Discover Rhode Island Magazine, September 2020 edition

Your Beginner's Guide to

RUNNING

Your go-to guide for

RESTAURANT TAKEOUT & DINING in the Ocean State!

Meet Ocean State Artist

ERIKA HOUGHTON

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table of

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SEPTEMBER EVENTS D i s c ove r Eve nt s

ARTIST OF THE MONTH D i s c ove r Ar t i st s

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY D i s c ove r We ddi n g s

RESTAURANTS OF RHODE ISLAND D i s c ove r Re sta u ra nt s

A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO RUNNING D i s c ove r H e a l t h

DEALER DIRECTORY D i s c ove r Au to

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SEPTEMBER EVENTS to Discover in Rhode Island WINE & PAINT ON THE PATIO What could be better than a nice drink and some painting fun outdoors on a lovely evening?

Host Rebecca Magnotta is part teacher, part performance artist, and everything gets kicked up a notch! Rebecca paints a large mural on on river front performance patio, and you follow along with your own 16" x 20" canvas that you take home!

The registration fee covers all materials and your first drink!

Each week there will be a different painting, so you can come for one or join us for all 10 weeks. Members may use a Membership Mainstage Ticket. Note: Each person's station will be set up at least 6' apart to accommodate social distancing, and masks must be worn by all attendees. Let's have some responsible fun! Registration is required in advance. Space is limited.

Dates: 8/9/2020, 8/11/2020, 8/16/2020, 8/18/2020, 8/23/2020, 8/25/2020, 8/30/2020, 9/1/2020, 9/6/2020, 9/8/2020, 9/13/2020, 9/15/2020, 9/20/2020 Location: The Contemporary Theater Company Address: 327 Main Street, Wakefield, South Kingstown, RI 02879 Phone: (401) 218-0282

BECOMING VANDERBILT: AN EXHIBITION AT ROSECLIFF In a year celebrating women, Becoming Vanderbilt will shine a bright light on four of our own. The Vanderbilt men are well known

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for their dominance of 19thcentury American industry and the staggering fortunes they amassed during the Gilded Age; meanwhile, their wives and daughters turned their talents and formidable influence to causes outside the expected domestic realm.

From Alice Gwynne Vanderbilt’s philanthropy to her daughter Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney’s work as patron, artist and museum founder, to Alva Vanderbilt Belmont’s advocacy on behalf of women’s suffrage to her daughter Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan’s benevolence, we honor the legacy of these extraordinary women.

The exhibition will draw upon holdings in the Preservation Society’s collections as well as key loans from other institutions and private collections. Through the sharing of personal effects, clothing and memorabilia, we aim to introduce deeper narratives about each woman. Subtleties about their personalities have disappeared over time, replaced by more convenient one-word descriptors. By conveying the significance of their contributions, the exhibition seeks to communicate the spirit of the times in which each woman navigated her own path.

“Becoming” has often been used to describe a woman’s appearance; however, as a process, it also describes each of our heroines’ evolution as people.

Dates: July 23, 2020 November 1, 2020 Recurrence: Recurring daily

Location: Rosecliff Address: 548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840

MUSEUMS AROUND THE WORLD During this uncertain time of COVID-19 and social distancing, Google has provided a wealth of free resources for people to use, one of them being free virutal museum tours around the world. The following is a direct quote from USA Today's website: " Google Arts and Culture partnered with over 2,500 museums and galleries around the world to offer virtual tours of their spaces.

Some of the options include New York’s Museum of Modern Art and Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum. The Louvre, based in Paris, is also offering its own virtual tour online for free."

Visit Google’s site here – artsandculture.google.com

RIDE THE RAILS WITH RAIL EXPLORERS Rail Explorers offers an unforgettable scenic ride along historic Aquidneck Island and spectacular Narragansett Bay on custom built pedal-powered vehicles. The eco-friendly business is all about rail bikes and aims to provide an amazing journey using existing railroad tracks. The Rail Explorers are easy to pedal, the terrain is mostly flat and the ride is relaxing and enjoyable.

Everyone can enjoy this activity: couples young and old, groups of friends, and families of all ages and abilities. The pedal powered Explorers provide a smooth and comfortable adventure suitable for all. Available from mid-May through October, the tour takes approximately 2 Hours.

Dates: June 4, 2020 November 15, 2020 Recurrence: Recurring daily Location: Rail Explorers Address: 1 Alexander Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871

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FEATURED PROPERTY 21 Chastellux Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island Discover this exceptional custom-built new construction! This modern shingle-style masterpiece overlooks Newport’s vibrant harbor with its captivating views of world class regattas, magnificent yachts, historic Goat Island and Newport Bridge. Perched on an elevated and gated 1.38 acres, this desirable seaside location is only steps to New York Yacht Club and Ida Lewis Yacht Club. Launch your boat at Kings Park boat ramp, just down the hill from the home. Its location is only a few minutes to Bannister’s and Bowen’s Wharf, located in the heart of Downtown and home to some of Newport’s best restaurants.

Marvel at the beauty of Newport’s harbor as you stroll to town along the picturesque waterfront. The home’s sophisticated, modern and unique design is characterized by flowing open rooms, soaring ceilings, an artful open staircase and expansive floor to ceiling walls of glass opening onto generous terraces, perfect for entertaining and enjoying the endless parade of extraordinary yachts in the harbor. The first floor master wing features a sumptuous bath while four additional en-suite bedrooms on the second level offer breathtaking views. Meticulously designed by award-winning architects Roger Bartel and Christopher Pagliaro, this one-of-a-kind residence offers architectural interiors, top-of-the-line Wolf appliances, Waterworks fixtures, and Alaskan Yellow Cedar roof and shingles reminiscent of Newport’s landmark Shingle Style structures. No luxury has been omitted from this rare offering.

CYNTHIA MORETTI Lila Delman Associate Broker

Lila Delman Real Estate M 401.374.3444 O 401.848.2101 E Cynthia.Moretti@LilaDelman.com

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Discover

ERIKA HOUGHTON Interview with the Artist & Owner of Verdant Raku I grew up in Barrington, RI where I did as much art as I could get my hands on. I graduated from Messiah University (Grantham, PA) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and concentrations in graphic design and ceramics. I currently live in Attleboro, MA with my husband, two children, and a couple of well-fed guinea pigs.

I NS TAG RAM : @V ERDANT RAKU / @ WOLFANDPIGGY W EBS I TE : H T T PS : // ERIKAWOLFHOUGHTON.WEEBLY.COM /

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artists

What Kind of Art do You Create?

Verdant Raku: I design, hand-build, raku-fire and sell ceramic planters for succulents/tillandsia (air plants).

Each plant is thoughtfully selected to become an extension of my sculptural pots.

Wolf and Piggy: I hand-build, display, and sell narrative ceramic sculptures and piggy banks that often highlight the humor in the every-day life of a mom.

Where/How did your artistic journey begin?

I can recall loving to draw as early as four-years-old. My love for art continued throughout my school years.

When I was in fourth grade, I took lessons at Don’s Art Shop in Warren, RI. I have such fond memories of our Saturday morning kids’ classes where

we practiced perspective drawing and figures in motion. I still have my big sketchpad from that time and can look back and see the weekly progress I made under artist Don Primiano’s instruction. In middle school at Barrington Christian Academy, I took every extracurricular art class that was offered. I particularly loved a glass-etching class taught by Dick Cady and a fashion/sewing class taught by Jamie Gregory. Barrington High School is where I discovered a love for clay and sculpting. By the end of my junior year, I had taken every art class except for ceramics.

Ironically, nothing about it appealed to me, but my insightful art teacher, Irene Utterback, encouraged me to give the course a try. She was right. I fell in love with the clay and working in three dimension.

I built my portfolio and headed off to Messiah University, in Grantham PA, on a partial art-scholarship where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with concentrations in both ceramics and graphic design.

My ceramics courses were intense with long hours spent in the studio.

I was taught how to make clay from scratch—a dusty, arduous process that started with several dry ingredients before adding water and mixing through a pug machine.

I, along with a team of students, also mixed up all the studio’s glaze recipes. By my senior year, I was responsible for firing the cone 10 gas reduction kiln which required aroundthe-clock monitoring for 24 hours each time. While I took several classes on

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mastering the potter’s wheel, my passion remained for hand-building, which is a ceramics term for sculpting with clay. After college, I worked for several years full-time in graphic design at Stebbings Partners.

When my daughter was born, I decided to freelance from home and continued to do so until my son was born three years later.

When both kids went off to school fulltime, I started to get back into ceramics. In 2013, I connected with Mudstone Studios (Warren, RI) and its wonderful community of ceramic artists. There I began to formulate my own side business with my ceramic artwork. As my two lines of artwork started to take shape, I joined Made In Warren Artist Cooperative Store (Warren, RI) which began as a successful holiday pop-up in 2015 and is now in its 5th year. There, I sell my artwork as well as help to run the store. In addition to making and selling my work, I’ve taught high school ceramics at Barrington Christian Academy for the last seven years.

What is your creative process like?

The hand-building techniques that I’m most passionate about are pinch-pots and slab. While both lines of my work look very different from one another, they both use the same techniques. Whether I’m forming a pot or a pig, I usually start with a pinchpot. A pinch-pot is made from a ball of clay that is slowly and repetitively “pinchedand-turned” into a pot. A slab refers to the clay being rolled out and flattened until a desired thickness-- for me around 3/8".

From there, I can texture the slab and build onto my pinch-pot to form the walls of my succulent planters. For the pigs, I use a slab as a base under them to anchor the scene they’re in. The firing process for the succulent planters is unique, labor10 DI S C OV E R R H O D E I S L A N D SEPTEMBER 2020

intensive, and unpredictable. It’s called “Raku.” Raku ware is a type of Japanese pottery traditionally used in Japanese Tea Ceremonies dating back to the 16th century. I typically heat the ware in a kiln to 1,900 degrees and remove the ware while still glowing hot. I place the ware in an aluminum trash can filled with combustibles such as newspaper and wood shavings. A reduction atmosphere is created by putting a lid on the trash can. The combustibles catch fire and force the reaction to pull oxygen from the glaze and the clay minerals. This leaves an iridescent luster and creates a metallic effect on the ware. Parts of the ware that are unglazed will turn a smoky black.

Once the ware is cooled and cleaned, I seal it afterwards with tung oil so that the raku-fired pot can hold a plant without the monthly waterings affecting the color of the pot. Each piece is unique and I cannot recreate the color even if I wanted to.

What inspired you to start your business?

My family is my first priority, but having a side business like this provides the flexibility I need while making some money doing what I love.

Which piece is your favorite to create?

Currently, I’m excited about the jellyfish designs that hold tillandsia (air plants). I enjoy finding just the right air plant to form the tendrils. I love how well these pieces photograph and take on an “other-world” appearance. The positive response from customers and the strong sales for these are also very encouraging.

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Regarding the piggy sculptures, I had a lot of fun working on an interactive piece during the initial shutdown in March. Inspired by my kids that were all of a sudden playing board games again, I sculpted a miniature hungry-hungry hippos game with three different pigs as the players. I posted photos of it in progress to social media and invited the audience to suggest the fourth player. I ended up sculpting three different options for player number four. The first option was a pig doing a handstand while playing the game (because that’s what kids do, they can’t sit still). The second option was a pig having a tantrum — alsoknown-as “sore-loser-piggy”— we all know one of those! The final option was a sly-looking wolf. I left it up to the viewer to decide how that game ended. Wink, wink!

What made you fall in love with being an artist?

I love to create. I believe we were designed to be creators not consumers.

Where are you/your business based?

I either work at my home studio in Attleboro, MA or at Mudstone Studios in Warren, RI.

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Discover

BECCA & GRAHAM

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weddings

Whether if by land or by sea, Brad captures the most beautiful & candid moments of your special day. Through the laughter, the love (and the occasional teary eye or two) every magical moment will be sure to be remembered for decades to come.

I p h o to g ra p h w ed d in g s a nd have a d arn g o o d t i m e d o i ng it . I en joy g e t t i ng to k n o w t h e co up l e s I w o rk w it h , a nd b e i ng w elc o med i nto t he i r w ed d in g s as family. Th i s fa m i l i a r i t y is w h at let s me d o c u me nt t he d ay u n o b t ru s ively, an d c apt ure g e nui ne mo ment s as t h ey u n fo l d , a l l o wi ng yo u to remain fo c u s ed o n t he p res ent mo ment .

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Discover restaurants

RESTAURANTS OF RHODE ISLAND Your go-to guide for the best restaurants in Rhode Island.

From warm comfort food to healthy alternative, fresh catches from the sea or a brand new hot spot, there is so much to choose from.

TAVERN IN THE SQUARE - CRANSTON Address: 115 Hillside Road Garden City Center Cranston, RI 02920 Phone: (401) 944-4401

CAFE NUOVO Address: One Citizens Plaza Providence, RI 02903 Phone: (401) 421-2525

COSTANTINO'S VENDA BAR & RISTORANTE Address: 265 Atwells Avenue Providence, RI 02903 Phone: (401) 528-1100

THE RIVER SOCIAL Address: 200 Exchange St Riverwalk Level Providence, RI 02903-2621 Phone: (401) 256-5686 ext. 1

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BACCO VINO & CONTORNI Address: 262 Atwells Ave Providence, RI 02903 Phone: (401) 572-0243

THE BEACH HOUSE Address: 805 Hope Street Bristol, RI 02809 Phone: (401) 253-1566

MILL’S TAVERN $$$ 101 N Main St Providence Seafood, Steakhouses, Salad

437-6950

THAMES WATERSIDE BAR & GRILL Address: 251 Thames St Bristol, RI 02809 Phone: (401) 253-4523

INDIA RESTAURANT Address: 1060 Hope Street Providence, RI 02906 Phone: (401) 421-2600

RED STRIPE $$ 465 Angell St Providence Bruch, Steakhouses

437-6950

IGGY'S BOARDWALK Address: 885 Oakland Beach Ave, Warwick, RI 02889 Phone: (401) 737-2895

QUITOS RESTAURANT Address: 411 Thames St Bristol, RI 02809 Phone: (401) 253-4500

TUMBLESALTS CAFE Address: 1 Morgan Ave North Providence, RI 02911 Phone: (401) 349-0557 ext. 102

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Discover health

A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO RUNNING This year has been quite the wild ride,

but I still try to count all of the things that I am thankful for each and every day.

One thing I have really enjoyed is how

quarantine has allowed me extra time to

focus on my health and lifestyle choices.

I am someone who likes to constantly

be on the go and would often use the

excuse that I “just didn’t have enough time” to work out. Quarantine came

along, and I had nothing but time, and

then I realized how many of my reasons were just excuses. I made a promise to myself when this all began that I

would do more to take care of myself

and better my health overall. I started

running, something I have always been repulsed by if I’m being honest, and it

was really hard at first. Every run is still

a challenge for me, but that is honestly

what I love about it. Every time I complete a run, I feel this overwhelming sense of

accomplishment and I can also feel my body thanking me for taking the time to workout. Here are some tips and tricks from a true running beginner:

My name is Jenn and I am the girl behind Dressed in Blessings. I am a part time fashion, makeup & lifestyle blogger; however, in my day to day life I am a full time Graphic Designer!

I have a passion for not only design but I also love photography & videography. I am a twenty three year old on a budget & love to share all of my shopping tips & tricks! Follow along on instagram for more fun and helpful tips!

I N STAG R AM : @ D R E SSE D I N B L E SSI N G S W E B SI TE : D R E SSE D I N B L E SSI N G S.W I X SI TE .CO M / WE B S I T E

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1. It doesn’t matter how fast you go, as long as you’re going

One thing I found myself obsessing over when

I first started running was how fast I was going.

I would see other people I knew on social

media running 8-9 minute miles and I could

barely get lower than 11 minutes. It made me feel discouraged and like I would never get

to that point. To this day I am still struggling to get under 11 minutes, but I am still trying and I have never felt more accomplished. I will get there someday, and it will feel even

greater because I know how hard I’ve worked to get to that point. When it comes to social

media, always remember this: “Comparison is the thief of joy". Whenever you find that you’re comparing yourself to others, especially on

social media, just remember that it’s a highlight reel and no one will ever create Instagram posts or statuses about the awful and low points in their lives. We all have chapters

that we do not read out loud and this is why

choosing kindness over comparison and hatred is so important.

2. Focus on your breathing

This is something I have yet to master, but I have gotten better. The key to running long distances is controlling your breathing and

monitoring your heart rate. Breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth is the

most effective way to calm your heart rate and slow your breathing to a more controlled rate.

The most important thing to remember is this: If you feel like it’s too much or you're gasping for

air, please stop. Take a walking break and pick things back up when you’re ready. This relates

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back to #1, take it easy and do your best.

3. Proper footwear is everything

Having the proper type of shoe is so

important when running. When I first began

running I was using an old pair of $50 Nikes I had in my closet and let me tell you, after

running a few times my legs, feet and back were so sore I could barely move. I also

started to get some pain in my knee, so I

knew that things had to change. Running

sneakers are definitely an investment piece,

so I recommend that you try out running first

to see if it is something you truly enjoy before making the big purchase of new running

sneakers. Personally, I selected a new pair

of Brooks sneakers. Because of COVID-19 I had to take the online assessment to figure

out what kind of sneaker I should be buying, but now that stores are open again I highly

recommend locating an expert in your area to fit you for a pair of running sneakers.

Running sneakers usually range in price

from $130-$160+; however, on occasion you can get some of the styles on sale for about $100. Like I said, they are an investment piece, but they will last you many years.

4. Track your runs

Tracking your runs are so important for many

reasons, but one of the biggest reasons is so you can look back and see how far you’ve come. A great running app will track your

route, pace per mile, time and many other things. Personally I use the free version of

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the Runkeeper app and I love it! It also

has a setting that will announce your mile markers to you while you are running so you know where you’re at.

5. Keep track of that heart rate

When you're running, one of the most

important things to keep track of is your heart rate. I have found that the easiest

way to keep track of your heart rate while running is by using a smart watch. I

personally use my Apple watch, but there are many ways to track heart rate while running.

I hope these tips help you should you

choose to begin your running journey.

Please know that I am not a qualified

professional and that you should always

consult with a doctor/medical professional before taking on any new or major lifestyle

changes. Every journey begins with the first step and it takes weeks before a human

being forms a habit. Do the best you can and don’t let comparison or worries of

what others may think of you stop you from making a change that you want to make.

Place your health in the front seat and take

care of yourself and the one body you have been given. Happy running!

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