideas and a platform for inventive curatorial approaches, JAC is committed to supporting artists at every stage of their careers—from emerging regional talents to internationally recognized names. Our programming empowers artists to explore experimental concepts, collaborative projects, and underrepresented narratives across all disciplines, while delivering engaging, high-quality experiences for diverse audiences.
The gallery space transforms into a multidisciplinary venue, hosting visual art exhibitions, film screenings, performances, and concerts. Artists are encouraged to push boundaries in medium and message, with opportunities to showcase their work in an environment that values risk-taking and dialogue. Notable programs include the annual Members’ Show, a non-juried exhibition judged by distinguished curators. In 2024, RISD Museum’s Curator Conor Moynihan awarded Best-in-Show to Margit Burmeister for her mixed media painting 1973 #6.
JAC actively supports performing artists, filmmakers, and musicians through access to a flexible venue, engaged audiences, and professional-grade equipment. Events such as Best Judgment: Ladd School Lessons by Oscar-winning director Jim Wolpaw exemplify our commitment to screening works in progress and fostering audience feedback. Each year, JAC presents approximately ten live music events, featuring performers from Grammy Award-winners to avant-garde musicians. In partnership with Newport Live, audiences have experienced jazz from South Africa’s Siya Charles, storytelling through music with Reverend Robert Jones, Sr., and an evening with Wesley Stace.
Our signature speaker series, JAC Talks, now in its 10th year, brings artists, writers, poets, and scholars to share new work and ideas. This 2024’s lineup included Brad Gooch, biographer of Keith Haring, former and current Rhode Island Poets Laureate Tina Cane and Colin Channer, and art historian Dr. Ella S. Mills. Artists who exhibit or perform at JAC are also invited to teach, speak, and connect with the community, ensuring a deep, sustained impact beyond the stage or gallery.
Equally robust is JAC’s year-round arts education programming, which takes place in three fully equipped studios: Ceramics, Printmaking, and Digital Arts. These inclusive, hands-on classes serve learners of all ages and levels, led by professional artist-instructors who are supported with paid teaching opportunities. Five annual class sessions offer 10+ weekly courses for adults, teens, and children, in addition to Spring and Summer Camps, artist-led workshops, and 19 community Family Days.
Programs such as the Ceramic Artist Residency Program (CARP) and open studio hours invite ongoing exploration, while partnerships with schools and organizations—such as Looking Upwards and the Lawn School—expand access and create meaningful community connections. JAC also offers internships, volunteer opportunities, and a robust scholarship program to ensure equity and inclusion in the arts. Our Access Arts Initiative further amplifies this mission, providing a year-long series of free, intergenerational arts programming designed to engage Rhode Island residents of all backgrounds and abilities.
Through its multidisciplinary approach to exhibitions, performances, and education, JAC remains a vital resource for cultural engagement and lifelong artistic growth. Every initiative reflects our core values: empowering artists, enriching the community, and nurturing creativity in all its forms.
The Jamestown Arts Center understands the difference it makes to the community to create artistic experiences and opportunities for residents and to have a place of convening to share those experiences.
– David Cicilline, President, Rhode Island Foundation, 2024 JAC Patrons’ Dinner remarks
INCOME
Annual Fund + Other Donations (30%)
Fundraising Events (23%)
Classes + Camps (20%)
Grants + Foundation Support (13%)
Exhibits + Art Sales (9%)
Films, Talks + Other Programs (3%)
Membership (1%)
Business Sponsorships (1%)
Other (<1%)
FINANCES
EXPENSES
Programs (38%)
General + Administration (26%)
Marketing (17%)
Facility (8%)
Development (7%)
Paid time off (3%)
Programming and budgeting are grounded in real relationships with those we serve. By centering community voices and artist needs, we ensure that financial decisions are mission-aligned and forward-thinking.
We treat budgeting as an opportunity to invest in programs that reflect and respond to community needs and current conditions. We evaluate our goals, past outcomes, community feedback, existing partnerships, and organizational capacity. This helps JAC prioritize sustainable, impactful, and increasingly integrated programming.
NORS + SUPPO
2 0 2 4
We are grateful for our generous donors, volunteers, businesses, and foundations whose support makes the work of the Jamestown Arts Center possible. These individuals and organizations made gifts to the JAC between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024.
LUMINARY ($25,000+)
Anonymous
VISONARY ($10,000—$24,999)
Anonymous
Anonymous
Bafflin Foundation Δ
Kate Barber and Edward Pitoniak◊≈◦
George Boyer Δ + ◦
Marcella-Rafaela and Tom Deininger ≈
Sandra and John Good
Karen Gray Δ +
Joan Hall Δ
Mary Hall Keen and Martin KeenΔ ≈◊+
Fiona Osborn Mactaggart
Mary and John Madden + ◦
Susan Matthews and Jim KennedyΔ◦
Kara McKamey and Dr. Nicholas
Murray
Kate and Aidan Petrie Δ
Rhode Island Foundation
Holly Swett
The Champlin Foundation
The John B. Gray Charitable Foundation
INNOVATOR ($5,000—$9,999)
Anonymous Δ
Susan and Hugh Balloch Δ + ◦
Liz and Blair Boyer Δ ≈ ◦
C. Christopher Cannon Δ
Benjamin Giguere ≈
The Estate of John D. Work
Rhode Island State Council for the Arts
The Vivian J. Palmieri Trust
Jennifer Walsh and Bernard Wharton◦
CREATIVE ($2,500—$4,999)
Liani and Howard Balloch Δ
Lisa Barsumian ≈
Sally Blount
Linda and John Chapman ≈
Jessica and Bill Cushman Δ
Elizabeth Delude-Dix Δ
Ellen and Stephen DeVoe +
Mia and David Fitzgerald Δ
Jane Franke and Peter Twombly Δ
Jane Garnett and David Booth Δ
Gold’s Wine and Spirits ≈ +
Dianne Grippi Δ + ◦
Vanessa Hicks and Stephen Lane ◊ ≈
Jamestown Education Foundation Δ
Lisa Lewis and Bart Dunbar Δ
Caroline Niemczyk and William Salmons, Jr. Δ
Patricia and Leo Orsi Δ
Rita and Norton Reamer
Devi and Eddie Ross ◊ +
Mary Pat Ryan +
Jody and Erik Saarmaa Δ ◊
Merrill Sherman Δ
The Shelter Hill Foundation Δ
Didi Suydam and Peter DiepenbrockΔ◦
Hannah Swett and Mark Brookes Δ
Joanie Swift Δ
Taste Design, Inc. ◊ ≈ +
Cindy and Richard Trask
Vivi Valentine and William
Hutchinson Δ ≈
Natalie and Rod Wright Δ
CURATOR ($1,000—$2,499)
Elizabeth and Lawrence Allen
Annie Anderson +
Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation Δ
Anonymous
Aquidneck Services ¤
Leslie Banker and William Mullins Δ
Hadley and Jason Bazarsky ◊
Lina and James Beckley
Beech +
Lydia Biddle Δ
Marguerite and Walter Bopp ◦
Eleanor and Jim Burgess
James Buttrick
Abigail Campbell-King Δ
Dr. Joseph Chazan*
Carol Crafts ad Richard Murphy +
Robert E. Dupre Jr. Δ
Wooley and Art Dutton ≈ +
Alexa Flinton and Jason Gold ◊
Dona and Martin Gibbs +
Grapes & Gourmet ≈ +
Mary and Daniel Gregory ◦
Sarah Hartshorn and Chris Carter +
Laurie and Jack Heflin
Mary and Chris Howland ≈
Courtney and Andrew Hunter Δ
Janney & Associates, Ltd. ≈
Eric Kirton Δ
Linda and Alexander Knowles◦
Leaves of Grass Fund
Justine and Mark Maciel ◊
Judith Malcom
Christine and Shant Mardirossian + Matunuck Oyster Bar ≈ +
New England Foundation for the Arts
NewportFed Charitable Foundation
Rhum Clement ≈ +
Sarah and Craig Richardson
Wendy and Stuart Ross Δ
Marie and William Samuels Δ
Jocelyn Schaffer
Barbara and Larry Schoenfeld
State of Rhode Island
Pat and Tim Tuff Δ
Andrea van Beuren and Roger KassΔ
Patricia Watson Δ
Joanne and Thomas Wiggin +
Ann Wilson Green
Christina Wood
Christi Work Δ ◦
Catharine and James Wright Δ
Josy and Harry Wright ◦
Mary Wright Δ
Nancy and William Zeitler +
COLLABORATOR ($500—$999)
Ali Dunn Packer Memorial Fund
Atlantic Lawn & Garden ¤
Karen Augeri Benson Attorney at Law ¤
Isabel Babcock Δ
Barbara and Gary Baylor
Rosemary and Ted Burns ≈
Deanne Capotosto ≈
Kathryn and Richard Flood
Kim Fuller ≈
Fuller Art & Frame Gallery ¤
Frances Gammell-Roach and Robert N. Roach, Jr.
Susan Hackman ¤
Diane Harrison
Estes Twombly + Titrington Architects, Inc. ¤
Hugh Hildesley Δ
Hunter Greens Garden Design ≈
Jamestown Parent Teacher
Organization Δ
Terry Allen Lanza and Michael Lanza◦
Elizabeth Marcotte and Lloyd Feinberg
Daphne and Stephen Meredith
Caterine Milinaire Cushing
Mary Beth Murphy and Derek Hansen
Narragansett Cafe +
Newport Festival Foundation ≈
Newport Restaurant Group ≈
Our Table Jamestown ¤
People’s Credit Union ¤
Judith and Andrew Potter ◦
Laurice Romeo
Nancy Sall and Gordon Potter
Kate Smith
Kitty and Don Wineberg
PARTNER
($250—$499)
Nancy Bennett
Nancy and Peter Biddle
Raymond Bolster ◦
Vincent Buonanno
Ingrid Chung
Anne and Creighton Condon
Barbara Crane
Madelyne and Douglas CuddebackΔ
Kathie Florsheim ◦
Tricia and Stephen Frary ◦
Karin Kutrieb
Durga S. Larkin, MD ¤
Dr. Joseph Logan
Heidi Loomis
Tina and Jerry McIntyre◦
Akiko and James Mitsui
Carrie Morrissey and Adam Phillips ◊
Dianne and Dave Piccoli ◦
Candace and Christopher Powell ≈
Julie and Jim Procaccianti
Donna Repko
Jack Siravo
Lowell Thomas
Lisa Utman Randall
Perry and Arthur Wheelock, Jr.
Christine Cocca and Entang Wiharso
Donations to the JAC are an investment in programs and experiences that transform and enrich lives.
Your support funds world-class exhibitions, programs, and individual artists that bring global perspectives to our island community.
FRIEND
($100—$249)
John Andrews
Bonnie Axelson◦
Elizabeth and Edward Baldwin
Jocelyn and Norman Bernson
Richard Bolig
Jean Burditt
Alyn Carlson
Susan Chi
Clark Boat Yard & Marine Works
Jacqueline Colbert and Mark Muetterties, MD
Steven Collins
Kitty Cook and Donna Hutchinson
Warren Cook
Holly Cromwell and Tim Cotter
Nancy Cuddihy
Linda and Duane Desisto
Peter Elsworth
Ruth Erickson
Jody Eyre
Jaclyn Fehrenback
Helena and Bill Foulkes
Laura Gorham
Sheila Haggerty and Paul Housberg
Lisa and Ross Harris
Elise Hauenstein and Norman Abram
Karen Heagle
Sarah and David Hehman
Charlene and Herbert Heintz
Michael Hepp
Marjorie Jensen
Patricia and Paul Jutras ◦
Linda Kaplan and Neal Steingold
Brody Karn ◊
Linda LaClair
Cynthia and Roger Lopata
Andrea Mainelli and Alex SchultheisΔ
Maggie* and Peter Marcus
Rebecca Miller
Sylvia Monti
David Moultrop
Eileen McCarney Muldoon and
Patrick Muldoon
Nguyen Charitable Gift Fund
Sue and Nick Nicholson ◦
Keelan and Tim Noble
Reverend William O'Neill
Susi and Duncan Pendlebury
Lindsay Richardson
Mary Jo Roberts and Robert Braisted
Darryl Rose
George Salter
Pat and Jack Sheehan
Sharon and Peter Siegl
Idanna Smith ◦
Jen Starr
Eileen Stoops
Priscilla Szneke and Dr. Louis
Mariorenzi ◦
Diane and Christopher Terry ◊
Laura and Bart Totten
Pebbles Wadsworth & Christian Smith
Tracy and Tony Weisman
Kim and Jeff Westcott
Leighton Wood
Catharine and James Wright
Joseph Yoffa
SUPPORTER KEY
¤ Business Sponsors provide vital funding for arts education and support working artists, helping our creative community thrive.
+ Event Partners support our biggest fundraiser of the year, the Summer Soirée, which underwrites all the JAC’s educational initiatives, exhibitions, and funds year-round programming
Δ Program Sponsors are essential in making our programs accessible for free or at low cost. Their support enables us to offer live music, dance performances, film screenings, artist talks, workshops, and family days.
≈ In-kind donations are offered by businesses and people in our community, including facilities maintenance, donations of food and beverages, time and expertise.
◊ JAC Heroes provide essential daily support by funding sponsorships for all ages, covering costs for art supplies, film licenses, technology, and more.
◦ Art Now Legacy Giving Circle, see next page for description.
*deceased
LOCAL ECO ARTS ENDOWMENT FUND (LEAF)
In 2024, with the guidance of visionary donors, JAC established the Local ECO ARTS endowment Fund (LEAF). The primary goal of LEAF is to support initiatives related to environmental sustainability, recycling, green design, disaster preparedness, climate change, and the unique challenges of island living. The vision for the LEAF endowment is to utilize the power of art and design to inspire and educate our community about a sustainable future.
IN MEMORIAM
We recognize the passing of beloved members of the JAC community:
Ann Biddle
Ben Valentine Hutchinson
Maggie Marcus
ART NOW LEGACY GIVING CIRCLE
“Art Now!” was an early rallying cry of the founders of JAC, who worked passionately and tirelessly toward creating “a home for the arts” in Jamestown. Coined by Ann Biddle, it was often proclaimed by founding board members Abby Campbell-King, Elizabeth Congdon, Jocelyn Donaghue, Dianne Grippi, Dori Hirsch, Anne Livingston, Kate Petrie, Lisa Utman Randall (founding Executive Director), and Vivi Valentine.
Inspired by this history, in 2024 we initiated the Art Now Legacy Giving Circle to acknowledge supporters who have consistently contributed to JAC’s Annual Fund for 5 consecutive years or more at any level. We celebrate the unwavering support of Art Now Legacy Giving Circle donors for their enduring commitment to the arts and JAC.
“I’m a firm believer that art is for everyone and the JAC helps connect the community with art. The people involved with JAC are passionate and friendly and it’s a lovely community to be a part of.” ‒Devi Ross
Yohanna M Roa guides participants contributing to her artwork New Historiographic Atlas, Misshaping the pattern, 2023–ongoing.
Artist
Brooke Erin Goldstein (BFA, RISD) is JAC’s 2025 Distinguished Artist, recognized for her substantial and important body of work as a textile artist. Her expressive installations, public art projects, and quilted paintings invite viewers into immersive and thought-provoking environments.
What sets Brooke apart is her unwavering commitment to fostering artistic growth, both through her own creative practice and in her roles as an educator and curator. She is celebrated for her innovative work, particular and extraordinary points of view, and dedication to supporting fellow artists. Brooke's generous spirit and collaborative approach have made her an essential figure within JAC’s arts community. Through her curatorial projects, including a fall 2025 exhibition at JAC, she champions artists at all stages of their careers, encouraging them to push boundaries, explore new mediums, and share untold narratives. Her work not only inspires but also elevates contemporary art, benefiting our community and beyond.
2025 DISTING
The JAC Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award honors a volunteer who has made a positive impact through significant contributions in service to JAC and its programs. Since its founding, JAC has flourished thanks to volunteers who generously dedicate their time, creativity, and passion, creating a vital hub for the arts in Jamestown.
Devi Ross has been selected as the 2025 Outstanding Volunteer of the Year due to her impressive record of service and the extraordinary level of time and energy she has given to promote the art center and its programs. Devi is a designer, a proud parent, and a Jamestown resident. She actively volunteers for numerous organizations and serves on the JAC Board of Directors as well as the Education Committee. In 2024, her enthusiasm for hands-on arts education inspired her to help establish the Lawn School Art Club at JAC, providing a crucial after-school space for middle school students. Devi is a familiar and welcoming presence at JAC events, including the Autumn Arts Open House, Summer Soirée, and various workshops. She is always ready to lend a hand and introduce newcomers to JAC’s offerings. Through her dedication to connecting the community with JAC and fostering a sense of belonging for all, Devi embodies the spirit of volunteerism. Her commitment and passion for the arts make her an invaluable member of the JAC community, and we are honored to recognize her impact as our 2025 Outstanding Volunteer of the Year.
TANDING VOLU OF THE
STAFF
CHRISTINE COCCA (she/her) Executive Director
ELIZABETH COFFEY BEHAN (she/her) Front Desk
KAREN CONWAY (she/her) Exhibition Director
MEAGAN HEPP (they/them) Ceramics Studio Manager
MADDIE MACHADO (she/her) Development + Education Associate
LUCY PAIVA (she/her) Development + Marketing Director
CHARLIE TREGENZA (he/him) Events + Marketing Manager
ALEX TSOCANOS (she/her) Education Director
BOARD
DIDI SUYDAM Chair
JODY SAARMAA Vice Chair
BARRY EYRE Treasurer
KATE BARBER Secretary
HUGH BALLOCH
DIANE HARRISON
COURTNEY HUNTER
KARA MCKAMEY
DEVI ROSS
MARIE SAMUELS
COMMUNITY PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
The Brown/Trinity Rep M.F.A. in Acting & Directing Program
Conanicut Island Land Trust
Community Strings Project
Downtown Designs Gallery
FabNewport
Heifetz International Music Institute
Historic New England | Watson Farm
Jacqueline M. Walsh High School for the Performing Arts
Jamestown Historical Society
Jamestown Lawn School
Jamestown Melrose School
Jamestown Philomenian Library
Jamestown PTO
Jamestown Senior Center
Kingston Chamber Music
Looking Upwards
Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
Manhattan Short Film Festival
Motion State Arts
MET School
Newport Festivals Foundation
newportFILM
Newport Live
Newport String Quartet
Newport Contemporary Ballet
Out of the Box Studio and Gallery
Rhode Island Community Food Bank
Rockwell School | Rockwell Strings Ensemble
Sunlight Studios
Thompson Middle School
Town of Jamestown
University of Rhode Island Art History Department
INTERNS
JULIA B. ALBAUGH
TUPELO CLANCY
COSIMA EYRE
MAXWELL HOLLISTER
ISABELLA LYNCH
TAYLOR MOSS
ANNABELLE MURRAY
"One of the true community gems in Jamestown!
The more it grows the more it offers to the public. A truly great organization."
