Volume4 Issue8 June 0616

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Magazine

R HODE ISLAN D

vol. 4 issue 7

SUPPORTING THE

OF Rhode s Island Craftsmen and Artisan

JUNE

2016

Volume 4 Issue 8


For over

35 years you’ve trusted us

to put your LOGO ON PAPER…

As we continue to provide you with your printing, mailing and fulfillment needs, we proudly introduce our new Promotional Products Division.....Barrington Promotions.

Now… You can trust us to put your logo on virtually anything! Let us show you the most innovative and cutting-edge branded merchandise to promote your company and your brand. Call (401) 943-8300 or Visit us at www.barringtonpromos.com

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SUPPORTING THE

OF Rhode s Island Craftsmen and Artisan

SUPPORTING THE

Saturday, June 25, 2016 5-10PM

Park Theatre • Rolfe Square • 848 Park Avenue • Cranston, RI BEING PART OF A COMMUNITY OF MAKERS Maker & Vendor Booths • Fashion Show • Food • Cash Bar • Music Rhode Island Creative Magazine’s Annual Makers Event is brought to you this year in a collaboration with TOJ Design Studio, LLC, Ocean State Printers and Donahue Models & Talent

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A DAY IN THE PARK A Day in Remembrance of Jayce “The Healer”

#NOTONEMORE

The Maker’s Event~ “Amazing stuff and Mo Aside from having engaging Maker booths filled with local craftsmen and artisans, local food vendors serving you their specialities, mixologists available at two cash bars, sounds of unique local musicians, and 5 mini fashion shows to showcase the local fashion scene, Curly’s Mojo will be showing all four of their “Coloring Books and Stress Relievers for Adults” and “Coloring Books for Children of all Ages.” Meet “Mo” Joe Shansky, half of the publishing team of Curly’s Mojo in person. Special promotions, too!

RHODE ISLAND CREATIVE MAGAZINE’S ANNUAL MAKERS EVENT Curly’s Mojo Coloring Books for Adults and Children of all Ages. Saturday, June 25, 2016 5-10PM Park Theater, Rolfe Square Cranston, Rhode Island

www.jaycethehealer.org

www.curlysmojo.com


Sharing the Love of Art July 9, 2016, 10 am – 6 pm July 10, 2016, 10 am – 5 pm Join over 200 artists from all over the country and world as they display their art amongst historic homes, eclectic shops, and quaint streets. Handicap accessible and family friendly, this fine art festival draws art lovers from throughout New England with crowds over 80,000 attending yearly.

Admission is FREE. All art is one of a kind or limited, signed, and numbered editions. Artists will be in their booths to meet attendees, and discuss their inspiration and method of creation. Also, we will be introducing a “Kids’ Corner” to expand our audience to more than just the adult art lover, and encourage kids to walk away from the festival looking forward to the next year! Wickford is located 25 minutes south of Providence, 20 minutes from Newport, RI and less than a 1-hour drive from CT and MA. Visit www.wickfordart.org or www. facebook.com/Wickford-Art-AssociationFestival or call 401-294- 6840 for more information.


from the founder The official publication of KS Designs, LLC It is hard to believe it is June already! It is a very exciting time of year, since it is the month that our Creative Capital hosts the biggest four-day Art Festival of the year, PVD Fest! We were on the scene before and during the festivities and captured the essence of the Fest to share with you all!

Founder and President Kimberly Sherman Leon Assistant to the President Pnina Pressburger

Kim

June also marks an exciting time for RICM! It is our third year promoting local makers in our rich creative community at our Annual Makers Event. This year’s event is much bigger than previous years. I try to change it up a bit by using different venues around Rhode Island to showcase these hidden gems and highlight how amazing they are!

The event, which is being held at the historic Park Avenue Theatre in Cranston, will feature works by several local artisans, scientists, and craftsmen. We have dedicated many pages in this issue to introduce the makers who will showcase their products and provide interactive demonstrations, for example, FabNewport Makerspace, Hope & Main Food Incubator, Phlash Fotography and Artistry, Deb’s Designs, O&G Woodwork Studio, and more! We will have “Maker Booths,” music, food, networking, and two cash bars. Along with interesting makers and delicious food, there will be a fashion show featuring four unique designers based in Rhode Island, with models provided by Donahue Models & Talent. I am happy to collaborate again with TOJ Design Studio, LLC to bring this event to life for creative individuals living and working in the Ocean State! Please join our community, and come meet our local makers on Saturday, June 25th, from 5:00pm – 10:00pm. Last but not least in this issue, we talk about the Teatros ECAS Theater, Kent Stetson Handbags, and Johnson & Wales student designs. The fashion scene has grown tremendously here in Rhode Island, so we have featured some recent runway shows that have not only showcased great styles but have also benefitted many causes! And if you want to learn about the unique aesthetic of Steampunk fashion, then this is the issue for you! Whew, RICM has a lot to share with you this month, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have putting it together for you! Remember to surround yourself with amazing people, warmth, and inspiration. Come to our Makers Event on June 25th, and you will do just that. See you there! Sincerely,

Kimberly Sherman Leon KS Designs, LLC President & CEO Founder & President, Rhode Island Creative Magazine Connect + Communicate + Collaborate = Create Cross-pollination brings greater awareness, appreciation and understanding of our industry.

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Assistant Editor/Writer Kate Strassel Assistant in Creative Communications/Designer & Writer Joseph Shansky Assistant Art Director & Designer Lisa Malm Designers Panhia Lee Kate Hanley Michael Ricci Lillian Ferranti Contributing Writers In this Issue Sara Cline Kim Celona Kristin MacRae Jason LeClair Milissa DeFusco Jennifer Carter Francis Parra Andrea Feldman Interns Sihan Xu - Bayveiw Academy Celia Contreras - Blackstone Academy

Rhode Island Creative Magazine Cranston, Rhode Island 401.440.3911 kim@ksdesignsri.com

c 2012-2016 All rights reserved. Rhode Island Creative Magazine is a KS Designs, LLC production. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

facebook Online twitter @ricreativemag ricreativemagazine RICREATIVEMAG.COM


contents 4

From the Founder

5

In This Issue

6

Contributing Team

25

Creating Out of My Comfort Zone

32

Common Organizing Mistakes That We Make in the Home or Office

36

Creative Calendar

featured articles 11

The Language of the Creative Capital

14

Handbag Extraordinaire

16

Fashion in RI - Part 1

18

RICM Annual Makers Event 2016

22

Fashion in RI - Part 2

26

Steampunk Is More Than Cosplay

28

!

30

Tasty Branding

Bien Hecho Bravo!

on the cover Cover Illustration was created by Tom Slater of Slater Design. Tom illustrated this custom designed cover to represent our 2014 June ‘Meet the Makers’ Issue. It has now become the official ‘Makers’ graphic for the June Annual event and cover design. We change up the splash of color to differentiate year by year.

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contributing team writers and designers in this issue

Jason

Kim Kim Celona

Jason LeClair

Prolific Artist &Writer

Educator of Illustration & Theatrical Design Writer

in

Krist Kristin MacRae

Organizing & Efficiency Expert Owner, Organizing In RI, LLC Writer

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| Rhode Island Creative Magazine

Sara Cline

Writer & Photographer

ssa

Mili Milissa DeFusco

Whimsicial Wishes & Delightful Dreams D.I.Y. Crafter

Sara

Lily Lillian Ferranti Designer


“The team of creative contributors. Each and every month, they provide our readers with amazing business tips as well as creative and unique articles and designs which perfectly capture the inspiration of our very talented makers here in Rhode

Lisa Lisa Malm

Assistant Art Director & Designer

Pnina Pnina Pressburger

Island. Page by page, they take content and bring it to life using their own style of artistic expression, helping to build a stronger foundation and maintain the creative flow from one issue to the next.

Assistant to the President

They stand behind me, fully support the hard work this publication entails, and believe in my mission for Rhode Island. I am grateful for all of the new relationships and the positive results that have come from RICM.

Joe Joseph Shansky

ShanskyWorks/Founder & Creative Director Assistant in Creative Communications, Designer &Writer

Kate

Kate Strassel

Together,

we make this happen…

we bring the vision to life. - Kimberly Sherman Leon

Assistant Editor &Writer

You can learn more about these amazing and talented individuals on “The Team” page at www.ricreativemag.com.

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Since 2012, RICM has been the catalyst for raising awareness of the economic value of the creative arts industry. It is Rhode Island’s one-of-a-kind creative multimedia publication that inspires and informs readers. Audience Maximize your visibility with RICM by reaching a wide audience of thousands of readers, including art enthusiasts, museum and gallery professionals, performing arts, creative arts professionals, business leaders, corporate executives, students, educators and other individuals from all walks of life.

Print On-Demand Printed issues available by demand on-line

Partnerships Result in Expanded Reach of 400,000+ Cross-Platform Marketing & Social Networking reaches thousands daily.

65% Women 35% Men 75% Age 25-64 69% New Users 31% Return Users

Distributed On-line FREE Local & Global Reach

Events, Presentations, Workshops & Internships Servicing the Community Hands-on

The official publication of KS Designs, LLC

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This is our chance to put artists and the community on center stage, shine the spotlight on them. Art has no bounds; anyone can speak to each other through the language of art.” - Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza

The Language of the

Creative Capital

PVD Fest connects people through the ‘language of art’ Written by & Photography by Sara Cline Design by Kimberly Sherman Leon

The passionate sound of a soul band comes gliding down from the end of Washington Street. A young artist belts out lyrics to her newest single. The crowd sings along as they quickly learn the words. Classical ballet comes from down the street as a crowd forms. Beyond the heads of the crowd are the tips of a ballet dancer’s fingers as she balances on nothing but her toes. Kids run past with their faces elaborately painted with flowers, superhero masks, and animal prints. The smell of freshly fried dough, spicy street tacos, and hamburgers served straight off the grill waft past the crowds. All of these smells, sights, and sounds topple into each other in the heart of Providence also known as the Creative Capital. It was the start of PVD Fest.

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The “language of art” is what brought thousands of people together for this four day festival in Providence. Some people were linked together through interpretive dance, some were joined by musical notes, some joined through a painting that touched them, and some locals even connected through Rhode Island inspired art.

“No way! Is this a Rocky Point amusement park ticket?”

said Deborah Kreiger, as a smile swooped across her face. She lunged forward grabbing a keychain with a large rectangular glass pendant. A closer look showed that the glass enclosed a tiny ticket that read “Rocky Point. Good for any ride.” The Black Sheep Designs booth was lined with handmade jewelry, key chains, and magnets. Each one was uniquely made from a piece of Rhode Island, literally, whether it was earrings with Providence trolley tokens dangling down, a necklace with a bronze pendant that is inscribed with “Newport Bridge Token,” or even a magnet that encases S&H Stamps, a collectible at Rhode Island grocery stores years ago.

a mariachi band’s guitar notes carried through the streets where a line of vendors were set up for the festival. PVD Fest began June 2 and lasted until June 5. The festival brought together art, food, and the community to the center of Providence with over 500 artists, 30 food trucks, and 70 vendors.

“While running for office, part of my platform was to create a signature marquee festival,” said Mayor Elorza. “Providence has such a thriving art community and culture.” PVD Fest brought in local artists as well as flew in artists all the way from Africa. There were dancers, painters, muralists, street performers, musicians, face painters, steel workers, jewelers, mimes, and many other creative minds. “We are giving a platform for artists to express and show off their talents,” said Mayor Elorza. “We are not creating the artists; they have done that on their own. We want to provide them the stage.” While there were over 13 stages, performers and festivalgoers also used the streets as a stage for the Saturday parade.

“I loved this place,” said Kreiger holding up the keychain. “I would go every summer with my family. It was a tradition.” Kreiger immediately took out money to buy the item that brought back her childhood memories. “People are always coming into my tent excited when they recognize the tickets or tokens,” said Paula Laurenzo, who has designed the vintage Rhode Island jewelry for 20 years. “Complete strangers will tell me the stories they associate with these vintage items.” People walk into the tent pointing at the S&H stamps that their moms used to collect. As people walked in and out of the tents, the sound of

A little boy pulled a lumpy blue monster’s tail and clapped his hands together with excitement as the monster flapped its smiling mouth at the boy. A couple of elderly women walked up to a green monster with a droopy nose to see if it was real or just a figment of their imagination. The monster suddenly flinched, and the women jumped, grabbed each other, and released the sound of surprise in the form of laughter. As the monsters walked away, everyone followed, and the PVD Parade started. The elongated train of people walked through the streets of Providence. The parade revealed people of all cultures colliding together to create a procession of all colors, sizes, and costumes. As the parade walked through the city, a trail of music inspired by different countries and genres lingered through the air.

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“Music is togetherness,” shouted Ghana reggae singer Rocky Dawuni as he performed at the main stage. “I’m from Ghana but I feel like right here, right now, we are all part of the same family.”

With over 500 performers at the festival, there was something for everyone, but one of the more popular stops along the street was a blackboard that read ‘Dear Past Self,’ a piece of art that gave strangers the chance to leave a message for themselves that they wish they had realized before or to give courage to others who faced similar challenges.

“Be kind,” “Do more art,” “You are loved,” “Come out sooner,” “Life’s not out to get you,” “I’m sorry I mistreated you,” and “Follow your dream, no matter what” were just a few out of an

estimated 500 messages written on the board during PVD Fest. As people saw the black chalkboard, they would walk up to it and write a message in the bright colors. Complete strangers stood next to each other writing on the board— confessing their insecurities, writing their regrets, and some trying to stop people from making the same mistakes. Kerri Biagiotti, one of the founders who created the art board for a senior capstone project said, “What we don’t always relate to is our feelings of self-regret. We want this to help people build a better sense of self-understanding. It is art in action.” While people connected through various forms of art, the concerts at the festival, which would start at noon and last until one in the morning, drew the biggest crowds.

Rocky Dawuni, who was nominated for a Grammy Award and even named one of “Africa’s Top 10 Global Stars” by CNN, traveled to PVD Fest to perform for the crowd. Many artists this year traveled from all over the world to perform, including Lakou Mizik, a group of Haitian musicians; Afro-Cuban All Stars, a 17-piece band from Cuba; and Close-Act Theatre, a street theater company from the Netherlands that brings giant dinosaurs to life as they tower over the locals. As Dawuni came to the stage, people stood up and swayed back and forth as they let his music take them away. “Ayeeeee Ayeeeee. I believe we can shine the light so bright,” sang Dawuni. A man in his 30s kicked off his shoes and shuffled over to an elderly woman, opening the palm of his hand and reaching for hers. The two walked into the aisle dancing together. Strangers began to dance together without speaking. There was no need to—the music spoke for them. Peace. Hope. Togetherness.

“I want to thank the people of this festival,” said Dawuni, “For bringing this gathering of cultures and people together right here in Providence.”


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INTERVIEW BY KIM CELONA

I meander through the labyrinth of Hope Artiste Village with a sensation reminiscent of wandering through the Calles of Venice, Italy. There were twists and turns leading me to my destination, coupled with the feeling of being pleasurably lost. Finally, I arrive at Kent Stetson’s Studio. I enter through an array of bold color with dynamic clutches flanking me and leading me further into the space. Almost immediately as I turn the corner, Kent happily greets me and we talk shop for a while. It is a very comfortable atmosphere; so easy, in fact, that Kent sits down and continues what he was working on before I walked in. He sews some clutches together as we speak. It is natural to work this way, both for him and myself. This multi-tasking approach and visually compelling environment provided much insight into our conversation. P.S.: I adore the record clutch! Why is it important to you that art is represented by bold and colorful beauty? I don’t think it is important that art is represented by any one specific thing. My aesthetic often channels an 80s energy: strong lines, neon colors, glitter—the stuff that stimulated my eyes as an adolescent. I think that powerful art can be subtle, dark, minimal, muted, painful, challenging, etc., but in terms of my work, I like for people to notice a bag that I have made, so I tend to go for Technicolor pieces that jump out and ask to be noticed. What do you feel resonates most through your handbags? I think a sense of humor comes through most of what I make. A sleek, tailored, ”put together” look can make someone come across as so uptight. If you carry a bag that I have made, it is Layout Design By Kimberly Sherman Leon Photography by RICM

often an invitation for people to come up to you and strike up a fun conversation about what you are carrying. Could you explain the importance of how your handbags are displayed in store settings? I make something fun—my designs are functional, but they are a nonessential item. The experience of seeing my designs and potentially buying one should be fun, memorable, and a little glamorous. I don’t make a consumer product so much as I tell a story, and I want to make sure that retailers have the tools they need to visually tell the story, and then to keep the conversation going when customers want to take a closer look. When someone purchases one of my bags, I like to treat them as a patron—someone whose support means something deeper to me than a toss in the bucket—like they are helping me to grow as an artist. What are your major muses, influences, and inspirations? Of course, there is family—my parents are unusual, my husband is exceptionally good at his work—I want to live up to the standards of the people I respect most and care about most deeply. I am inspired by the bills that I have to pay—that definitely drives me. I am inspired by my team—they all just get it—we work really hard. I live vicariously through my patrons, who often lead more exciting lives than I do. What are you looking forward to in participating in this year’s Makers Event? We are looking forward to sharing some of our new work during the runway show. In addition, by featuring collections from multiple local designers, there will be an opportunity for attendees to meet and purchase work from other designers and crafters. We can’t wait to see everyone there! Visit www.kentstetson.com to learn more! www.linkedin.com/in/kim-celona

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A Night to Remember

Fashion Show a Rousing Success By Jennifer Carter

Rogers High School students enjoyed reduced cost tickets to their senior prom due to the community-supported effort. Nearly 200 guests gathered at the Newport Art Museum on the evening of Thursday, March 24th in the name of fashion and philanthropy. “A Night to Remember,” a fashion show featuring local students, coaches, and alumni from Rogers High School in Newport as well as members of the Newport School Committee, Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano, and other “local celebrities” raised funds to defray ticket costs for the Rogers High School senior prom. Organizers Lynne Tungett, publisher of Newport This Week, and Jennifer Carter, photographer at Newport Public Schools, said the inaugural event gained even more community support than they had originally anticipated. “Our goal was to keep the ticket prices affordable so that everyone felt welcome. The people that came out—friends, supporters, teachers, committee members, local business owners, fashion aficionados, parents of students, alumni—each and every one of them made a difference just by being there,” said Tungett. “The reality is; many Rogers students don’t buy tickets to the prom because they simply can’t afford it. When you weigh in all the additional costs around a prom—attire, transportation, hair and makeup—it’s a small fortune.” “A Night to Remember” kicked off with a whimsical collection of dresses by lauded Providence-based fashion designer Maria del Carmen Mercado followed by looks styled by local Newport shops and boutiques. A collection of “decked out denim;” jeans artistically designed, embellished, and worn by Rogers High School students, was also a hit with the standing-room-only crowd as were the duct-tape dresses created by Rogers High School alumna Hayley Pires. The designer then finished the show by auctioning off a dress to be custom-made for one lucky bidder. Hair and makeup for the show was supported by local salons and students in the cosmetology program at the Newport Area Career & Technical Center (NACTC). Throughout the evening, guests were treated to savory hors d’oeuvres as well as beer and wine provided by event co-sponsor Blackstone Catering. The cooking and serving effort was supported by a culinary team from NACTC. “The evening truly exemplified a community coming together for a good cause,” said Carter. “We’re already discussing plans to improve and grow the event for next year.” Applications are currently being accepted for next year’s community event at j.carter.hr@gmail.com.

Fashion in RI

Newport Student Fashion Show 2016 Photography by Richard Hudson

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Fashion in RI

StyleWeek February 2016 Carissa Lynne Designs Photography by RICM

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SUPPORTING THE

OF Rhode s Island Craftsmen and Artisan

Written and Designed by Kimberly Sherman Leon

Rhode Island Creative Magazine is proud to celebrate makers everywhere, provide a platform to showcase their talents, and be a catalyst for creating awareness of our rich creative community. We will continue to support the Makers Event annually. Please join our community and come meet our local makers on

Saturday, June 25th from 5 – 10pm Park Theatre 848 Park Avenue Rolfe Square Cranston, RI

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This year, the Rhode Island Creative Magazine has collaborated with yet another passionate maker, TOJ Design Studio, LLC to bring you “The Makers Event: An Evening of Inspiration” for creative individuals living and working in the Ocean State. TOJ Design Studio, LLC located in Providence, is a freelance design company that assists artists of any medium in showcasing their work. They provide photography, digital artwork, and coordination of events to connect artists with the public. The Makers Event is partially sponsored by Ocean State Printers (formerly Adams Printing) who has been in business since 1972. Located in Pawtucket, they provide digital and offset printing along with design and marketing services. The event, which is being held at the historic Park Avenue Theatre in Cranston, will gather a community of makers and feature works by several local artisans, scientists, and craftsmen.

Still Water Publications, Deb’s Designs, O&G Woodwork Studio, and more. Locally made food will be provided by Hope & Main Food Incubator, Fellini’s Pizza, and Diversi Pizzeria. Along with interesting makers and delicious food, there will be a fashion show featuring four unique designers based in Rhode Island, with models provided by Donahue Models and Talent, a full service agency, providing models and talent across the New England region and beyond. This is a family-friendly event. Admission is FREE but an entrance donation of $5 is kindly appreciated to support future community events produced by Rhode Island Creative Magazine. All donations will receive a ticket and be entered into the raffle. In the next few pages, I have created a mini-spotlight on the makers participating in this event. I have hand-selected and accepted a nice variety of artists to include in this event to keep it unique and creative. I hope you all will join us for an evening of inspiration, and meet some of our local makers of Rhode Island.

We will have “Maker Booths” with products handcrafted and created by local artisans, such as FabNewport Makerspace,

BEING PART OF A COMMUNITY OF MAKERS O & G Studio “Modern is a synthesis of both memory and invention,” as said by the founders of O&G Studio, Jonathan Glatt and Sara Ossana. They met over ten years ago as Graduate students at RISD, where Jonathan studied jewelry and metals and Sara studied Interior Architecture. Jennifer Moore is a multidisciplinary artist, inspired to create works of art with a focus on the essence of human relationships, psychology, and how these relationships correspond with nature.

Tinker|Bristol is Rhode Island’s Nonprofit Manufacturing Incubator & Makerspace located in the historic manufacturing district of Bristol, RI. Tinker|Bristol offers affordable access to shared workspace, rapid prototyping equipment including 3-D printers and tooling machines, and a full workshop, as well as business development services for new and growing manufacturing businesses.

Join our Facebook Event Page! Click here or go to:

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Curly’s Mojo Curly’s Mojo is a collaboration between two childhood buddies from Brooklyn, Howard “Curly” Greenberg and “Mo” Joe Shansky. Together, they have taken Howie’s doodles to create a coloring book as a “Stress Reliever for Adults of All Temperaments.”

Phlash Fotography & Artistry will be joining us and will have ‘on the spot’ photography available! So be ready! They specialize in a variety of portrait photography, including engagement, wedding, maternity, newborn, and family portraits. In addition, they create breathtaking artwork by combining photography with the magic of digital artistry. Pieces are available as giclée prints on fine art paper or canvas, as well as fantastic metal prints.

Handmade Crafts Judy Sherman, a lifetime seamstress and crafter, is inspired by the holidays throughout the year. From Easter Wreaths to Halloween Pumpkins to the most popular Christmas Mouse Cane, choose the craft that fits your favorite holiday or every holiday. She has a unique craft just for you!

Deb’s Designs Deb is a nurse who has passion for jewelry making. She has discovered a world of old and new findings that she could transform into something beautiful. Her work has evolved into a unique array of vintage, repurposed necklaces, and one-of-a-kind vintage earrings. She also makes whimsical recycled badge buttons out of medication caps. Stillwater River Publications is Rhode Island’s largest independent book publisher featuring dozens of works written by local independent writers.

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We are excited to have members from Hope & Main, Rhode Island’s first culinary business incubator, joining us this year to share their custom creations!

Just Like Nana’s makes handcrafted Rugelah, an iconic Jewish pastry. It’s delicious anytime of day with just the right amount of richness and sweetness.

Mumma’s Real Lemonade is a specialty food and beverage company with a focus on cold-pressed lemonades and teas. The Backyard Food Company grow their own produce to make hot and sweet relish, tomato jam, Big Apple Butter and Wholly Jalapeño, mellow sweet and spicy pepper slices...and more! Add some flavor to your dish!

’s Galloway’ Galloway catering & prepared foods

Galloway’s Catering & Prepared Foods is a unique full service caterer that designs your menu with you!


FabNewport provides Newport County residents with alternative pathways to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) through mentoring and personalized education. A fab lab is a small-scale community workshop where community members use powerful technology and materials to make (almost) anything. DREAM. DESIGN. MAKE. Alex Toj features an acrylic collection which consists of vibrantly colored whimsical paintings.

Restored by Design is a green, artisan company dedicated to the creation of eco-conscious jewelry, clothing, accessories, home decor, and unique works of art. They are a design studio and boutique who are passionate about a greener life that helps grow community with style! Nature’s Atelier Erika Scilipoti celebrates mindful living and our deep connection with nature. She finds inspiration in nature and a sense of oneness and joy in the gifts it provides. Her line of products includes wall art, Inspiration Note Cards, silk scarves, and kitchen textiles that feature the designs of her macro photography. K Bellotti Designs Kristen Bucci Bellotti designs and creates unique accessories, making perfect gifts for yourself or someone special in your life! The main line includes beaded ribbon scarves, infinity scarves, and tote bags crafted from upholstery fabrics. Explore the possibilities!

Design by Chiara Features wearable art pieces including shawls, scarves, bow ties, and ascots. Each piece is hand made and one-ofa-kind. Custom-designed fabric is used for the bow ties and some of the scarves and shawls. Cosmic Unicornz features bold, futuristic skirts and dresses, hand painted shoes, painted denim, silk screened T-Shirts, and hand-made accessories. This fashion line is inspired by contemporary street art, rave culture, and fantasy. Kent Stetson Handbags mission of protecting the world from boring handbags has been a lifetime in the making. They believe that a great handbag can engage people in the same way as art. Shea High School presents African and Middle Eastern inspired clothing to floral and tie-dye pieces. Each designer had a different attachment to their scenes, whether it was a cultural significance they held or love for a specific pattern.

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Fashion in RI

Rhode Island School of Design Student Collection April 2016 Designer Chris Mena Photography by MattFrancisPhotos.com

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This is Us

By Celia Contreras, RICM Intern Junior at Blackstone Academy

On April 29, 2016, Shea High School of Pawtucket held their 5th annual fashion show. The event is an opportunity for students to get involved and express their identity and talent through fashion. With a wide variety of cultural, sexual, and social backgrounds that make up the urban community, art is a form of expression which all students can identify with. The annual show gives students the chance to put their time and creativity into producing clothing and choreographing scenes. From modeling to designing to decorating the stage, no one is excluded from finding a way to get involved. In collaborating and committing nearly a year of their time, the students worked hard to deliver the best to represent their community. The show not only features clothing but also dance and visual art, bringing everything together. “It gives students who are not into athletics a place to shine and showcase their talents.” - Phyllis McHale, Curator This year the show included scenes ranging from African and Middle Eastern inspired clothing to floral and tie-dye pieces. Each designer had a different attachment to their scenes, whether it was a cultural significance they held or love for a specific pattern. One student designer, Vanessa Franco, stated that the inspiration behind her floral collection was

“the beauty of flowers.” Working with a collection—starting with an idea, developing it, and actually seeing it walk down the runway—is a rewarding experience for all the designers. Long hours in the sewing studio, which was graciously provided by Susan Love of School House Studios, were definitely exhausting and stressful. Everyone had their own agenda and a different collection and project going on; despite that, every designer bonded over having a unique purpose and meaning behind their pieces. Working with the show not only provided these young and talented designers with the chance to develop their sewing but also gave them first-hand experience of the stress and rewards that come with working behind the scenes of a fashion show. In the years to come, the show will continue to develop and deliver even more handcrafted fashion. Phyllis is especially excited to see how the creativity and efficiency of the designers evolve in the process of creating next year’s show. The show is a learning experience giving what she calls, “a small taste of the fashion industry.” It is a highly appreciated and valued show bringing in the largest crowd of any event held at Shea. After the positive response to this year’s handmade pieces, it is highly anticipated that the 2017 show will not disappoint!

Fashion in RI

Shea High School Student Fashion Show April 2016 Photography by Phyllis McHale


L|F|P LIGHTS|F ASHION|PHILANTHROPY

LFP is a ‘fashion-event’ production and entertainment company. Our mission is to help charitable organizations increase their fundraising efforts while promoting local clothing boutiques, artisans as well as up and coming fashion and accessory designers.

Fashion in RI Lights | Fashion | Philanthropy Donahue Models Talent & Agency Photography by Valencio Small Model Christine Luis


“Creating out of my Comfort Zone”

By Milissa DeFusco

linkedin.com/in/milissa-esposito-defusco

Layout Design by Lillian Ferranti

I have been creating art for years by utilizing textiles, vintage jewels, yarns, and repurposed wallpapers. However, using a sewing machine was not on my list of new things to learn in 2016.

Once I met Martha Jackson of the Restored by Design Foundation, I knew I wanted to be a part of her mission to help underprivileged women heal through art. So, I decided to take the beginner sewing class taught by the Foundation to learn how to create a bucket bag. The bags are sold at the Restored by Design Foundation’s retail boutique located on the East Side of Providence; all the proceeds support the foundation. I was determined to learn this new skill, and in return I was helping the community and providing a brighter future for them. The class was very informative, easy, simple and fun! Yes, I said fun! I learned how to cut patterns, sew a pocket on, add straps, and work with a sewing machine. I created something I knew I could customize by choosing the pattern and the fabric and embellishing it in my own special way.

1. I found some new and used

items I thought would work well with the color scheme I had chosen to create the bag.

2. I created a handmade

flower out of recycled fabric, manipulating and twisting scraps of textiles.

3. I added shells and buttons to give it a natural feel.

4. E yelash yarn and crochet trim reminded me of feathers, so I added those into the design for an old world look.

5. L astly I added a feather I had

dyed and a medal to add an inspirational saying, “You Are My Sunshine”!

You too can support this foundation while achieving something you’ve always wanted to do or add a skill to your personal decor. I’m happy I did!

Vol. 4 Issue 8 |

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STEAMPUNK Is More Than Cosplay Steampunk is a genre that spans literature, music, theatre, film, art, and fashion. Miss Kitty Imperial Tea Hostess / Double Agent and the Emperor of the Red Fork Empire

By Jason Robert LeClair Design by Kimberly Sherman Leon

Its basic tenets are taking the style and technology of the midto-late nineteenth century and combining it with present day themes and technology. This happens in a few different ways, but the most common are through two themes: post-apocalyptic and neo-Victorian or altered history. Please keep in mind that these are starting points. If you are new to the genre, or just steam-curious, not to worry—there is very little that is unacceptable to the steampunk community. For example, with the post-apocalyptic, the stories behind the gadgets, clothes, and art generally run on the premise that the world has failed, and the only thing left are makers like us piecing together society and technology with a return to the sensibilities of fine craftsmanship of the Victorian era. With the altered history track, participants work contemporary technology and sensibilities into Victorian era stories, history, or art … some of which are the impetus for the genre, such as the literary works of Jules Verne and Providence’s own H.P. Lovecraft. One of the most important portions of this genre is the individualization and imaginative customization represented by the participants. Those who are involved in this science fiction subgenre, myself included, generally have a steampunk persona that they utilize when attending events and mingling with each other at gallery events, conferences, etc. This is not to be confused with cosplay (costumed play), which has gotten a lot of press in recent years with the explosion of comic book-driven films and conventions. Cosplay is taking artwork, usually from two-dimensional popular media such as animation or comics/manga, and creating an exact a replica as possible that is a wearable representation of the character from said fiction. Conversely, persons in steampunk dress are portraying something that is their own creation, their own persona created for themselves, by themselves. To further illustrate the difference between steampunk fashion and cosplay, I turned to local Rhode Island steampunks for their take on the subject. When I asked Justin Stanley—known as Justinian Stanislaus, a.k.a. Emperor of the Red Fork Empire in the steampunk community­—what first brought him into the genre, he recalled his first experience with the label. “I attended a convention in Florida called Megacon. I was wearing my blue three-piece suit with turned-up collar and a cravat. The lapel of the suit jacket had pins and on the opposite was a blue rose. I wore combat boots and gaiters for footwear. On my left arm was a Red Fork Empire armband, and on my right I was holding the large metal fist later to be called the Will of the people. Several people came up to me and complimented my steampunk costume.


”I have heard the term before but not in a costume type of setting. So when I got home, I began to look it up and discovered the genre and what everyone had been doing in the subculture at the time. All the creative costuming, sculpture and various mediums inspired me. I immediately felt drawn to it and did not realize how much I was already looking the part. I enjoyed the goth subculture and its music but never really felt a part of it. This felt like something I could dive head first into and feel more comfortable being involved in. With all of the science fiction elements and anachronistic aesthetics, I felt right at home.” Redfield Designs model and designer Kathryn Paterwic. Photography by Jill Hart.

Kathryn Paterwic, a local fashion designer and the creative force behind Redfield Designs, described to me her introduction to the genre. “For me, I have always done this style of fashion. [It] Is kind of [an] older feeling design. I mean I have heard [the] argument that my designs really are not steampunk. I found a name for it once: a friend sent me an image on Deviantart that was titled ‘Steampunk.’ ” When I asked Kathryn how she would define steampunk fashion, she responded, “Steampunk and steampunk fashion have a large base, so it is hard to say what it is or is not. Some people would like to define it, and others think that that would limit a genre that is based in creativity and imagination.”

“I define cosplay as taking something someone else designed and recreating it to the best of one’s ability,” she said. “Where you design an outfit that is based on your personality.” It seems to be a genre that most of us stumble into. Steampunks are a very receptive group of people from incredibly diverse backgrounds, ages, careers, and creative specialties. There truly is not a definitive thing to call “the perfect example of steampunk,” or steampunk fashion, for that matter. Some piece together their work from existing pieces, while still others work like Kathryn from scratch as fashion designers. Whatever your persona, there is a character waiting to be created by you. Emperors, airship pirates such as the Pirate Crew of the Dead Rabbit here in Rhode Island, or the genre-famous and Coventry-born Dr. Grymm from Connecticut—all of these people live and breathe their art. That is the key: not that you must be an artist, but that steampunk is approached as an artist with creativity, openness, and passion. Steampunk event organizer Kat Fortner described her entry into the genre as thus, “I don’t know if anything really attracted me to the ‘steampunk genre.’ It’s something that I have almost always done. I’ve always loved history, sci-fi, literature. Being a reenactor as well as an actor, an artist, a sci-fi nerd, and a voracious reader, it seemed to be the perfect merging of things I loved. It wasn’t until 2007—2008 that I really started to know what steampunk was. [In] 2010 at Templecon in Warwick, Rhode Island, is when that all really started to take shape and I think the genre began to explode.” Explode it has. From television to film, steampunk fashion is everywhere. It becomes mixed in with costuming for some, but for many other steampunks, this is a daily mode of dress. Like all fashion, it is not for everyone; rather, it’s for anyone. Pick your colors, your story, and most importantly, develop a character that you can grow for years to come. When I find myself at an event, I am Nicodemus Falco. It is a character I developed years ago while writing. I liked the young character so much, I reimagined him as an adult and my fashion was born. Like all steampunks, the persona’s mode of dress evolves, but I am always Nicodemus. I tend toward a more steam-goth look, with several versions of my character, depending upon the event. Unlike any genres I have encountered to date, it is definitely what you make of it!

Well put, since steampunk is so individualized, but I probed a bit further by asking which base she found herself gravitating toward: post-apocalyptic, neo-Victorian, or something that is particular to her? She replied, “I am drawn to whatever I want. If you look though my inspiration pages on something like Pinterest, you will find a lot of different things, from super modern, Victorian, 30s, 40s, and 50s; corsets to men’s suits. But when you pull ideas from the ”old” styles you get a ”old” looking piece. Steampunk is fashion.” Thinking back to her earlier definition of steampunk, I asked Kathryn for her Jason Robert LeClair aka Nicodemus Falco opinion on whether Steampunk is fashion or cosplay, or both.

www.linkedin.com/in/jasonleclair

Vol. 4 Issue 8 |

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Written by Francis Parra Design by Joseph Shansky

To learn more about Teatro ECAS, visit their Facebook page or their website.

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| Rhode Island Creative Magazine


The late British actor Alan Rickman once said, “Unless we tell stories about ourselves, which is all that theater is, we’re in deep trouble.” Now, Rhode Island’s only Latino theater company, Teatro ECAS, has a permanent home where they are telling fascinating stories about their community and their heritage.

Located in a tidy storefront on the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Parkis Avenue, Teatro ECAS was founded in 1997 by a group of educators who wanted to use the arts as an educational tool. Among those was Francis Parra, a teacher at the International Charter School in Pawtucket. Francis has served as the theater’s artistic executive director since those early days and has staged dozens of performances and workshops in high school and university auditoriums, libraries and even in Roger Williams Park. Until recently, the theater rented office space at the Southside Cultural Center, not far from its current home. Last July, they entered into an agreement with One Neighborhood Builders, a local community development corporation, to lease this space. The theater is a small—with a capacity of 50 seats—and intimate space. Yet Teatro ECAS has had great success staging several plays and hosting a monthly open mic night and a regular children’s afternoon variety show. Recently, Teatro ECAS received a RI State Council for the Arts grant to purchase much needed equipment for the venue. Francis is excited about the theater’s future, and its potential for growth. “We used to perform about six weekends a season,” she said. “Now we are looking to fill 30 weeks of programming. There are many opportunities for growth.” Recently, Teatro ECAS presented the play La Criolla, a folk comedy from the Dominican Republic written more than a century ago, with great success. All five performances were sold out, and many people were left asking for additional dates. The group is now working on a production of the play The Fox and the Grapes, based on one of Aesop’s Fables, which will be presented in June.

“It’s great to see how people respond, especially in this intimate space,” Francis added. “We want to expand our audience by exploring bilingual shows and also offering English supertitles for our Spanish language shows in the future.” Photos courtesy of Francis Parra. www.linkedin.com/in/shanskyworks

Even though they have been around for nearly twenty years, this new chapter for Teatro ECAS is a welcomed addition to a neighborhood on the rebound and a great option for anyone looking to explore Providence’s many cultural offerings.


Tasty Branding: JWU Design Students Bring Food Companies to Life

AMANDA TERBUSH

By Andrea Feldman Design by Lillian Ferranti

“As part of the

parameters, they had to design a logo, as well as label designs with visual coding to translate flavor change.

HANNAH KITCHEN DAMIAN ORELLANA

PETER CLAUSSEN

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| Rhode Island Creative Magazine


FOOD IS A VISUAL MEDIUM

CAMMIE NILES

so naturally, designing food packaging brought out the playful side of JWU Providence’s Graphic Design & Digital Media students. Professor Karyn JimenezElliott’s Advanced Print class recently had the task of conceptualizing and designing an identity system for a hypothetical beverage company. “As part of the parameters, they had to design a logo, as well as label designs with visual coding to translate flavor change,” notes Jimenez-Elliott. “In addition, they had to create an advertisement (digital or print) for the brand. Most designed an ad for print, but depending upon the target audience, some took the digital route, creating Snapchat filters or brief commercials for their customers.” To get the process rolling, Jimenez-Elliott asked students to create a mood board showcasing images that they wanted their brand to “feel” like. From there, “most everyone decided on custom illustration and/or hand-drawn typography” for their brand identity. “All of the students did a lot of research when developing their brand strategies to ensure that the design for their product would appeal to their decided target audience, while having a strong shelf presence.” As a separate assignment, students were tasked with designing logos, menus, and a full truck wrap for a hypothetical food truck. Included here are truck designs by Ray Nunez (Calizone), Olivia DeLuca (The Purple Pear) and Emily Teter (Indieats). Also included are beverage TV spots by Amanda Terbush (Stone Almond Milk), Hannah Kitchen (Spruce’s), Damian Orellana (The Mixer Brewing Company), Cammie Niles (Los Amigos Farms), and Peter Claussen (the LLAMA Pinot Noir).

EMILY TETER

RAY NUNEZ

OLIVIA DELUCA

Vol. 4 Issue 8 |

31


Common Organizing

Mistakes That We Make In the ho m e o r the o ffic e By: Kristin MacRae Not playing a round.

Layout Design by Lisa Malm linkedin.com/in/kristin-macrae

You can’t decide on a Thursday afternoon that you are going to jump into an organizing project, especially if you have somewhere to be in a few hours. Not planning will set you up for failure. Write down your priorities, mark your project on the calendar, set aside 3 hours, and limit your distractions.

Ther e ar e m an y mistakes that can be made during the organizing process. You want to be efficient and productive with the en d r es u lt b eing a wel lorganized space that can be eas ily maintained.

Her e ar e the 7 biggest b lu n ders peopl e m ake:

Placing things in a temporary spot.

You’ll put something in a temporary spot and say you’ll get to it later. If you are great at procrastinating, this will never get done. Other things in the home will take priority, and this will get pushed aside. If you have something in your hand, decide where it should live and then develop a routine around putting it back once you’ve used it.

Bouncing a round.

Energy is wasted when you bounce around the home. People want to move from room to room transferring items, and an hour later they wonder why they are exhausted. Focus on the room you are in and limit your distractions. Keep a bin in the room with you, and then transfer those items throughout the home when your project is complete.

Perfectionism.

When you are in the process of decluttering, sorting, and organizing, perfectionism has to take a back seat. For those of you who have OCD, this can be a difficult process and can be the reason why most of your organizing projects take longer than expected or never get finished. You’ll waste more time and energy focusing on if a shirt collar is tucked in and if it’s perfectly straight on the shelf rather that actually placing it in the closet. You can tweak everything after the system is set in place.

Thinking a product will fix the problem.

So many people get excited to get organized, and they rush out to the store and spend hundreds of dollars on organizing products that don’t work. You have to think about how you want to function. Organize the space, measure the space, and then head to the store with measurements in hand. If the product doesn’t work, the system won’t work.

Having your friends help you.

Your friend will tell you that she can help you organize your entire home, but leaves out the fact that she’s going to organize it according to how she functions. Your organizing systems have to be designed around how you and your family function. Everybody functions differently which is why there so many variations on organizing systems.

Not le tting others know about your system.

Once you set up the organized system, you have to get everybody on board in your home. Show them the system and how it’s going to work. Label everything, if you must, so everybody gets in the habit of putting items away.

Avoid these mistakes and you r project wil l take l ess tim e than you ex pected. You won’t be as stressed o r overwhel m ed as you anticipated. You wil l be am azed at what you wil l accom plis h.

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| Rhode Island Creative Magazine


creativeground.org CreativeGround@nefa.org

Dig into New England’s free directory of creative enterprises and artists Wikepi Baskets

Studio Echelman

Lida Winfield

AVA Gallery and Art Center

CreativeGround spotlights the creative people and places at work in New England, including cultural nonprofits like libraries and theaters, creative businesses like recording studios and design agencies, and artists of all disciplines such as performing arts, visual arts, and crafts.

What Cheer? Brigade

Photo credits (L to R): Theresa Secord (Penobscot); Ema Peter, Courtesy Studio Echelman; Gene Parulis; Gary Hall Photography; Sean Hafferty

Visit CreativeGround.org today to: Promote your work, activities, and services. Log in and manage an informative and engaging profile visible to a broad audience of arts and non-arts individuals invidiuals and enterprises

Find potential collaborators and resources in your cultural community. Browse 30,000 profiles offering a wide range of services.

A project of the New England Foundation for the Arts, CreativeGround is brought to you through partnerships with the National Endowment for the Arts and the six New England state arts agencies.

Vol. 4 Issue 8 |

33



Cross-Platform MARKETING with RICM will CONNECT you to your audience.

The official publication of KS Designs, LLC


What's happening creatively in Rhode Island? RI’s Comprehensive Arts & Entertainment Calendar

A rtsNowRI.com An easy-to-use calendar that covers all

art related events statewide. You can view the many different artists and events that our creative state has to offer. It’s also where you can submit any events you may be having. Make this your go-to calendar to see what is going on creatively in RI!

6/16/16 Eve 6 Fete Ballroom – 103 Dike St. Providence 7:00PM; Tickets here: fetemusic.com/events/eve6 6/16/16 Bristol Theater Company Presents Vinyl: A Musical Revue Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum, Bristol Tickets here: www.blithewold.org

6/23/16 Bonnie “Prince” Billy + Bitchin’ Bajas + special guest Highlife Columbus Theatre 270 Broadway, Providence 8PM; Tickets here columbustheatre.com 6/24/16 T-Shirt/Casual Ballroom Night The Dancing Feeling 2429 Post Road, Warwick 8PM; Tickets here: http://www.dancingfeeling.com/

SUPPORTING THE

Rhode Island Craftsmen and Artisans

6/2/16 - 6/5/16 PVD Fest - 4 Day Festival Downtown Providence Full Schedule of Events and list of artists at www.pvdfest.com 6/2/16 - 6/5/16 Cirque du Soleil - Toruk the First Flight Dunkin Donut Center, Providence Tickets online at ticketmaster.com

6/17/16 Rocky Point Movies in the Park: Happy Feet Rocky Point, Warwick 5:30PM; Tickets here

6/8/16 Wellness Wednesdays! Veterans Amphitheater 137 Roosevlet Avenue, Pawtucket 11:30-1:30PM Food Trucks & Yoga 5-6PM Yoga More info here on Facebook

6/17/16 Another Tequila Sunrise Courthouse Center for the Arts 3481 Kingstown Rd. West Kingston Tickets here: http://courthousearts.org/events/tequilasunrise/

6/12/16 STYLEWEEK SWIM 2016 The Rooftop at the Providence G 100 Dorrance Street, Providence Runway 2:30PM www.styleweeknortheast.com

6/21/16 Bubble Blast Providence Children’s Museum, Providence 1PM; http://childrenmuseum.org/

6/16/16 Movies On The Block: Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert Grant’s Block, Providence www.moviesontheblock.com

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6/17/16 RISD Museum: All of Everything Dance Party 20 North Main Street Providence 7:00PM Tickets here

| Rhode Island Creative Magazine

6/23/16 John F. Kennedy In Newport Newport Historical Society at Colony House, Newport, RI 5:30PM; Tickets here

6/25/16 Rhode Island Creative Magazine Annual Makers Event Park Theatre in Rolfe Square, Cranston 5-10PM; FREE www.ricreativemag.com 6/27/16 The Artists Loop Memory Quilt-Collage Series & Weaver Library present a film screening: The Art of Romare Bearden Weaver Library 41 Grove Avenue, East Providence Info here www.facebook.com/events 6/30/16 2016 Concerts Under the Elms: American Band - Rhode Island Historical Society: John Brown House 52 Power Street, Providence $10, FREE Members + Kids Under 12 http://www.rihs.org/

Check out the full calendar online! www.ricreativemag.com



Rhode Island Creative Magazine is proud to celebrate makers everywhere, provide a platform to showcase their talents, and be a catalyst for creating awareness of our rich creative community. We will continue to support the Makers Event annually.


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