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CONTENTS East Side Monthly • July 2019
Photo courtesy of The Providence Flea
The Providence Flea is just one of many ways to spend your summer on the East Side (pg. 26)
This Month
14 New book chronicles the famous influencers from Rhode Island’s Golden Age
26 SUMMER IN THE CITY Festivals, farmers markets, a special NASA WaterFire, and more, make July in Providence the place to be
18 Inside the East Side 21 Rhody Gem: Slow down or you might miss this Hope Street breakfast spot
4 Editorial and Letters
23 Neighborhood News
9 Find the simple and sublime at new gift shop on Hope Street 10 Students get real-life experience through Providence home build
37 Flavor of the Month: Minnie Luong dishes on her fermented Korean products
16 The Avenue Concept unveils Selfie Wall
Every Month
News & Culture
Food & Drink
Life & Style 31 Home of the Month: Inside a nearby loft featured in new decor book
38 Food News: Brown University’s Memory Dishes explores the preservation of cooking culture 41 Dining Guide 44 Calendar: Events you can’t miss this month
East Sider 50 Mea Duke explores maritime issues through art
34 Education: Revisiting a national tutoring program that started in Providence
12 Massive renovation turns The Steel Yard into a year-round arts hub
On the Cover:
Prepare for a very special WaterFire this month. Photography by Wolf Matthewson.
East Side Monthly • July 2019 5
EDITORIAL
Is it too late for the Superman Building to fly?
SEA FOOD
SEA FRIENDS
The exciting news is that the old Industrial Trust Building (our beloved Superman Building), was named one of the country’s 11-most endangered historic properties. This, hopefully, will jolt preservationists, developers, and community leaders to take a harder look at how we might save this Providence landmark. Already, talk shows are abuzz with suggestions. Is it finally time for the State get involved? Could the educational nonprofits step in to do something? Should the building be tied in with tourism, perhaps with a food component? Is there a corporate white knight out there looking to do the right thing? And most importantly, is it finally time to ratchet up the pressure on the current owner, Boston-based developer High Rock Development, who has left the property vacant for the past six years to either dump the property or work more flexibly with the community to seek out alternative plans? In our view, the building is such an iconic symbol of our city and especially of our once-flourishing industrial past, we should not waste this perhaps final opportunity to try and save the structure. Yes, the costs are enormous. And yes,
there needs to be some sort of public-private collaboration. But when one looks at the list of the over 300 entities on previous national endangered properties list – some buildings, some battlefields, some even entire historic towns – the statistic that 95 percent of them are saved provides at least a glimmer of hope. The National Trust for Historic Preservation and PPS are emphatically urging us to take a harder look at this complex problem. Next is to identify who has the best skillset and vision to lead us on this admittedly difficult journey. At least one example can be found in the phenomenally successfully building of the Highline project in NYC. What began as a city proposal to tear down an abandoned railway line on the West Side of Manhattan was repurposed to an iconic one-and-a-half-mile elevated urban park that draws in over five million visitors annually and has spurred unprecedented billions of development dollars into adjacent neighborhoods. Obviously Providence is not New York, but imaginative problem solving is imaginative problem solving and can occur anywhere. Why not here?
L ET T ERS
SEA VIEW
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East Side Monthly • July 2019
Bad Bird Decision by RISD As a longtime professor at RISD, I am writing in frustration with my university. I am currently teaching a course there called “Birds and Words”, which requires each student to make an end-of-year presentation. It turns out, whether by accident or divine design, a student of mine happened to leave her French window in the Colonial Apartments dormitories slightly ajar during the recent brief spring break. As luck would have it, a tiny rock dove, a miniature pigeon, slipped in from the ledge to build her nest and lay two wee eggs on the dresser near my student’s cot. The two parents loyally shared chick-rearing duties as they rotated turns brooding on the twigs and grasses they collected in their spot among the perfume jars. I was even invited over to see this remarkable situation myself. Unfortunately, or perhaps tragically is the better word, the RISD administration got word of the event as well and has made a decision that
it is improper for a student to have a “pet” or “wild thing” in her room. They fear this may be unsanitary and that the bird must somehow be moved to a nature lab, which will result in a miscarriage of both justice and the chicks since the parent pair will likely abandon them. I’m helping her fight this decision in what will likely prove to be an unsuccessful fight against the hypocrisy of an all too familiar academic phenomenon, which preaches liberal values like justice and mercy but in actuality practices conformity and an unwillingness to seek out alternatives. Universities and our liberal society are wont to toss around phrases like “think outside the box.” In this case, the school regretfully continues to think “inside the box” and by so doing sends out the wrong message to its students. I’m still hoping for a happy outcome. Mike Fink RISD professor for over 60 years
East Side Monthly Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell
Media Director Jeanette St. Pierre
Executive Editor Barry Fain
City Editor Steve Triedman
Editor in Chief Elyse Major
Editor Megan Schmit
Staff Writer Robert Isenberg
Editor Lauren Vella
Art Director Nick DelGiudice
Associate Art Director Brandon Harmon
Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas
Graphic Designer Taylor Gilbert
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Calendar announcements and news releases should be submitted by the 1st of the preceding month. We reserve the right to omit and edit items. Letters to the editor are welcome. We will not print unsigned letters without exceptional circumstances. East Side Monthly is not responsible for typographical errors. Corrections will be run at discretion of editor.
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NEWS & CULTURE East Side Stories | Inside The East Side | Neighborhood News
East Side News
Simply Sublime
New gift shop takes you on a journey beyond Hope Street By Megan Schmit
An inside look at pH Factor’s collection
What is pH Factor? It’s the newest face on Hope Street and Priya Himatsingka’s passion project. “I love putting things together, and this idea had been percolating for a while,” reminisces Priya, a RISD graduate and jewelry maker. She had been crafting accessories from her Pawtucket studio but set her sights on a storefront that went beyond jewelry. In just six weeks, the space she’d rented on Hope Street – formerly Moon Tide Dyers – was renovated, and doors to the gift shop officially opened mid-April.
Clean white walls play backdrop to a colorful array of items: humorous greeting cards, recycled handbags from old cassette tapes, textiles from her family’s business. Collections come from as far as India and Japan or buying trips to Paris, but local talent is represented too, including Priya’s jewelry line. “I love the odd, the offbeat, and the eccentric,” Priya writes on her website. “What’s not to love about chic jewelry, lush velvets, crisp taffetas, and gorgeous scarves? However, it’s not just about the materials on display in the shop – it’s about the
experience. Priya is quick to offer tea or coffee and chocolate cookies, and gesture to a miniature sitting area in the front that invites guests to stay awhile. The juxtaposition of elegance and hominess is unexpected; you might be surprised to find a hand-painted mechanical Ferris wheel from a German toymaker is under $40. “Come by to look, touch, smell, and appreciate what we’ve created and curated,” Priya encourages, “over a cup of coffee, a conversation, and a damned funny joke.” 780 Hope Street, PHFactorStore.com
Photo courtesy of pH Factor East Side Monthly • July 2019 9
News & Culture East Side News
Experience. Integrity. Results.
Laying the Foundation
Providence Career & Technical Academy gives students real-life construction experience through home build By Ed McCarthy
Eric Martinez, Cristian Mercedes, and Christian Roman put their PCTA skills to the test at the home build
CALL Gerri Schiffman (401) 474-3733
It’s one thing
gerrischiffman.com
residentialproperties.com gerri@residentialproperties.com 10
East Side Monthly • July 2019
to operate equipment and use tools in shop class, but building a house takes those skills to another level. That’s the experience nearly 150 juniors and
seniors, plus more than 100 freshmen and sophomore shadows, from the Providence Career & Technical Academy (PCTA) are gaining as they build a Blackstone
Photo courtesy of PCTA
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Street home from the ground up. The project is a joint effort by the school, City, State, and Casa Buena Builders, Inc. According to Noel Sanchez, Casa Buena’s president, the project took almost three years to get off the ground. Funding came from multiple grants, and when the 770-square-foot home is completed later this year, the proceeds will be rolled over to seed the school’s next construction project. Managing the project and supervising the students requires collaboration. “We usually have at least one Casa Buena employee, such as a carpenter, working with the students on-site,” says Noel. “We try to help them learn what we’re doing but let them do a lot of the work. We watch for the quality of the construction so when the work is done the house will be in good shape and pass all the inspections.” PCTA carpentry teachers Ronald Carreiro and Robert DiSalvo oversee the students who alternate a week of classroom studies with a week on-site. “The kids are working on everything,” says Ronald. “They have to calculate, lay out, and cut the roof, for instance.” Working with Casa Buena facilitates the project: “As teachers, we are there teaching and directing. Casa Buena handles permits, getting lumber there on time – it’s really helpful to have a partner.” As of mid-May, the home’s roof and interior framing were finished and the students were installing siding. The project likely will carry over into the fall semester, says Noel, who wants to keep the students working in construction over the summer break. “I’m hopeful that other contractors will join me in hiring some of the students for the summer – that’s one of my big ambitions.” Contact 952-4229 for more details. ProvidenceSchools.org/PCTA
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East Side Monthly • July 2019 11
Creative financial plans designed with, and around, you.
News & Culture East Side News
Building Community
A massive renovation will help The Steel Yard become a year-round arts hub By Robert Isenberg
Edward Pontarelli CRPC® Financial Advisor Managing Director ed.pontarelli@ampf.com
Carrie A. McPherson CRPS® Registered Practice Associate Practice Manager carrie.mcpherson@ampf.com
Beacon Point Wealth Advisors A financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 401.824.2532
Mayor Elorza tours The Steel Yard’s renovations
When Howie Sneider was growing up in Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2018 Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
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East Side Monthly • July 2019
Syracuse, New York, he knew he was creative. He liked photography, and he had plans to go to RISD. But if he’d ever thought of becoming a sculptor, that dream felt like a dead-end; there were no teachers, no materials, no spaces for large-scale metalworking.
“I didn’t have the benefit of having a Steel Yard in my community,” says Howie, who first tried welding at a continuing education class. “It’s rare to have sculptural experience at a young age. It takes a lot of resources.” Today, Howie is a prolific sculptor – as well as executive director of The Steel Yard,
Photo courtesy of Phoebe Neel
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the industrial-scale art-making facility on the edge of Providence. An early resident artist, Howie has watched the workshop grow since the early 2000s. He knows how valuable this workspace is, not only for the 500 students who take classes there each year, but for the 10,000 visitors who attend cultural events, most famously the Halloween-themed “iron pour.” Since December, The Steel Yard has undergone a profound renovation, nicknamed the “Super Studio”: The historic building is gaining 35 percent capacity, becoming fully ADA accessible, and will replace its century-old electrical system. Workers have removed asbestos-laden materials, replaced old windows, and installed a 40KW solar array. Most importantly, The Steel Yard will gain a comprehensive heating system; instead of closing each winter, the facility can stay open all year. Classes will resume in the upgraded Super Studio this summer. “Generationally, access to building and making things was considered very vocational,” says Howie. “I think our society is getting to a new era, where we’re understanding more holistic needs in education – and in people.” The Steel Yard is an open facility, and no walls divide one tutorial from another. The staff hopes that renovations will preserve that openness, while also cutting down on the noise and distraction that can bleed across sessions. As before, multiple media skills can be practiced on the same site at the same time, including welding, blacksmithing, jewelry-making, and ceramics in the kiln yard. Many of these classes are subsidized or free. “That’s the core DNA of The Steel Yard,” says Howie. “Shared studio, shared tools. It’s very technical stuff. But we teach it through creative processes. We try to get students thinking about the possibilities.” 27 Sims Avenue, TheSteelYard.org
We invite you to learn more about who we are and all that we have to offer. Call us or stop by to schedule a tour. Contact our Member Services team today at 401.421.4111. Our members are the heart and soul of the JCC and we are committed to creating an inclusive community for EVERYone. We welcome ALL people regardless of religion, race, cultural background, sexuality, gender expression, or ability. 401 Elmgrove Avenue | Providence, RI 02906 | jewishallianceri.org
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News & Culture East Side News
The Good Old Days
A new book about 19th century Rhode Island chronicles the state’s most famous influencers By Robert Isenberg
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A not-so-average history book takes you back in time to Rhode Island’s Golden Age
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www.mswri.com 14
East Side Monthly • July 2019
Did Rhode Island have a Golden Age? If so, when was it? If you ask Dr. Patrick T. Conley, those halcyon days lasted nearly half a century, from 1861 to 1900, when Ocean State soldiers, reformers, architects, and industrialists helped leave a permanent mark on the national character.
These are the very people he profiles in his new book, The Leaders of Rhode Island’s Golden Age, released in May from The History Press under Arcadia Publishing. “Rhode Island played a leadership role in America’s Industrial Revolution,” Dr. Conley posits in the book’s preface. “The
Photography by Brandon Harmon
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state’s prosperity was revealed in its 1880 federal census when it ranked first in the nation in the valuation of its assessed real and personal property holdings, with a figure nearly triple the national average.” Yet, Leaders is more than a rote economics lesson. Sponsored by the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame, the book chronicles the achievements of 123 influential Rhodies from the latter half of the 19th century. The book starts with Civil War veterans – or “Defenders of the Union” – and proceeds with business leaders, statesmen, artists, and athletes, among other categories. The pages are rich in dates and achievements, as well as archival portraits; if Arcadia Publishing sounds familiar, they are best known for publishing the sepia-toned “Images of America” series. The book is a follow-up to Conley’s previous books, Rhode Island’s Founders and The Makers of Modern Rhode Island, which document movers and shakers from the state’s earliest years – in many cases, before we were technically a state. A Bristol resident, Dr. Conley holds a PhD from Notre Dame and a JD from Suffolk University Law School, and he’s served as a professor at Providence College, practiced law, and owned a real estate development business. His first book, about Catholicism in Rhode Island, was published in 1976, and he’s churned out 28 additional titles since. He’s chaired a range of organizations, including the Rhode Island Heritage Commission, which he also founded. Not surprisingly, in 1995, Dr. Conley himself was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame, where he now serves as president. All this begs the question: If he continues to write such exhaustive local histories, will he one day face the task of writing about himself? We can only hope so, if only to see what he says. DrPatrickConley.org
East Side Monthly • July 2019 15
News & Culture East Side News
Spread Your Wings
The Avenue Concept unveils Rhode Island’s first “Selfie Wall” m ive r s fro al l R F rture a & p e rt yd e wpo Dail ith, N d u Pt. J
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East Side Monthly • July 2019
In May, something exciting happened in Upper South Providence. Stroke by stroke, a giant pair of multi-colored wings appeared on an unassuming brick wall near Trinity Square. During the install, nearly 100 curious passers-by stopped to ask questions. Within the first five minutes of it being complete, someone paused to snap a photo. And in less than four hours, the first posts appeared on social media. Say hello to The Avenue Concept’s latest mural, Rhode Island’s first “Selfie Wall”. “I have been playing and experimenting with selfie walls for a few years using plywood
and materials that are temporary, but this was the first painted on a public wall,” says Yarrow Thorne, TAC’s founder and artistic director. He partnered with artist James Mustin, and the two collaborated to brainstorm a design that would complement the location and make the most impact. They settled on a set of angel wings to frame the existing window, with each colorful, patterned feather having “its own story.” The Selfie Wall, which is reminiscent of the famous wing murals scattered over the country in cities like Nashville and Los Angeles, has been a hit. It’s tucked in an area with less foot
Photography by Brandon Harmon
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traffic, an intentional choice since Yarrow hopes to “use public art to draw people to this space and encourage them to interact with it in a medium and format they are comfortable with.” Part of the fun is finding it; TAC hints that it’s in the general area between Trinity Square and their Cultural Corridor installation. When you do, take a pic like we did (and no, we won’t tell you where it is!) and tag @avenuepvd to share your story. Yarrow says that TAC has over 15 new installations planned for the summer, so stay tuned at TheAvenueConcept.org and their Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages.
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East Side Monthly • July 2019
Even after a new buyer stepped in to buy and rehab the iconic manor house of the Nicholson estate on Blackstone Boulevard, neighbors hired an attorney to oppose the Bilotti Group’s proposal to build eight additional houses on the remaining property. They sought assurance that the project be consistent with the existing neighborhood that had developed around it over the past century. We’re happy to report the two groups have agreed to a settlement. While they would have preferred fewer lots, the neighbors agreed to a plan that will divide the three-acre parcel into two lots on Blackstone Boulevard (including the main house) and six lots on Slater. Several additional trees will now be spared and because there are sidewalks on Slater, setbacks will keep the new homes from spilling onto street as they have in the Bilotti project on Cole Avenue. The developer has also agreed to allow the Providence Preservation Society to review any future building plans and offer design advice. The neighbors specifically thanked Councilwoman Helen Anthony, who helped orchestrate a settlement that balanced the concerns of the neighborhood with the development goals of the city. News of the settlement has now been sent out, which noted that the neighbors in opposition “are now turning their attention to welcoming new families into their growing community.” Kudos to all parties for helping resolve what has been a complicated and divisive issue.
There’s no place like home Initially organized as a way for aging Providence seniors to remain in their homes, the Providence Village is about to transition from a one-site project into something called The Village Common. The Common will provide a single administrative structure to assist individual
communities to organize and maintain their own programs specifically tailored as needed. The Village concept now boasts over 200 separate operations across the country, and the new RI commons initiative is patterned after a successful multi-village plan in New Haven. For more information about this interesting way to stay independent within your own home call 441-5240 or visit ProvidenceVillageRI.org
In search of our Better Angels? Given the increasingly polarized and combative country we’ve become, it’s tempting to shut off the TV, ignore the newspapers, turn on our favorite supportive media, and hunker down into our individual political bomb shelters. A fascinating article in Atlantic Monthly written by David Graham grabbed my attention. After identifying how bad things have become, he describes how the frustrating the search for centrist solutions has evolved into a cottage industry, offset in part by what he calls a counter-cottage industry of commentators who argue civility is overrated and polarization underrated. An intriguing option, he suggests, might be a relatively new group called “Better Angels.” Rather than convincing the other side to change their ways, their group accepts partisanship as a given and turns instead to developing the skills necessary to at least continuing a dialogue. Using examples of some of their interesting methods, he reports firsthand on what seems to work…and what doesn’t. That’s as far as I'll go here except to suggest you check out his story under Better Angels/Atlantic Monthly. No magic bullets here, but at least somewhat comforting that there are people out there who accept what we seem to be becoming, but still continue to seek out more acceptable answers than shouting at or simply ignoring each other. Made me feel a little bit better. Hope it does for you, too.
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COLDWELLBANKERHOMES.COM DEBBIE GOLD 401-640-0403 Debbie.Gold@NEMoves.com
Providence | 401.351.2017 | CB Home Protection Plan 866.797.4788 The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2018 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker 231653NE_12/17 Real Estate LLC.
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News & Culture Rhody Gem
The Blue Cottage Breakfast Spot
What it is: A no-fuss restaurant serving up diner-style specials daily from 7am-2pm in a cozy setting.
Where to find it: Look for cornflower blue shingles and an awning with overhead lamps. However, it’s not a standalone cottage but a brief, charming section of a building on the commercial part of Hope Street. Nominator Cindy Phillips discovered the restaurant before a Saturday morning appointment at nearby Claudia Curl Salon, drawn in by its fairytale-like name.
Photography by Brandon Harmon
What makes it a Rhody Gem? “My husband Dick’s favorite item on the menu is Belgian waffles with strawberries, but mine is a veggie omelette with American or Swiss cheese,” says Cindy, who offers that you can’t go wrong with any order. “And, of course, a big ol’ glass of OJ!”
We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. Email or tag us on social media using #RhodyGem to suggest yours, and we might just feature it!
The Blue Cottage 748 Hope Street Providence • 383-7307
To submit your Rhody Gem, please email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com
Learn To Sail! Sail! n
SUMMER J-CAMP at the Dwares JCC! June 24 - August 23 | Ages 3 - 15
ALL ARE WELC0ME!
o
Visit jewishallianceri.org for more information. Learn 401 Elmgrove Avenue | Providence, RI 02906 | 401.421.4111
Girls Summer Leadership Camps Acting Camp • Girl on a Hike • Hoop Like a Girl • Little Lynx
SUMMER at LINCOLN
For more information and to register, visit www.lincolnschool.org/camps
Summer Learning Workshop for Girls • Surf Camp • and more!
2
Week 1: July 22 – July 26 Moses Brown School
location s
Register on Moses Brown website: camps.mosesbrown.org/camps/ girls-leadership-collaborative
Week 2: July 29 – August 2 Rocky Hill School Register: girlsleadershipcollaborative.com
Developing Leaders, Finding a Purpose and Making a Difference 22
East Side Monthly • July 2019
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News & Culture Neighborhood News
Neighborhood News is a space that East Side Monthly makes available to community organizations free of charge. The content does not necessarily reflect the views of the editors of this publication.
Photo courtesy of Amy Mendillo for the Fox Point Neighborhood Association
College Hill Neighborhood Association At this month’s meeting, we heard from Al Dahlberg, who spoke first about an amendment to Providence’s zoning ordinance proposed by the Thayer Street District Management Authority. He then went on to talk about the Rhode Island Department of Transportation’s plans with respect to Henderson Bridge. As for the amendment to the zoning ordinance, Dahlberg, who is one of the directors of the Thayer Street District Management Authority, said its purpose is to have portions of Waterman Avenue, along with parts of Angell and Brook Streets, classified as “main streets.” If the amendment is made part of the ordinance, then any non-commercial, ground-level development on the parts of Waterman, Angell, and Brook, which are subject to the proposed amendment, would have to be approved by the appropriate authorities before work could start. Regarding the Henderson Bridge project, Dahlberg spoke on behalf of the Seekonk Riverbank Revitalization Alliance. He noted that, after initially failing to engage the public regarding the issue, the Department of Transportation had
SPECIAL SUMMER CONCERT Please join the Friends of Brown Street Park and College Hill Neighborhood Association at Brown Street Park for the one of the summer’s first events of the Edward F. Ely Neighborhood Performing Arts Series 2019. This early evening concert on Friday, July 19, 4:30-7 pm,features children’s musicians Jen Romanat and Rock-a-Baby. Bring a picnic and blanket and enjoy a summer evening together with your neighbors. To learn about other dates and events, please visit EatPlayLearnPVD.com. This series is supported by Art, Culture + Tourism, Providence Parks Department, and the Partnership for Providence Parks.
Fox Point neighbors beautified the exterior of the historic Fox Point Bathhouse on Earth Day in late April
sought feedback and appeared to be reconsidering its plans for the bridge. Dahlberg indicated that his organization could use more input and support, and the possibility of CHNA submitting a letter concerning the matter was raised. CHNA welcomes all residents of College Hill to join our efforts to protect the neighborhood. For more information about joining and supporting CHNA and meeting your neighbors, contact: CHNA, PO Box 2442, Providence, RI 02906; visit CHNAProvidence.org; or email CHNA@ CHNAProvidence.org. – Jared Sugerman
a $500,000 grant from the City. According to an FPNA board member, a few Fox Point neighbors remember using the bathhouse for children. Today, the school is the primary occupant of the building, but FPNA meets there monthly and has been responsible for its landscaping in recent decades. Whether the space is used for showering, teaching children to read, or holding public meetings, FPNA takes pride in the bathhouse as one of the most handsome, storied, and perhaps under-recognized public structures in Fox Point.
Fox Point Neighborhood Association
FPNA July Meeting Please join us for our July meeting on Monday, July 8 at 7pm in the Library/Community Room of Vartan Gregorian Elementary School, 455 Wickenden Street. See our website, FPNA.net for an agenda and directions. All are welcome. The Fox Point Neighborhood Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Fox Point and protecting its historic integrity and resources. FPNA speaks out on neighborhood issues and builds community through local events. Please sign up for our mailing list and join us at a monthly meeting! -Amy Mendillo
Fox Point Neighbors Cleanup Bathhouse, Celebrating Historic Gem In late April, Fox Point neighbors pruned, weeded, raked, hauled, and otherwise beautified the exterior of the former Fox Point Bathhouse (now the library at Vartan Gregorian School) as part of the annual FPNA Earth Day Cleanup. Why the Fox Point Bathhouse? The building is dear to neighbors, with longstanding connections to Fox Point and, in recent decades, to FPNA and Vartan Gregorian School. According to long-time residents and the Providence Preservation Society, the bathhouse was built in 1926 as a stand-alone bathing facility for neighbors who didn’t have access to running water. After the building fell into disrepair and near-abandonment in the later part of the century, the community pushed to have it resurrected, ultimately converting it into a school library/community room with
Blackstone Parks Conservancy Local Students to the Rescue in Blackstone Park Spring arrived suddenly this May, its beauty offsetting the explosion of invasive plants needing immediate attention. Science teachers
East Side Monthly • July 2019 23
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East Side Monthly • July 2019
News & Culture Neighborhood News
searching for a way to keep restless students engaged at the end of a long year connected with Blackstone Parks Conservancy (BPC) volunteers to work outdoors and learn while contributing to the community. Lincoln School Volunteers Visiting Blackstone Park several times, younger Lincoln School volunteers went for walks and collected trash. Highschool students with science teacher Ann Lovely created a display on invasive plants for the kiosk and put their research to practice by removing invasive mugwort and garlic mustard. Yet another group spent their annual service day removing invasive Norway maples with guidance from City Forester Doug Still. Wheeler Students Take on the Godzilla of Invasive Plant Species As part of the citywide Founders Day celebration, 35 Wheeler students in the 6th, 9th, and 10th grades took on a thick standing army of Japanese knotweed in the ravine behind York Pond this year. While the small cadre of BPC park committee volunteers had tackled smaller infestations of the ravenous invasive species, this gigantic stand had long stumped them. Given the extent of roots underground, and the difficulty of removing them, the knotweed in the ravine has been the place to get to “some day.” Of the dozen or so species of invasive plants that encroach on the 45-acre Blackstone Park Conservation District, knotweed, with bamboo-like stalks that can grow eight inches a day in spring, inspires the most awe. Roots shoot down as far as nine feet and radiate out 20, meeting in rhizomes sometimes as large as small boulders. Broken pieces quickly regenerate. Remarkably, the students and their teachers, armed with shovels and guided by URItrained Conservancy team leaders Carrie Drake and Rick Richards, won the first round. They pulled and dug up the close-growing stalks in an area roughly 100 by 30 feet. Then, like beaters in a hunting party, they spread out in a long line and advanced with determined faces, gathering stalks and rhizomes
and throwing them onto an enormous pile. Afterwards, the students spread black plastic on the cleared land in order to deny the remaining knotweed pieces sun and water. It will take about six years of repeating this process to control knotweed in the ravine. Events (Please check the website below for changes) July 6 @ 10am – Butterfly vs. Moth. (Blackstone Field, 2 River Dr.) July 10 @ 6pm – Park-keeping (Blackstone Park kiosk, Parkside Rd. & E. Orchard Ave.) July 11 @ 6pm – Miss Wednesday – Boulevard Concert (Trolley Shelter) July 14 @ 6pm – Classical Indian Music, with Srinivas Reddy and Ajit Acharya (Blackstone Field, 2 River Dr.) July 25 @ 6pm – Classical GAS Boulevard Concert (Trolley Shelter) Blackstone Parks Conservancy Phone Number: 401-270-3014 Website: BlackstoneParksConservancy.org Email Address: BlackstoneParks@gmail.com Mailing Address: P.O. Box 603141, Providence, RI 02906 - Jane Peterson
Summit Neighborhood Association Annual Meeting Recap SNA’s Annual Meeting had a wonderful turnout of neighbors, where future projects, events, and program plans were shared, and a new Board of Directors was elected. The Sheila Perlow Community Service Award was granted to Summit resident Greg Gerritt for his longtime environmental and socioeconomic advocacy and spirit of volunteerism. Firstterm State Representative Rebecca Kislak shared a legislative update and fielded lots of interesting audience questions. New Board of Directors members for 2019-2020 will include Zachary Barnes, Christopher Lowe, Torin Mathieu, and Ariel Pittner. Continuing on the Board are Erik Christiansen, Anneliese Greenier, Ethan Gyles, Anna Highsmith, Britt Page, Read Porter, Laura Ramsey, Tom Schmeling, and Sharon Lee Waldman. Erik Christiansen will serve as Newsletter Secretary,
Britt Page will continue as Treasurer, Laura Ramsey will serve as Secretary, Tom Schmeling will continue as Vice President, and Ethan Gyles will continue as President. Thanks to all our new and ongoing members for your support! Thanks also to The Highlands on the East Side for sharing their space with us for the evening. Residents Invited to Connect with Us Got a neighborhood issue, problem, or idea you’d like to discuss? We’re here to help. We meet at 7pm on the third Monday of every month in the dining room at Summit Commons, 99 Hillside Avenue. The sessions are open and neighborhood residents are encouraged to attend! You can also stay in touch with us on Facebook via the “Summit Neighborhood Association” page, our website at SummitNeighbors.org, on Instagram and Twitter @ SNAProv, or by phone at 401-400-0986. New Website, Memberships, and Volunteer Writers We have a new website! Check it out at SummitNeighbors.org. As always, we welcome new members who are interested in supporting our neighborhood events, community projects, candidate forums, and advocacy. Memberships are affordable – starting at just $15 per year – and easier than ever to sign up for digitally or by mail. Additionally, SNA is always seeking local content for our long-running neighborhood newsletter. Have something to say about an event, a new business, or any topic that would resonate with the neighborhood? Please contact us for more information! Summit Neighborhood Association, PO Box 41092, Providence, RI 02940, 401-400-0986 SummitNeighbors.org, SNAProv@gmail.com
Wayland Square Neighborhood Association The Wayland Square Neighborhood Association meets every second Wednesday evening of the month. Location changes depending on the meeting topic, so please check our FB page for exact times/locations. WSNA organizes candidates nights, environmental events, social outings, local links, and maintains
regular communication with all residents, merchants, and elected officials. With all the new restaurants, retail, residences, and services, Wayland Square has never been better or busier! Looking forward to meeting you at our meetings in Wayland Square! Thanks! Katherine
Mount Hope Neighborhood Association The Music Mural on Cypress Street restoration and new vision is in full swing and a lot more is to come! The Rhode Island Foundation and the Brown Arts Initiative will be supporting the implementation of two more! All part of our “Collective Memories” Project telling the stories of Mount Hope and the East Side through various art mediums. The next mural will act as a Land Mural, acknowledging the Narragansett and Wampanoag people, the original stewards of the lands we now inhabit. It will be on the wall perpendicular to the Music Mural. The third will be part of a program with the Mount Hope Learning Center, Vincent Brown Recreation Center, and Southside Elementary Charter School called Your Story, Our Story. The unveiling of these murals will be in the fall, September. The Sharing Garden in Billy Taylor Park has open hours on Saturdays from 12-3pm. Garden workshops will be held on Saturdays weekly July 13-August 3 starting at 1pm. During the week look for open hours Tuesdays and Thursday evenings from 4:30-7pm. Go to our Plan4Health-Mt Hope Facebook page for workshops topics and other garden events. All are welcome to the MHNA board, which are held on the third Thursday at 6pm. The next one will be July 18. The Mount Hope Food Security and the Mount Hope Dialogues for Action (MHDA) meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of the month at 5pm and 6pm respectively, on July 25. The Housing Coalition meeting is on the second Thursday, on July 11. Call to confirm, 401 521 8830. - Courtesy of the MHDA
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City Celebrations From festivals to farmers markets and an outof-this-world WaterFire, Providence is the place to be by Bob Curley
Find the same energy from last year’s Foo Fest at AS220’s Estival Festival
Zoobilee! Feast with the Beasts: June 29 “Paws” for a good cause at Roger Williams Park Zoo’s annual Zoobilee bash, which last year raised more than $250,000 through ticket sales and an online auction. The adults-only Feast with the Beasts includes food tastings, wine and beer bottle bazaar, music and dancing to the sounds of the World Premier Band, and socializing with some of the zoo’s animal inhabitants. RWPZoo.org/Zoobilee Cape Verdean Independence Day Festival: July 7 Rhode Island’s prominent Cape Verdean population celebrates the culture of the “Fortunate Islands” and independence from Portugal at India Point Park with a full day of traditional music, food, and dance. Now in its 44th year, the festival is the largest Cape Verdean independence celebration in the US. Facebook: RI Cape Verdean Heritage Providence Restaurant Weeks: July 7-20 Each year we say a silent prayer that Siena will put their Bolognese Tagliatelle on their Restaurant Week menu; this two-week culinary celebration is a great opportunity to revisit some old favorites at discount prices, or give new dishes and restaurants a try. In addition to perennial favorites like Capital Grille and Gracie’s, the new Skyline restaurant is among more than 100 eateries offering fixed-price, three-course lunches for $16.95 and three-course dinners for $29.95 or $34.95. GoProvidence.com/RW
Photography by Mike Braca
AS220’s Estival Festival: July 20 AS220 is taking a break from staging its annual, all-day Foo Fest in 2019, and instead will bring 20 of its best Foo Fest bands to its Main Stage and Black Box Theater for a sonic fundraiser. AS220.org
ho says the East Side gets quiet during summertime? The month of July shifts into high gear with music and food festivals at India Point Park, evening concerts on Blackstone Boulevard, and, of course, the Providence Flea on Sunday afternoons. WaterFire turns 25 and special lightings are planned, including one on July 20 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. “Providence’s compact size and dense artist networks make it a festival city where collaborations happen serendipitously and often,” says Stephanie Fortunato, director of the Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism. Practically every weekend is packed with events, including newer stars like FringePVD, a big menu full of foodie events, an international film festival, and celebrations honoring ethnic pride. Here is a sampling by date of events to fill your July calendar!
FringePVD: July 21-28 Seems appropriate that the 2019 FringePVD festival – a celebration of edgy performance art and local culture – will be held on the fringes of downtown Providence. Most performances will be held in the Olneyville neighborhood, including onstage at The Wilbury Theatre Group, at Sprout CoWorking space at Rising Sun Mills, Riffraff Bookstore and Bar, WaterFire Arts Center, and Donigian Park, which will host the main festival tent and beer garden. FringePVD.org Puerto Rican Celebrations: July 25-28 A raising of the Puerto Rican flag at the State House kicks off a host of fiestas celebrating the US territory’s culture at various locations. RILatinoArts.org/RILatinoFestivals Rhode Island International Film Festival: August 6-11 The Woodman Family Community and Performance Center at Moses Brown School and RISD’s Metcalf Auditorium are among the 10 venues that will host events and screenings of more than 300 movies as part of the 2019 Rhode Island International Film Festival, now in its 37th year. Film-Festival.org NecronomiCon: August 22-25 Providence, a.k.a. “the birthplace of weird” and also of macabre author H.P. Lovecraft, will host a conference devoted to Lovecraftian fiction featuring a goulash of festivities, art, and academic presentations from scholars, artists, and historians. The three-day NecronomiCon – named for Lovecraft’s book of magic – is sponsored by Lovecraft Arts & Sciences Council, a Providence-based nonprofit. NecronomiCon-Providence.com
It isn’t summer in the city without WaterFire
Third Thursdays at the RISD Museum (Thursdays) Held in conjunction with Providence Gallery Night, Third Thursdays offer an opportunity to interact with RISD students, view and discuss their work, watch art demonstrations, and learn about the museum’s exhibits and programs. RISDMuseum.org
Photo by Robert Isenberg Photo courtesy of Burnside Parl
Photo by Erin Cuddigan
WaterFire (Saturdays) A special salute to the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing on July 20 highlights the 2019 Waterfire schedule, which includes a total of eight full lightings on the downtown Providence rivers between June and November. Other summer dates: August 3 and August 17. WaterFire.org
Kids Story Time at Books on the Square (Mondays, Saturdays) Children ages six months to six years are invited to story time at Books on the Square every Saturday morning from 11-11:30am, and toddlers are welcome to the Mondays for Babies readings each week at 10:30am. BookSQ.com Music at Burnside Park (Thursdays) The Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy sponsors the free Burnside Music Series + Beer Garden on Thursday evenings through July and August, with a diverse lineup of rock, electronic, jazz, and salsa artists, and the lunchtime concert series Noon Tunes in September. ProvParksConservancy.org
WE SERVICE & REPAIR
VOLKSWAGEN
Check out RISD Museum’s special and year-round exhibits, like the coffin and mummy on display in the Ancient Egyptian gallery
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Toyota • Kia • Nissan • Chrysler • Infinity • Ford Lexus • Honda • BMW • Chevy • Isuzu • Mercedes Mini • Porsche • Mazda • Saab • General Motors • Volvo Hyundai • Audi • Saturn • Subaru • Mitsubishi
Rhode Island Historical Society Benefit Street Walking Tours (Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday) Learn all about Providence’s “Mile of History” by joining a historian-led walking tour of Benefit Street’s 18th- and 19th-century homes and grand public buildings. Held Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 10am, through the end of October. RIHS.org/walking-tours
Burnside Park captures the sounds of summer
RI Historical Society’s Concert Under the Elms (Thursdays) Held on the grounds of the John Brown House Museum, these Thursday night summer concerts are far from stodgy affairs, featuring bands like Steve Smith and the Nakeds, Becky Chace, and Neil and the Vipers. Food and dessert trucks also make an appearance. RIHS.org/Concerts-Under-The-Elms
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Blackstone Parks Conservancy Summer Concert Series (Weekdays) The historic trolley shelter on Blackstone Boulevard is the venue for an annual summer concert series, mostly on weekday evenings. BlackstoneParksConservancy.org Hope Street Farmers Market (Wednesdays, Saturdays) Farmers and growers from across Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts – Barden Family Orchard, Pat’s Pastured, and The Local Catch, to name just a few – bring their goods to market at Lippitt Park (where Hope Street meets Blackstone Blvd.) every Saturday morning from 9am-1pm and Wednesdays from 3-6pm. The Saturday market runs through the end of October; Wednesday’s through September 11. HopeStreetMarket.com East Side Monthly • July 2019 29
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LIFE & STYLE Home | Education & Smart News
At Home on the East Side
The sofa received a new slipcover in neutral linen, while a shaggy throw from Urban Outfitters injects a bit of color and a lot of texture. When just a small dose is needed, dark wood and a bamboo tray can evoke exotic destinations without going all-out.
Lofty Goals A Providence couple makes a large space into a cozy retreat that is anything but run-of-the-mill Excerpt from Global Bohemian: How to Satisfy Your Wanderlust at Home by Fifi O’Neill. Photography by Mark Lohman. Reprinted with permission from CICO BOOKS
In Providence,
the impressive complex Rising Sun Mills brings to mind the old saying “Birds of a feather flock together.” Built circa 1800 and named after their former function, the textile mills have been revived as live/work studios and lofts for artists and the once-abandoned buildings are now thriving with creatives of all disciplines, including Courtney Webster, an event stylist and project manager for an interior design studio in
Boston, and her husband Brandon Aguiar, a painter. “We needed a space that could accommodate Brandon’s art studio,” Courtney says. “We fell in love with the raw, industrial character of the building with its original large windows, brick walls, and wood floor.” Living in a 1,300-square foot loft with such high ceilings takes some planning design wise. “We struggled a bit with how open the layout is! It was tricky to
define spaces without anything feeling closed off,” Courtney admits. Yet within the floorplan concept the couple managed to create distinct areas linked by a neutral palette warmed with pink and blue color accents. “I love how well they pair with one another and how many different shades of each there are,” Courtney notes. Their individual sense of design also comes into play. “Brandon and I have blended
Life & Style Home
a mix of bohemian, midcentury-modern, and rustic styles in our home to create a true reflection of us. We wanted it to feel honest and homey with a mix of functional and stylish pieces,” says Courtney, who mines inspiration from design books, Instagram, blogs, and her job. “I’m always surrounded by beautiful fabrics, and am constantly
sourcing and selecting items for clients. I get to envision how things would work in my home and love taking that influence and making it my own,” she explains. Courtney describes her style evolution to its present-day contemporary bohemian mood. “It has naturally morphed over the years. In our first apartment together,
An indigo blue armchair provides contrast to the sofa while the patterned, softly colored rug adds comfort underfoot; a ladder adds vertical storage.
A garment rack stands in for closet space. 32
East Side Monthly • July 2019
Brandon and I bought almost strictly Ikea and vintage. Then we started buying almost entirely midcentury modern. That felt too cold, so we introduced different textures and colors and it made the space feel warmer and more inviting. Since then we’ve only brought in pieces we truly love and it has felt more and more like home.”
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Life & Style Education
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East Side Monthly • July 2019
Teachers aren’t the only ones delivering curriculum to today’s youth; for many students, tutors extend learning opportunities well beyond the school day. GoPeer, a nationwide tutoring service founded in Providence, has expanded dramatically in the past two years. In 2017, GoPeer featured tutors from Brown University, RISD, Bryant, and URI. Today, they have tutors from a large number of colleges and universities, serving students in 48 states. More than 2,000 clients have received tutoring in countless subjects, ranging from staples like algebra and chemistry to more unusual offerings, such as astronomy and oceanography. Ethan Binder, a Moses Brown alumnus, founded GoPeer with fellow students at
Lafayette College and has shepherded the business through this growth. GoPeer uses a “near-peer” model to provide connections to college students who are available to tutor K-12 students in a variety of subjects. While the tutoring services are affordable, they are also reliable: each tutor is screened and vetted, and their youth makes them more easily relatable to their tutees. More than 3,200 college students who have signed up to be GoPeer tutors aren’t doing it for the money. Some want to give back to the community and provide a helping hand to students who are just a little younger than them. Some savor the opportunity to share a subject for which they are passionate. One of the tutors, Ben, says, “Education is an
Photo courtesy of GoPeer
GoPeer tutor Alexandra clarifies calculus to David
extremely important factor in socioeconomic mobility, and I want to help students develop the skills that they need in order to pursue higher education.” In fact, GoPeer boasts a 92 percent satisfaction rating with families. Katya, the parent of a high school student, left the following review: “Really good prices and tutors – our math tutor was basically a genius and helped my 15 year old in the nicest and easiest way possible. Highly recommend!” Ethan believes that one of the biggest reasons for their growth is the increasing market adoption for online tutoring. Initially, 100 percent of GoPeer’s tutoring sessions were done in-person. However, as the business grew, they found that location was a limiting factor, since the majority of their tutors do not have transportation. More and more, parents and tutors began scheduling lessons online, leading GoPeer to develop an online platform that serves as a digital classroom. Now, close to 70 percent of their revenue is generated through online lessons. This approach reflects GoPeer’s commitment to meeting the individual needs of their students. As Ethan says, “All students learn differently, and everyone has their own unique needs and learning goals. We have put in place an operationally intensive process to establish trust and improve customer experience. Through careful vetting, interviewing, and training of our tutors, we’re able to have a relatively small supply of tutors who provide high quality services to a large population of clients.” Recently, GoPeer won first place in the National Blended & Personalized Learning conference shark tank event. GoPeer was also recognized as one of Rhode Island Inno’s 50 on Fire, in the Education and Government category. The GoPeer’s website includes an active blog featuring posts written by their tutors on a variety of topics. GoPeer.org
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East Side Monthly • July 2019 35
YOUR PLACE, YOUR SPACE AND
OUR COMMITMENT Luca Del Borgo joins Places & Spaces Realty after a career spent in Sales and Marketing, most recently working in the nonprofit industry. His experience has made him a solid relationship builder striving to make his clients’ goals a reality. He is excited
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
to join the “Family Business” as a partner with his wife and son. Luca is also a professional photographer and a licensed personal trainer. Born in Rome, Italy. Fluent in English, Italian and French. Sales Associate, Principal. Licensed in RI and MA.
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36
East Side Monthly • July 2019
Águêda Del Borgo
Broker, Principal Licensed in RI & MA
(401) 345-4573
agueda@placesandspacesrealtyri.com
FOOD & DRINK Food News | Restaurant Guide | Calendar of Events
Flavor of the Month
Fermented Fervor
Minnie Luong of Chi Kitchen Foods dishes on kimchi and Korean cuisine
Photo courtesy of Chi Kitchen
By Lauren Vella
“South Koreans eat an average of 40 pounds of kimchi in a year and enjoy the longest life expectancy in the world – is there a connection there? I’d like to think so,” says Minnie Luong, owner and “Chi-EO” of Chi Kitchen Foods. Maybe, says the chef, this is why the savory fermented cabbage has caught on so quickly throughout the United States – it’s good for our bodies, and so, we instinctively crave that umami flavor. Over the past decade, the number of Korean eateries and food products has increased dramatically here in Rhode Island, and Minnie’s food company is an essential part of this exciting trend. “We want to help raise the profile of kimchi and fermented foods here in Rhode Island
because it is a delicious, easy, and satisfying way to maintain gut health.” The idea for Chi Kitchen Foods was born years ago in Los Angeles, when Minnie decided that her passion was to start a healthy Asian food company. Following her career epiphany, she quit her job in California and moved her family to Providence in 2015 to start Chi Kitchen. The business was incubated at Hope & Main and now, after successfully selling her products one by one at farmers markets, her kimchi can be found in over 100 retail stores in New England. For those unfamiliar with the iconic Korean pickle, Napa cabbage is salted and fermented and then covered in an aromatic paste of ginger, garlic, onions, and red pepper, giving the
condiment a vibrant red color. The word kimchi in Korean translates to “salted vegetable” in English. The salting step is critical according to Minnie, because it fosters the growth of probiotic lactic acid bacteria already present in the vegetables. Along with this healthy digestive bacteria, Chi Kitchen’s products are non-GMO and preservative- and additive-free. There’s also a vegan option made without fish sauce to accommodate those on a plantbased diet. Chi Kitchen Kimchi can be found at Pantry at Avenue N, Greenline Apothecary, East Side Marketplace, Stock PVD, Olive Del Mundo, Urban Greens, Dave’s Market, and Whole Foods. 512-555, Mineral Spring Avenue, ChiKitchenFoods.com
East Side Monthly • July 2019 37
Food & Drink Food News
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East Side Monthly • July 2019
OPEN LATE
In Disney’s Ratatouille, Anton Ego, the merciless food critic of Paris, takes one bite of rat chef Remy’s ratatouille and is instantly brought back to his childhood. The movie flashes back to a scene in which his mother made him a rustic version of the classic French vegetable stew, and it made him feel comforted and loved. This is what food can do. It can bring you back in time, connect you with loved ones, and sustain cultural traditions throughout generations. In her new exhibition Memory Dishes, Brown University Fellow Johanna Obenda seeks to explore this very phenomenon through the cooking practices and shared histories of several local families in Providence. Inspiration for the exhibition was born out of happenstance when Johanna read High on The Hog: A Culinary Journey From Africa to America by Jessica Harris for her graduate capstone. This work eventually became a jumping-off point for her own research. From there, Johanna spent time with several local families in the Providence area who have different African diasporic backgrounds to learn about their contemporary cooking practices. What she found was that women are central to the propagation of cooking culture, knowledge, and tradition.
“When I first started this, I was really focused on the foods, but as I started to get to know the families, something that came out were these intergenerational connections, particularly the ways that cooking histories are passed down through women in families” says Johanna. In her work displayed at the Center for The Study of Slavery and Justice at Brown University, Johanna explores the fruits of her research through various modes of interactive media. A major focus of the presentation is the kitchen. The scholar sought to evoke all aspects of the kitchen through video, paneled pictures, cookbooks, a small herb garden, and various kitchen tools. If there’s one thing that the curator wants her audience to take away, it’s to get them thinking about their own culinary histories and the way that food and family have shaped their identities through everyday interaction. “I really hope we are highlighting the every day as a space where information is made, history is shared – just as a very significant space.” Memory Dishes is on display at Brown University’s Center for The Study of Slavery and Justice from now until the end of the summer. 94 Waterman Street, Brown.edu. -Lauren Vella
Photo courtesy of Brown University/The Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice
780 North Main Street Providence • 401-331-2020
Photo by Blueflash Photography courtesy of Amy’s Place
The Place To Be
Walking down Wickenden Street on a Sunday morning, you’ve probably seen Amy’s Place. The nook eatery has been there for almost 20 years, which is no small feat considering the barrage of restaurants that have come and gone on the East Side throughout the years. This summer, the breakfast/lunch joint is making cosmetic upgrades and rebranding. But aside from the face lift, it’s not the improvements that keep this spot going, it’s the service and what owner Amy Cary calls “good help.” The breakfast spot opened after Amy and her grandmother made a spur-of-the-moment decision to buy her current space. After graduating college, Amy realized that she wanted to open her own restaurant – working a food sales/service job on campus gave her an inkling about her career path. The owner recalls how she started out with low-cost equipment, using hot plates that plugged into the exposed kitchen’s wall. She later made major upgrades. When it comes to her methods of achieving success, Amy says that hard work, great service, and trustworthy staff has sustained the Wickenden mainstay. “[I’ve learned you have to] treat your staff like your family, and not work in your business, work for it.” The owner also loves interacting with the customers, especially when they are scarfing down a smoothie or her famous Hangover Sandwich. 214 Wickenden Street, AmysPlaceRI.com. -Lauren Vella
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of the Month This is our pal, Luna. She was rescued through “Friends of Homeless Animals” after being found on the side of the street in Mississippi. This sad story has a happy ending though as she was adopted by an amazing family who she adores. She’s a regular member of our Wagging Trails off-leash group and loves chasing balls. My favorite thing about her is the fact that she melts and gets weak in the knees when she sees me :)
DOG JOGGING, WALKING & OFF-LEASH EXCURSIONS 401-919-2267 • CanineCardioRI.com caninecardiocori@gmail.com 15% OFF First Excursion, Run or Walk 40
East Side Monthly • July 2019
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RESTAURANT GUIDE Key: B breakfast Br brunch L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+
PROVIDENCE AREA 10 Prime Steak & Sushi Fashionable prime steakhouse with award-winning sushi. 55 Pine St, Providence, 453-2333. LD $$$ Caserta Pizzeria Casual kid-friendly pizza spot offering traditional Italian crisp-cut pizza and calzones. 121 Spruce St, Providence, 621-3818. LD $-$$ CAV Eclectic cuisine and art in a historic setting. 14 Imperial Place, Providence, 751-9164. BrLD $$-$$$ Chapel Grille Gourmet food overlooking the Providence skyline. 3000 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston, 944-4900. BrLD $$$ Character’s Cafe & Theatre Hybrid art space with all-day breakfast, coffee, and theater-inspired entrees. 82 Rolfe Sq, Cranston, 490-9475. BL $ Don Jose Tequilas Restaurant Homestyle Mexican fare plus beer, wine, and cocktails in a colorful setting. 351 Atwells Ave, Providence, 454-8951. LD $-$$ Harry’s Bar & Burger Called the “Best Burger in America” by CNN. Over 50 craft beers. 121 N Main St, Providence, 2287437; 301 Atwells Ave, 228-3336. LD $-$$ Haruki Japanese cuisine and a la carte selections with casual ambience. Locations in Cranston and Providence, HarukiSushi.com. LD $-$$ Joe Marzelli’s Old Canteen Italian Restaurant High-end Italian restaurant serving up specialty dishes and drinks. 120 Atwells Ave, Providence. 751-5544. LD $$$ Julian’s A must-taste Providence staple celebrating more than 20 years. 318 Broadway, Providence, 861-1770. BBrLD $$ Luigi’s Restaurant & Gourmet Express
Handmade Italian classics and prepared foods to go. 1457 Hartford Ave, Johnston, 455-0045. LD $$ Luxe Burger Bar Build Your Own Burger: You dream it, we build it! 5 Memorial Blvd, Providence, 621-5893. LD $ Parkside Rotisserie & Bar American bistro specializing in rotisserie meats. 76 South Main St, Providence, 331-0003. LD $-$$ Pizza J Fun, upbeat atmosphere with thin-crust pizza, pub fare, and gluten-free options. 967 Westminster St, Providence, 632-0555. LD $-$$ Red Stripe Casual French-American bistro. 465 Angell St, Providence, 4376950; 455 Main St, East Greenwich, 3982900. BrLD $$ Siena Impeccable Italian cuisine. Locations in Providence, East Greenwich, and Smithfield, 521-3311. D $$-$$$ Sydney Providence Australian-inspired cafe and coffee shop featuring breakfast and light lunch options. 400 Exchange St, Providence, 648-4994. BL $-$$ The Salted Slate An agri-driven American restaurant with global influences. 186 Wayland Ave, Providence, 270-3737. BrLD $$-$$$ Tortilla Flats Fresh Mexican, Cajun, and Southwestern fare, cocktails, and over 70 tequilas. 355 Hope St, Providence, 7516777. LD $-$$ Twin Oaks Family restaurant serving an extensive selection of Italian and American staples. 100 Sabra St, Cranston, 781-9693. LD $-$$$
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East Side Monthly • July 2019 41
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RESTAURANT GUIDE
Champlin’s Seafood Dockside fresh seafood serving easy breezy cocktails. 256 Great Island Rd, Narragansett, 783-3152. LD $-$$
George’s of Galilee Fresh-caught seafood in an upscale pub atmosphere. 250 Sand Hill Cove Rd, Narragansett, 783-2306. LD $-$$
Coast Guard House A new American menu with a seafood emphasis and extensive wine list, open seven days a week. 40 Ocean Rd, Narragansett, 789-0700. BrLD $$$
Mariner Grille Seafood, steaks, and pasta in a fun setting, with live entertainment. 40 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett, 2843282. LD $$
Colvitto’s Pizza & Bakery Pizza Calzones and baked goods made fresh daily. 91 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett, 783-8086. BrLD $
Pasquale’s Pizzeria Napoletana Authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizza with exclusive ingredients imported from Naples. 60 S County Commons Way, South Kingstown, 783-2900. LD $-$$
Eleven Forty Nine City sophistication in the suburbs. 1149 Division St, Warwick, 884-1149. LD $$$
Red Stripe Casual French-American bistro. 465 Angell St, Providence, 437-6950; 455 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-2900. BrLD $$
42
East Side Monthly • July 2019
Siena Impeccable Italian cuisine. Locations in Providence, East Greenwich, and Smithfield, 521-3311. D $$-$$$ Sophie’s Brewhouse Espresso drinks and sandwiches with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. 699 S County Trail, Exeter, 295-4273. BL $$ Tavern by the Sea Waterfront European/ American bistro. 16 West Main St, Wickford, 294-5771. LD $$ The Cove Traditional bar and grill serving burgers, sandwiches, and classic New England seafood favorites. 3963 Old Post Rd, Charlestown, 364-9222. LD $$ Twin Willows Fresh seafood and water
RESTAURANT GUIDE
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Blount Market & Kitchen Traditional New England seafood summer favorites offered year-round for dine-in and takeout. 406 Water St, Warren, 2451800. LD $$ Bluewater Bar and Grill Casual restaurant with modern seafood dishes, patio seating, and live music. 32 Barton Ave, Barrington, 247-0017. LD $$-$$$ Chomp Upscale comfort food featuring award-winning burgers and sandwiches. 440 Child St, Warren, 289-2324. D $$ East Bay Oyster Bar Local seafood meets innovative preparation in a rustic setting. 308 County Rd, Barrington, 2470303. LD $$ Ichigo Ichie Traditional Japanese cuisine, creative sushi, and hibachi. 5 Catamore Blvd, East Providence, 4355511. LD $-$$$ KC’s Burger Bar Burgers, hot dogs, and sides enjoyed in a retro car-themed diner. 1379 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, MA. 508-557-1723. BLD $$
SUNDAY, JULY 14 10AM - 5PM Ranked #7 Fine Art Festival in the US by Sunshine Artist Magazine
P R OV I D E N C E
178 Wayland Avenue, Providence 621-6452 • milanclothiers.com
BLITHEWOLD’s Music at Sunset
Wednesdays, 6 – 8 pm, July 1 – August 2 Music, Picnics, Sailboats, and Sunsets! Sit back and relax the night away on the Great Lawn. Visit blithewold.org to see this summer’s fabulous concert schedule. Blithewold Mansion, Garden & Arboretum 101 Ferry Road | Bristol, RI 02809
Tav Vino Waterfront dining with an Italian and seafood focus. 267 Water St, Warren, 245-0231. D $$ The Old Grist Mill Tavern Fine dining located over the Runnins River. 390 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, MA, 508-336-8460. LD $-$$$
East Side Monthly • July 2019 43
July music | performance | social happenings | galleries | sports
THE TOP OF OUR LIST
10 events you can’t miss this month July 4: Enjoy the Fourth of July Fireworks display on a Providence River Boat ride
6
July 3: Slater Park Farmers Market officially opens this month, this time in a new location, day, and time. Every Wednesday through October, this marketplace will set up shop at Slater Park where families (and their pets!) can picnic and paddle boat. Slater Park, Pawtucket, Facebook: Slater Park Market
July 20: Snooze at the Zoo gives parents and kiddos the chance to spend a night at Roger Williams Park Zoo, engage in hands-on activities, and tour by flashlight. This night’s theme: Wild Workplace, where families can learn about zoo careers in vet care and conservation. 1000 Elmwood Avenue, RWPZoo.org
2
7
July 4: Grab the best seats in the house – er, the water – to watch this year’s Fourth of July fireworks. Book yours with Providence River Boat Company and enjoy the view when the vessel drops anchor in the harbor by India Point. Fox Point Marina, ProvidenceRiverBoat.com
3
July 16: The PawSox celebrates the team’s Hispanic community for a one-night special game. They will sport gear with the name Osos Polares de Pawtucket, feature Latin music and food, plus highlight Hispanic-focused nonprofits and players. 1 Columbus Avenue, Pawtucket, PawSox.com
4
July 20: John Mayer makes the Dunk the second stop in his 2019 North America tour. Showcasing the seven-time Grammy winner’s hits over the course of his career including “Your Body is a Wonderland” and “Heartbreak Warfare”. 1 LaSalle Square, DunkinDonutsCenter.com
8
July 23-August 11: Don’t miss your shot to see Hamilton as it finally makes its way onto PPAC’s stage. For those who aren’t familiar, it’s the tale of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton – told through hip hop. 220 Weybosset Street, PPACRI.org
9
July 18: Sparks fly on Chace Center Plaza as RISD hosts the Steel Yard’s mobile blacksmithing trailer. Sip on a specialty cocktail from The East End, sway to the sounds of Nova One with Roz Raskin, and step inside for more interactive installations and activities during Design the Night. 20 North Main Street, RISDMuseum.org
July 27: Our favorite teams on skates returns for a Roller Derby Double Header at Alex and Ani City Center! Watch PRD Juniors and Old Money Honeys take the track against last year’s winners the Sakonnet River Roller Rats. 2 Kennedy Plaza, ProvidenceRollerDerby.com
5
10
July 19: You may know him from the show The League or one of his many comedies like I Love You, Man or Dinner for Schmucks, but now you’ll know Nick Kroll as one of the stars at Columbus Theatre. Catch his live show this month. 270 Broadway, NickKrollPVD.Eventbrite.com
44
East Side Monthly • July 2019
July 28: BayFest welcomes summer with Puerto Rican flair. Food trucks, music, kids’ area, and kiosks pop up in India Point Park. India Point Park, Facebook: Puerto Rican Professional Association of Rhode Island
Photo courtesy Savannah Barkley for East Side Monthly
1
Food & Drink Calendar
MUSIC
arena & club | classical ARENA & CLUB COLUMBUS THEATRE July 6: Buck Meek (of Big Thief). July 14: Velvet Crush, DJ Ty Jesso. July 18: Conor Oberst with special guest Joanna Sternberg. July 19: Nick Kroll Live. July 27: Kurt Vile with special guest J Mascis. 270 Broadway, Providence. 621-9660, ColumbusTheatre.com FETE MUSIC HALL July 2: The Native Howl. July 6: Dave Ellefson with EARTH, SixteenX20, Sepsiss, Trial By Stone. July 13: The Big Kahuna 4 with Puddle of Mudd, Sponge, 40 Below Summer. July 26: Between the Buried and Me with The Contortionist, Nick Johnston. July 26: Mass of Man with Hunnid Dolla, Mack Harrison, Buff Da God, Quan Aqua Faust, ND Trip. July 27: Skold with Echo Black, Komrads & Deprived. July 28: Oh, Sleeper with Famous Last Words, Convictions, Empty, Outwaves. 103 Dike Street, Providence. 383-1112, FeteMusic.com THE MET July 2: Set It Off with Emarosa, Broadside, Lizzy Farrall. July 19: John Kadlecik Band. 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket. 729-1005, TheMetRI.com THE STRAND July 20: Elida Almeida & Helio Batalha. 79 Washington Street, Providence. 331-5876, TheStrandRI.com
PERFORMANCE comedy | theatre
COMEDY CONNECTION July 5-6: Dom Irrera. July 12: Michael Rapaport. 39 Warren Avenue, East Providence. 438-8383, RIComedyConnection.com THEATRE PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER July 23-August 11: Hamilton. 220 Weybosset
St, Providence. 421-2787, PPACRI.org
LEARN
1pm: Hope Street Farmers Market. Sundays 11am-3pm: Arcade Farmers Market. 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket. FarmFreshRI.org
discussion | instruction | tour
GALLERIES
HAMILTON HOUSE ADULT LEARNING EXCHANGE Ongoing: Early American Floor Cloth Workshop, Quilling, Theatre Reading, Poetry Workshop, Religious History of the United States, Yoga, Dance Exercise. 276 Angell Street, Providence. 831-1800, HistoricHamilton.com
RISD MUSEUM Through July 7: Bona Drag. Through August 4: Visions and Revisions. Through December 1: Gorham Silver. 20 North Main Street, Providence. 454-6500, RISDMuseum.org
LADD OBSERVATORY Open to the public on Tuesday evenings from 8 to 10pm, weather permitting. 210 Doyle Avenue. 863-2641, Brown.edu MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY AND PLANETARIUM Public Planetarium Shows on Saturdays and Sundays. Elmwood Avenue, Providence. 785-9457, ProvidenceRI.gov/Museum
SPORTS PAWTUCKET RED SOX July 1-3: vs. Scranton/WB. July 11-14: vs. Buffalo. July 15-18: vs. Louisville. July 19-21: vs. Charlotte. 1 Columbus Avenue, Pawtucket. 724-7300, PawSox.com
PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY LIBRARY July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: BabyBooks, Zumba4Toddlers, PVDYoung Makers Drop-in. July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Cradles to Crayons, Preschool Storytime, PVD Younger Makers. July 11, 18, 25: Ready for Kindergarten. July 16: Books and Movies of Faith. July 23: Fiddle N’ Fun. July 25: Vegetables to Plant in Late Summer. Rochambeau Library, 708 Hope Street, Providence. 272-3780, ProvComLib.org FOR FOODIES BOTTLES Thursdays 5–7pm: Spirit tasting. Fridays 4–7pm: Beer tasting. Saturdays 4–7pm: Wine tasting. 141 Pitman Street. 372-2030, BottlesFineWine.com FARM FRESH RHODE ISLAND Tuesdays 3-6pm: Woonsocket Year-Round Farmers Market. Fridays 11am-1pm: Harvest Kitchen Cooking Demo. Saturdays 9am-
East Side Monthly • July 2019 45
Business Spotlight
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East Side Monthly • July 2019
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Kitchen Guys 299 Walcott Street, Pawtucket 723-0500, KitchenGuys.com Mon-Wed 9am-5pm • Thurs 9am-7pm Fri 9am-5pm • Sat 9am-3pm
Business Spotlight
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C You all to A r Pe rson rrange al T our
The Dwares JCC is
YOUR Community Center. Membership is open to EVERYone regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexuality, ethnic background or family constellation. Fitness Center, Indoor Pool, Gymnasium, Early Childhood Center, After School Program, Family Programming, Cultural Arts and more!
Stop in or call to learn more!
In the heart of Providence’s East Side...
O
ne sign of a dynamic camp program is the focus of participatory inclusion for all ages, and at the JEWISH ALLIANCE’S DWARES JCC they continue that tradition. Michelle Cicchitelli, Alliance Senior Director of Youth and Family Engagement, explains, “We’re working to build the Pre-K camp connection with the upper camp themes.” This way, the younger kids get a true taste of the sports, nature, and outdoor experiences, which will start preparing them to be part of the larger camp program. And, as always, all lunches and snacks are included, towels are provided, and there is curbside drop-off/pickup service. Just have your child bring a swimsuit, a water bottle, and sunscreen at the start of each week, and you’re set. There are many electives and specialty programs for campers to choose from, so two children the same age could have completely different experiences. Activities range from art, science, cooking, nature, culture, sports (including tennis), along with gymnastics and drama. There is regularly scheduled swim time and weekly field trips. Downtime is allotted as well for playing oversized board games, reading under a tree, or just to daydream. CITs are receiving more leadership skill training in their particular areas of interest, and field trips are expanding to further destinations. Camp spaces are filling up, so contact the JCC and register your child today for a wonderful summer of fun! You don’t have to be Jewish or a JCC member to enroll.
The Dwares JCC 401 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence 421-4111 • JewishAllianceRI.org
Dwares
MEMORY CARE ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCE
Our uplifting environment and special approach to Alzheimer’s and dementia care have created a quality of life you simply can’t get anyplace else.
(401) 944-2450
Rhode Island
FOR A PERSONAL TOUR Convenient to US Hwy 6 and I-295 in Johnston, RI
401 Elmgrove Avenue | Providence, RI 02906 401.421.4111 | jewishallianceri.org
49 OLD POCASSET ROAD BriarcliffeGardens.com
FIND A WORRYFREE PRE-OWNED EUROPEAN CAR?
T.F. Morra Tree Care, Inc.
Sure! Choose color, features, mileage & your budget up front. Your dream car is hand-selected, vetted & warrantied. Plus expert service, free pick-up & delivery. Call for a Free Consultation
Ornamental and Shade Tree Specialists • fine hand pruning • tree preservation • hazard tree removal • tree evaluation & diagnosis • tree planting consultation 331-8527 • tfmorra.com
Largest Selection of Vintage Furniture
Reliable
FU RNITU RE G A LLE RY ty We Buy & Sell Quali
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881 Westminster Street, Providence | 861-6872 RJLGallery@gmail.com | ReliableJewelryAndLoan.com
ALSO OFFERING THE IDEAL PROTEIN WEIGHT LOSS METHOD “After a week of treatment, all the pain was gone... I recommend Dr. Tom to everyone I know.” – J.T.
Northeast Chiropractic DR. THOMAS MORISON Chiropractic Physician
401-861-1300 • 187 Waterman Street www.wickedgoodposture.com East Side Monthly • July 2019 47
SERVICE
“We Take Care!” Excellent References Reasonable Rates Trustworthy Reliable Miranda Home Services 345-8712 Advertise in the
SERVICE DIRECTORY For as low as
$45! CLASSIFIED LINE ADS Starting at:
$15 Per Month
DIRECTORY Robert Freitas RF Plastering
Prompt, Reliable Quality Work
Quality Plastering done right the first time!
Levine Painting Co., Inc.
Smooth ✱ Scroll ✱ Texture Water Damage Restoration Specializing in small repairs.
One day service. !""#$% 4 3 8 -0 0 1 7 &'(#)% 2 4 1 -5 0 7 6 Reg. #18183 & Insured
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R.W. Desrosiers Inc.
Guitar ✩ Voice ✩ Ukulele Music Theory ✩ Songwriting
Skills-based approach All ages & levels welcome Private/Group Lessons Introductory Packages Flexible & Encouraging “If it’s not fun, why do it?” mdt.renn@gmail.com
Interior/Exterior
Providence
Carpentry Renovations
LiCenSed • Bonded • inSured ri Contr 937 MP #1578 MPF 1355
House Cleaning If you need a house cleaner who is organized, with good prices and excellent references, call
401-475-3283 954-709-6713
Lead Certified Gutter Cleaning Chimney Pointing Roof Leak Repairs
Contact Sue At: SueH@RhodyBeat.com or call
401-732-3100 48
East Side Monthly • July 2019
R.I. Lic 7140 Liab/ Work Comp Insured
We Specialize in painting & carpentry
Experts in Water Problems
From Roofs, Gutters & Basements
Reg. #1903 Insured 40 Years Experience
Over 20 years of experience on historical homes Certified Lead Renovated LRM #0514 RI Reg #7320 • Fully insured GET IT DONE! CALL TODAY!
248-5248
Call Al Medina (401) 438-8771 or (401) 323-8252
Vinny’s Landscaping & BOBCAT SERVICE
The Finest in New England Craftmanship
New Lawns Installed
Seed or Sod Power Raking Augering Hammering Rototilling Screened Loam Free Estimates
Deadline for August East Side Monthly: July 2nd
(401) 885-1580 • (401) 323-6100 cell
David Onken Painting
Complete Plumbing & Heating Service
723-0560
Interior, Exterior, Residential/Commercial Wallpaper Hanging, Power Washing, Staining 25 Years Experience
Call 4 9 7 -1 4 6 1
Boreal Remodeling General Home Repair, including Kitchens,Baths, Decks & Additions Reg. # 22013
Michael Packard • (401) 441-7303 Like the Three Bears, We’ll find the right Medicare Option for You!
Brier & Brier Insurance & Employee Benefits Jeffrey G. Brier CLU, ChFC, CASL 469 Angell Street • Suite 2 • Providence • 02906 120 Lavan St. • Warwick • 02888 • 401-751-2990 cell 401-837-4475 • fax 401-633-6658 • www.brier-brier.com
STONE MASON 40 yrs. exp. Stone, brick, veneers, walls, fireplaces, patios, chimneys, pavers. Design work. Reg. #7445. Call 641-0362. lousstonework.com HANDYMAN Specializing in exceptional results for repairs & small jobs. On time, professional & extremely clean. Reg. #40738. clearproppvd@gmail.com HOUSE CLEANING Experienced. Local references. Free estimates. Call Lilly, 401-419-2933.
HOME & BUSINESS SERVICES
BEYOND THE PALE Quality interior painting, color consulting, lead certified, green products. Lic. #15914. Call Mike 401-573-4498. SUPERB HOUSEPAINTING High end workmanship. Small jobs a specialty. Call Ron 751-3242. Reg. #18128. MALIN PAINTING Most ceiling & wall repairs, wallpaper removal, oil-based & latex finishes, staining, varnishing. Fully insured, Many local references. Safe, secure, fast service. 226-8332. Reg. #19226.
RI REG. #3984 MA HIC REG. #164199 CT REG. #HIC.0673137
We’ll create a dream space you’ll love. Thinking of remodeling? Our complimentary workshops are a great place to start! Learn the latest innovations, styles and trends, meet our award-winning designers, see examples of recent RIKB projects and explore even more trends in our inspirational showroom displays. Multi-Room Renovations Thursday, July 25th | 5:30-7:00 pm
Top Remodeling Mistakes Saturday, August 24th | 9:30-11:00 am
10 Steps to a Successful Remodel Thursday, August 8th | 5:30-7:00 pm
10 Steps to a Successful Remodel Saturday, September 7th | 9:30-11:00 am
Pre-register for all events at RIKB.com/events 401-463-1550 • 139 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, RI 02888
DOROTHY’S CLEANING We clean your home as our own! References & free estimates. 401-524-7453 or 401-228-6273.
Golden Crest Nursing Centre
Celebrating
PIONEER BASEMENT The healthy choice for wet basements, crawl spaces, moisture & air quality control. Foundation repair. Certified. Insured. Reg. #3934. Cell 401-215-7985 or 1-800-649-6140. EAST SIDE HANDYMAN Carpentry, painting & repairs. Small jobs welcome. References. Insured. 401-524-6421. Reg. #3052. HOUSE CLEANING Honest, hard worker, years of experience. Excellent references. Free estimates. Call Renata 516-135
WANTED
PROPERTY MANAGER Available. On call 24/7. Rent collection. Rentals, evictions, maintenance. 421-0092. USED MUSIC WANTED! Round Again Records needs your used CDs and records. Cash paid. 351-6292. I BUY BOOKS Old, used and almost new. Also photography, art, etc. jcminich1@gmail.com 286-9329.
50 YEARS Of Service!
Compassion Commitment Consistency EXCEPTIONAL NURSING HOME & POST-SURGERY REHAB CARE Compassion
Putting the needs of others first
Commitment
Dedication to service and the pursuit for excellence
Consistency
Providing the best possible nursing care service, always
100 Smithfield Road, North Providence • 353–1710 • GCNCare.com — Family Owned & Operated By The Pezzelli Family —
East Side Monthly • July 2019 49
EAST SIDER By Amanda M. Grosvenor
Environmental Impact Painter, sculptor, and printmaker Mea Duke approaches her subjects with a documentarian’s eye, negotiating and navigating them through multiple angles. They often include marine-related objects like shipping containers or life preservers, but sometimes it’s shrink-wrapped toys or human portraits. “I’m not trying to tear it apart or to put it on a pedestal,” Mea says. “I’m trying to show a different perspective.” Half of Mea’s creative process includes researching and methodically planning out each individual work of art. Her canvases sometimes take on added dimensions: she has combined panels to mimic the upturned corner of a shipping container, as if mid-submersion. A canvas life preserver might appear white, but its subtle glowing reflection against the wall belies neon orange paint on the other side. Her
50
East Side Monthly • July 2019
final thesis project covered four massive 49.5” x 97.5” canvases with images of Maersk shipping containers from wildly different perspectives: on the far horizon, up close, bird’s-eye, and one in its death throes sinking into the sea, inspired by an actual devastating wreck. Born and raised in Providence, Mea grew up around art, thanks largely to her grandfather who was a gallery owner. After graduating with a BFA in Studio Art & Art History from URI, Mea earned her MFA at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University. Mea moved back to Providence’s East Side not long after landing a teaching position at Harvard University last year, which she appreciates for its Bauhaus-style method. Teaching is a good fit because it means she doesn’t have to rely on her artwork to make money, which would “corrupt my intentions
and motivations,” she says, describing herself as “kind of a quiet activist.” Mea credits her interest in oceanic subjects with growing in the Ocean State. Her experience led her to consider “our political and economic relationships with the global shipping industry and environmental impact of maritime operations.” From a technical standpoint, painting forms the core of her approach: “Sculptural work is still painting to me,” she says. She also loves the methodical, deliberate process of printmaking. “The way I layer a print is the same way I layer a painting – the same principles apply.” Mea has won several awards and grants, and her work has been exhibited at more than 20 shows in New England, New York, and California. She currently works out of her studio on Fountain Street in Pawtucket.
Photography by Brandon Harmon
Mea Duke explores maritime issues through art
‘THE BUTTERFLY HOUSE’ | 700 GREAT ROAD LINCOLN, RI | $1,249,000
100 LENIHAN LANE EAST GREENWICH, RI | $949,000
SOLD
4 MELLISSA CIRCLE SMITHFIELD, RI | $1,199,900
101 NORTH MAIN STREET #400 EAST SIDE OF PROV, RI | $935,000
50 BENEFIT STREET EAST SIDE OF PROV, RI | SOLD: $850,000
LILA DELMAN REAL ESTATE OF PROVIDENCE 369 SOUTH MAIN STREET | 401.274.1644
1258 DOUGLAS PIKE SMITHFIELD, RI | $829,900
43 Thayer Street East Side of Providence $845,000 401.274.6740
51 Prospect Street East Side of Providence $2,250,000 401.274.6740
See the Video Tour at 51ProspectStreet.com
See the Video Tour at 43Thayer.com
#1 in RI Homes Sold Four Consecutive Years *
251 Olney Street East Side of Providence $829,900 401.274.6740
Barrington Cumberland East Greenwich Narragansett Providence West Side PVD Relocation
401.245.9600 401.333.9333 401.885.8400 401.783.2474 401.274.6740 401.457.3400 800.886.1775
*This statement is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the State-Wide Multiple Listing Service. The MLS does not guarantee and is not in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Based on information from Statewide Multiple Listing Service, Inc. for 1995-2018 as of January 2019.
21 Barnes Street East Side of Providence $1,165,000 401.274.6740
143 Irving Street East Side of Providence $479,000 401.274.6740
See the Video Tour at 21Barnes.com
157 Waterman St, Unit 2-5 East Side of Providence $529,000 401.274.6740
Kettle Point East Providence From the High $400,000s 401.553.6389
See the Video Tour at KettlePointHomes.com