Providence Monthly December 2020

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IN THIS ISSUE

Providence Monthly December 2020

39

THE ART OF SURVIVAL

Providence’s major arts venues get even more creative to face new challenges

Photo by Dylan Gyles, courtesy of Festival Ballet

NEWS & CITY LIFE

ART & CULTURE

11 New travel column showcases a visit to Westerly

51 A business focused on decorative pieces for Jewish holidays

12 Providence churches adapt holiday services

53 Costuming actors for A Christmas Carol during COVID-19

14 Organizations share about the road ahead for racial justice 16 Rhody Gem: A local sewing studio 18 Neighborhood News: What’s going on in the city right now

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54 Public art banners thank Latinx frontline workers

FOOD & DRINK

56 CALENDAR

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LIFE & STYLE 25 Three artful roomies make a shared West End pad their own 32 A sit-down with The Rhode Show’s hilarious Brendan Kirby 34 Shop handmade for the holidays at Craftland

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61 Meet self-proclaimed Cheese Princess and PC student 62 The sweet story behind successful new cookie biz 64 Food News: Spanish tapas, Italian eats to-go, and a food truck’s new digs 66 RESTAURANT GUIDE 74 PIC OF PVD

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

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IS THE SEASON

As 2020 draws to a close, by any measurement, it has not been an easy year for any of us. So not surprisingly, this December will bear scant resemblance to the jolly holiday seasons we all remember. The ongoing pandemic has already forced the Governor to curtail some of our traditional Thanksgiving family festivities with regulations. As we go to press, Christmas and Chanukah are hanging on…but just barely.

Meanwhile, the restaurants that have always provided gathering spots for parties or impromptu tête-à-têtes are few and far between, and certainly being heavily masked doesn’t exactly enhance the spirit.

Especially disappointing is that the virus has also led to the closing of all our performing arts facilities, with most traditions we’ve come to celebrate over the years being eliminated as well. No Scrooge or Ghosts of Christmas Past on stage at Trinity this year. No Handel or Christmas Pops. And while The Nutcracker will still be performed

by Festival Ballet, thanks to a grant from the State, it will be outdoors on Hope Street under heat lamps for a few hundred people, not on the huge stage at PPAC in front of thousands.

Fortunately, our local practitioners of the theatrical and performing arts are an incredibly talented lot. Check out our cover story, which explains how each organization is moving ahead with a “the show must go on” gusto to make sure there will

be plenty of holiday spirit, albeit virtual, despite financial stresses. Find web URLs for each, so you can access any streaming or Zoom events and even donate to relief funds for employees.

During this season of generosity, they deserve our support.

Also truly deserving of patronage are the small retailers throughout the city, many of whom rely heavily on the holiday season for their livelihood. We suggest that you consider replacing some of those online visits to Amazon for local options first, which are dressed up in their holiday best and packed with handcrafted goodies for your gift-giving needs (even some available for safe curbside pickup). Plus, the joy of helping your neighbor weather the current financial crisis can’t be beat.

Finally, we’d like to thank all of our friends and neighbors for your support as we have happily returned to publication. We pledge to do our best to inform, entertain, and hopefully enrich this wonderful city we are so proud to have been a part of for almost 45 years. We urge you to let us know any ways you feel we can better serve our community.

We also hope you will check out our newly expanded web presence on HeyRhody.com, where you can treat yourself to web-exclusive stories, upcoming events, and check out content from our other magazines, which cover the rest of our beautiful state.

Happy holidays!

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

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NEWS & CITY LIFE A d ve n t A d a p t s | A n t i - R a c i s m R e s o u r c e s | R h o d y G e m | N e i g h b o r h o o d N e w s

Fondue Village

Rhode Trippin’: Providence to Westerly The seaside town transforms for Christmastime with shopping, tradition, and no shortage of cheer Some say that Rhode Islanders don’t like going anywhere more than 10 minutes from home, but with the travel bug biting, many of us are now looking for in-state ideas for an afternoon, daytrip, or staycation. Each month, Bob Curley, author of 100 Things to Do in Rhode Island Before You Die, will share about places to go within our own state border – starting with a road trip to Westerly.

The holiday season may be first and foremost about faith and family, but there’s also a yearning for simpler times woven into our Christmas celebrations and rituals. When I’m in the mood for some real-world Peace on Earth, for example, I enjoy a silent night of walking the streets of Newport, with the windows of its colonial homes lit by flickering candles. But when I’m channeling Dickens — and maybe a little Ralphie Parker — I prefer to bundle up and head down to Westerly.

In normal times, Westerly comes alive during the holidays with a shopping stroll, Santa’s arrival in Dixon Square, and a concert by the Chorus of Westerly. But while things will be different in 2020, even COVID-19 can’t kill the spirit of Christmas.

Santa Claus will still be coming to town, but this year he’ll be greeting kids in a drive-through event at the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce that will also feature a light display and an outdoor holiday market. “Westerly is committed to maintaining the magic of the holidays and salvaging every time-honored tradition that we can,” says Chamber President Lisa Konicki.

As always, historic Wilcox Park will be open until 9pm nightly so you can wander the manicured grounds of the Victorian-era park to visit the town’s Christmas tree — it’s particularly beautiful with a dusting of snow on the ground. The outdoor Washington Trust Community Skating Rink on

Main Street will be open for socially distanced skating all winter long, as well. Hot chocolate is served to keep you warm between laps, or you can pick up coffee at the Savoy Bookstore & Cafe or some hot cider at Perks & Corks, both on High Street.

Downtown’s compact business district is right-sized for holiday gift shopping, with favorites like Christina’s Ltd. and Woodmansee’s gift boutique housed in beautiful brick-faced storefronts reminiscent of an English market town. On the other hand, Westerly’s grand public buildings, including the columned post office and the elegant town library, offer season’s greetings from classic small-town America — perfect for a nostalgic walk on tree-lined streets lit with festive white lights.

As usual, Westerly’s Ocean House — along with its sister hotel the Weekapaug Inn — is going all out for the holidays. The grand Victorian hotel in Watch Hill will raise a Christmas tree of its own on Thanksgiving weekend, kicking off a season of holiday events including classes on making gingerbread houses, Christmas centerpieces, and yule logs.

Kids can have Sunday brunch with Santa at either hotel, and special menus will be offered for a Christmas Eve Feast of the Fishes, along with Christmas Day brunch and dinner. The Weekapaug Inn’s Cinema Under the Stars series will feature holiday movies like Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Miracle on 34th Street.

If ever there was a year to say goodbye to, it’s 2020. The Ocean House sends the old year packing in style with a New Year’s Eve dinner and New Year’s Day brunch, though you’ll have to book a weekend stay to join the party. Feeling hopeful about 2021? Cozy up to a dune at nearby Napatree Point to greet the sunrise on January 1 (or maybe do your own personal polar plunge?), then warm up at the Cooked Goose, one of the state’s top breakfast joints. | By Bob Curley

Photo courtesy of Ocean House ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

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NEWS & CITY LIFE

A dv e nt A da pt s | By Megan Schmit

Acts of Faith Churches around Providence find meaningful ways to connect during the holidays

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ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

First Baptist Church and wreath-making gatherings, an all-church Zoom viewing of Trinity Rep’s A Christmas Carol, a booklet of daily Advent meditations, and even a Reverse Advent Calendar crowdfund for transitional housing for youth through House of Hope. “[We’ve] been able to keep our congregation unified and active by adapting, adapting, adapting!” says Felts. Similarly, the First Baptist Church in America will continue online services, but Reverend Jamie Washam shares that they will also be offering two outdoor events: a live Nativity on December 13 and a Christmas Eve Service of Bells & Light, both held on the Meeting House grounds.

Others are keeping things simple. The Holy Ghost Church on Federal Hill is still hosting Mass via livestream and in-person with proper distancing and masks required.

Renaissance Church, Axtmann says, will be offering Sunday services both online and in-person as well, which means just a third of the sanctuary’s 300-person capacity.

“Normally at Christmas and Easter, we aim to get as many new people to attend as possible,” Axtmann explains, “but we can’t really do that with all the restrictions.”

However, the “Ren” has found a way to bring a different kind of service for Christmas.

“I don’t mean church service,” says Axtmann, “but mobilizing the church in service to the city.” This initiative falls under the church’s CityLove program, which involves “urban missionaries” to design works of art and serve local nonprofits in an effort to contribute to the common good of the community. While at press time the specifics had not been firmed up, for the holidays the church hopes to give out a small number of personalized gifts with handwritten cards to specific groups in need, like refugees at the Refugee Dream Center, homeless women at Crossroads, teachers, and a nursing home – to name just a few.

“The Christmas story took place in a liminal, disruptive time,” explains Reverend Washam of First Baptist Church. “As we traverse through a season of tumult and upheaval in our neighborhoods, nation, and earth, we might better understand the bewilderment of that small family, seeking shelter and making do with whatever they could find.” Check your local place of worship to see how they are adapting holiday services this year.

Photo courtesy of First Baptist Church

If we thought we lived in a digital world before the pandemic, we do now more than ever. Places of work, performance, art, and learning have been forced, by mandate, to occupy a virtual space, but as we approach the holidays, a particular community cornerstone is at the forefront for many: places of faith.

In 2019, Barna Group (specializing in research on the intersection of faith and culture) released their annual report ranking the top ten “post-Christian cities”, or locations lacking in Christian identity, belief, and practice. Providence ranked number three, despite having well over 50 churches in city proper. This is a statistic that fascinates Renaissance Church’s lead pastor, Scott Axtmann, who adds that several new churches have popped up in the last decade for this exact reason.

“What I find most interesting about pastoring for almost 20 years in the city is the people who aren’t religious at all but are drawn to the church,” offers Axtmann.

“People who are ‘spiritual but not religious’ but somehow end up having a powerful experience with God. People who are profoundly suspicious or jaded by all things church but who end up falling in love with the faith community.” That, he adds, is how his story began in 1989. “These are the kinds of new people who find their way to services at Christmas.”

However, in a city already struggling with faith, and now physically distanced from its current and, as Axtmann poses, would-be worshippers, how do churches plan to rethink outreach and engagement at this critical time?

Some, like Beneficent Church, have elaborate plans in the works, like a lineup of Advent activities they’ve been developing since August. “Under normal circumstances, the Advent season at Beneficent tends to be weighted toward in-person, sensory experiences,” says Reverend and Senior Minister Elizabeth Chandler Felts, citing hanging the greens, sharing special foods, and an emphasis on candlelight and music. In lieu of that, Beneficent is adapting as many traditions as possible to be enjoyed at home: virtual worship

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NEWS & CITY LIFE

A nt i - Ra c i sm Resources | By Megan Schmit

Progressing Providence Organizations reflect on the fight for racial justice in funding, education, and neighborhoods 40 years, and Stages of Freedom for five,” says Dimmick. “Everything we do is towards recognizing Black history is a shared history – white people cannot separate themselves.”

Programming centers around celebrating and recognizing the power of Black life in Rhode Island. They host tea parties for young Black girls at Lippitt Mansion, where they wouldn’t have been allowed until the ‘80s. They teach Black children how to swim, in an effort to end a major health disparity. Then there’s the “behind the curtain” work, explains Rickman, like connecting with the Rhode Island Foundation, which recently announced an $8.5 million fund for community investment in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“That’s the kind of thing we need more of,”

Rickman says. He points to the advertisements major corporations have released in support of Black Lives Matter and insists that, beyond rhetoric, big companies need to offer new programming, efforts, and money. “I think every single entity – media, corporations, public schools, foundations – all of them need to stop and create an audit right now,” says Rickman.

“Ask, how white is our staff? Who do we give our money to? Do we spend any money with anyone Black or brown?” The effort, he says, needs to go beyond hanging a BLM sign in the window: “If you are doing something, do more, and if you are doing nothing, do something.”

That “something” starts with awareness that racism exists not just within individuals but institutions. “There is no educational justice without

ARISE was honored as one of our Who to Watch 2020 and continues to push for racial and educational justice in Providence

Photography by Mike Cevoli

“This reminds me of the ‘60s,” begins Ray Rickman as he reflects on 2020, comparing it to the peak of the Civil Rights Movement. Rickman, a seasoned activist with a history rooted in local politics, runs Stages of Freedom – a nonprofit organization and museum dedicated to promoting African American history – alongside co-founder Robb Dimmick. What Rickman says rings true; this year has been fraught with civil unrest. Stories of discrimination, police brutality, and the subsequent protests and riots in response have permeated the American psyche. But this isn’t just a hot topic emerging for one very unconventional year; it’s an ongoing battle that started long before George Floyd’s death made headlines in May. “We’ve been doing our work for close to

I live here.

I work here. racial justice,” is the collective statement made by executive director Chanda Womack and anti-racist educators Ngan Nguyen and O’Sha Williams. The trio is part of ARISE, an organization that works to prepare, promote, and empower Southeast Asian students in Rhode Island through policy and programming. “By acknowledging that we exist in a racialized society, then evaluating how that impacts the quality and efficacy of our education systems, we will be able to more appropriately assure every learner, every youth, and every community that their unique needs matter.”

ARISE has made waves in Providence with several initiatives, including the Providence Alliance for School Safety (formed in connection with PrYSM and Providence Student Union) to campaign for police-free schools and expanded mental health resources; OurSchoolsPVD alliance in response to the state takeover, demanding students be at the table when it comes to decision-making; and a Student-Centered Ethnic Studies course, which is offered in three different high schools.

“We equip ARISE youth with the tools to navigate existing institutions as well as provide them with the political education to change systems that do not serve them as whole people,” say Womack, Nguyen, and Williams.

Our education system, however, is just one of many City structures that is being reexamined. “Do our groups reflect the neighborhoods we’re claiming to serve and represent?” asks Dwayne Keys, who heads the South Providence Neighborhood Association. “We saw the racial disparity even before 2020.” He notes that the SPNA is the only neighborhood group led by a person of color and under 40, despite the fact much of Providence is BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color). “We wanted to be intentional about activities that reflected the City’s population,” he says. “We ask the neighbors what they really want to focus on, and that’s how we lead.”

As a result, the SPNA’s docket is rich with initiatives related to issues affecting their neighborhood: racial disparities in historic preservation, participation in the

Health Equity Zone, and redevelopment of the Barbara Jordan II apartments, an affordable housing complex vacant since being deemed uninhabitable in 2017. Keys and the SPNA have also been crucial in discussions over tax inequality, when last year properties were assessed and those located in the predominantly wealthy, white neighborhoods decreased in value (and thus property tax) while those in the remainder of the city increased significantly.

“It didn’t seem fair,” says Keys, who is part of the City’s commission to study a progressive, tiered system of property tax. He brought up the question of how property values are assessed. “When we’re talking about racism and anti-racism,” he says, “we have to take a look at all of our systems.”

With 2020 coming to a close, following a landmark election and the pandemic still in full swing, the pursuit of racial justice might feel more overwhelming than ever.

There have been small victories, sure, like the successful motion to remove “Providence Plantations” from the state name and the Mayor’s Plan for Reparations. Yet, there are countless opportunities to engage in the good fight. Keys urges people to first ask their BIPOC neighbors what they feel needs to be done, by whom, and how. Rickman and Dimmick at Stages of Freedom ask that individuals and corporations make intentional use of their funds. ARISE leaders outline ways to get involved through following, sharing, volunteering, and amplifying educational justice work. And beyond these three, there are dozens of meaningful groups to join or support in Providence.

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” says Keys.

“You may find that there are things about the city and about yourself that you may not be proud of, that you may find have been racist, but find ways to forgive yourself, understand what it is that was the harm done, and then commit to and act on changing that.”

For more information, visit ARISEEducation. org, SouthPVD.org, and StagesOfFreedom.org.

I love it here!

Call Joe Roch

401-440-7483 Happily helping buyers and sellers in Providence and throughout Rhode Island

JoeRoch.com jroch@residentialproperties.com ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

15

NEWS & CITY LIFE

By Abbie Lahmers

West Side Sewing Studio Craft Studio 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!

What it is: A sewing studio outfitted with machines for student use and individualized instruction for all projects and skill levels.

What makes it a Rhody Gem? With open-structured classes, sewists can design their own curriculum around, for instance, stitching their own pair of custom pants with a flashy fabric they found or even just learning the ropes on a new sewing machine. Owner and instructor Patti Barnett assures that she has made almost every sewing mistake in the book on her journey to learning the craft and will be right there to help students fix any blunders that crop up along the way. Says one student, “Whether you’ve been sewing for years or don’t know your bobbin from your seam ripper, Patti and West Side Sewing Studio is the only place to spend a little time at the cutting table.” For folks looking to tackle a new project with a little guidance, weekly sessions are kept small for social distancing and individualized attention to see that vision to reality in a supportive, community-oriented atmosphere.

West Side Sewing Studio 27 Sims Avenue WestSideSewingStudio.com @westsidesewingstudio

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ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

Photo courtesy of West Side Sewing Studio

Where to find it: Watch for the sign with sewing shears posted on the Steel Yard’s office building on Sims Avenue, where the studio can be found on the first floor.

To submit your Rhody Gem, please email Abbie@ProvidenceOnline.com

NEWS & CITY LIFE

N e i ghbo r ho o d News | Curated by A b b i e L a h m e r s

Neighborhood News A space made available to Providence’s neighborhood associations free of charge.

HOT TOPICS

An overview of what’s happening around the city right now

Competition underway for railway bridge For the past year, Fox Point neighbors have debated the fate of the Crook Point Bascule Bridge, the railway bridge over the Seekonk River that has been frozen in the “up” position for nearly 45 years. Several neighbors spoke in favor of restoring the structure at a pre-COVID-19 meeting of the Fox Point Neighborhood Association, saying that the bridge provides a special, even iconic, sense of place for residents and passersby. Others pointed to the dire state of the City budget and contended that the benefits of restoration don’t outweigh the costs. Since then, there has been movement to restore or reuse the structure in some way. Not only has the Providence Preservation Society placed the bridge on its annual Most Endangered Properties list, but the City has also initiated a design competition “to solicit creative ideas” for its reuse.

Entries will be considered throughout the winter and early spring, with the help of jurors from a variety of spheres, including representation from neighborhood organizations.

Stay in-the-know with the Jewelry District Association’s new website The Jewelry District Association recently launched their new website, which includes news, updates, and features about this ever-changing area of our city. As development continues to remake the District, the website will keep neighbors up-to-date on construction, new proposals, and any issues that arise. It also provides information about the district’s history, items of current interest, and glimpses of life in the neighborhood yesterday and today.

The calendar lists JDA meeting dates and other upcoming events. Free monthly public meetings welcome all to attend and consist of a lively forum on issues of the day, with presentations by people behind new development projects and a variety of other special guests. Meetings start at 5pm on the second Tuesday of the month. Past Zoom meetings, from June through October, can be viewed via links on the website, too. To attend their next meeting, visit JewelryDistrict.org/JDA-Meetings and click on “Next Meeting”. For issues and concerns or to add a calendar item, click “Contact” to let them know.

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ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

Photo by Nadia Pollock, courtesy of FPNA

Experience.

Integrity.

Results.

Crook Point Bascule Bridge

Holiday strolls continue in Wayland Square Wayland Square has been alive with people and events all fall! Columbus Day weekend and Halloween featured closed streets, outdoor dining, activities for families, and treasure hunts. The Wayland Square Merchants Association has taken the lead on keeping stores open later and finding ways to safely keep folks in the square through the holiday season. Holiday Flare in the Square kicked off in November with continued outdoor dining, extended retail hours, live music, and festive pop-up shops, with the possibility of more free parking. The shopping event will continue December 5-6, 12-13, and 19-20.

November Wayland Square Neighborhood Association meeting topics included development, supporting residents and merchants, and connecting with City Councilors.

Cranston Street Armory reuse and renovation The State held virtual public forums in October for two development teams to present proposals for the renovation and reuse of the West End historic “castle”, the Cranston Street Armory. Responding to a request for proposals that outlined community priorities for the space, both submissions incorporate local business and nonprofit proponents, public access to the building, and consideration for the history behind the structure.

The first proposal, submitted by the BCRI Group, aims to develop a reimagined Armory that serves all by offering human and community development, according to project lead Brittany Claud. Various new uses would range from a film and TV studio and office spaces to a food hall concept and arts and cultural events, among others. Second, urban design and development group Scout proposes a three-phase plan to transform the Armory into a neighborhood hub by creating an outdoor stage for public programming, reopening the hall as a public space venue, and occupying the basement and towers with small businesses. Both presentations and Q&A sessions can be viewed online, and the West Broadway Neighborhood Association encourages folks to learn more and offer feedback. CranstonStreetArmory.org

CALL Gerri Schiffman (401) 474-3733

A Trusted Advocate for Buyers & Sellers for 27 Years gerrischiffman.com

residentialproperties.com gerri@residentialproperties.com ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

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NEWS & CITY LIFE

N e i ghbo r ho o d News

Providence Neighborhood Associations

Mount Hope Community Center 401-521-8830 MHNAInc@gmail.com Facebook: Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc.

Blackstone Parks Conservancy Jane Peterson P.O. Box 603141, Providence, RI 02906 401-270-3014 BlackstoneParks@gmail.com BlackstoneParksConservancy.org

Olneyville Neighborhood Association Eduardo Sandoval 122 Manton Avenue, Box 8 Providence, RI 02909 ONAProvidence@gmail.com Facebook: Olneyville Library

College Hill Neighborhood Association Rick Champagne P.O. Box 2442, Providence, RI 02906 CHNA@chnaprovidence.org CHNAProvidence.org

Providence Coalition of Neighborhood Associations Info@provcna.org ProvCNA.org

Downtown Neighborhood Association DNAPVD@gmail.com DNAPVD.com Facebook: Providence Downtown Neighborhood Association, DNA Elmwood Neighborhood Association Karen Hlynsky ENA-PVD.org Facebook: Elmwood Neighborhood Association PVD Fox Point Neighborhood Association Meeting Date: December 14 Amy Mendillo P.O. Box 2315, Providence, RI 02906 FoxPointNeighborhood@gmail.com FPNA.net Jewelry District Association Meeting Date: December 8 Sharon Steele Sharon@sharonsteele.com JewelryDistrict.org Facebook: Jewelry District Association Providence, RI Mile of History Association Wendy Marcus c/o Providence Preservation Society 24 Meeting Street Providence, RI 02903 MileOfHistory@gmail.com MileOfHistory.org

Reservoir Triangle Neighborhood Association David Talan 25 Santiago St. Providence, RI 02907 401-941-3662 DaveTalan@aol.com Smith Hill Partners’ Initiative Wole Akinbi 400 Smith Street Providence, RI 02908 Suite #1 AAkinbi@half-full.com Facebook: Smith Hill Partners’ Initiative South Elmwood Neighborhood Association Eleanor Borge and Al Jeffries SouthElmwoodNA@gmail.com Facebook: So. Elmwood Neighborhood Association

South Providence Neighborhood Association c/o Dwayne Keys P.O. Box 5653 Providence, RI 02903 401-369-1334 SouthProvNeighbors@gmail.com Facebook: South Providence Neighborhood Association Summit Neighborhood Association Meeting date: December 21 P.O. Box 41092 Providence, RI 02940 401-400-0986 SNAProv@gmail.com SummitNeighbors.org Washington Park Neighborhood Association 237 Washington Avenue Providence, RI 02905 BettyLinda@aol.com Facebook: Washington Park Association Wayland Square Neighborhood Association Katherine Touafek Facebook: Wayland Square Neighborhood Association WaylandSquareNeighbors@gmail.com West Broadway Neighborhood Association 1560 Westminster Street Providence, RI 02909 401-831-9344 WBNA@wbna.org WBNA.org

Wayland Square Photo courtesy of Wayland Square Neighborhood Association

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ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

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LIFE & STYLE Home | Influencer | Shop

The dining area is used as a shared workspace

Collectively Eclectic How a trio of roommates make a West End apartment uniquely their own “We love living in Providence, specifically because it’s close to where we grew up and where our parents live in South Kingstown, but far enough and completely different,” says Abby Brown of the West End apartment she has shared with childhood bestie Rose Kenyon for more than two years, and Tyler Morris, who moved in last November after two years of traveling. “Providence provides the diversity and culture that we love, and proximity to the beaches we grew up on.”

Photos courtesy of Abby Brown ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

25

LIFE & STYLE Home | By Elyse Major Together the three creatives – Brown, an editorial designer, Kenyon, a digital marketer, and Morris, a landscape designer – share a sensibility that can best be described as bohemian. “We think that our styles are collectively eclectic and work well together,” says Morris. Brown agrees and chimes in, “You can see a difference in style when you look at our individual rooms, but for the most part, we think our styles really come together in the living space. We all enjoy second-hand items, art, cozy vibes, and plants.”

Like many shared abodes, furniture is a combined mix of family heirlooms and castoffs, upcycled trash-night scores, and quick builds like the standing desk fashioned from a wide plank of wood across two file cabinets.

There are also unique accents from travels, like prints from New Zealand and textiles from India. The friends also enjoy a good craft and wine night at home, which has resulted in much of the apartment’s decor.

“People think you have to buy expensive

This painting, by Dylan Partridge, sets an artful tone above the record player

Photos courtesy of Abby Brown

Want your home featured in Providence Monthly?

Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com to learn more

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ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

27

LIFE & STYLE

H o me | by Elyse Major

art, but local postcards and prints in a thrifted frame are just as beautiful,” says Kenyon, who also enjoys higher-end acquisitions from local artists like a four-foot nude figure painting she bought at a Rhode Island College auction and another commissioned by the group from high school friend, Dylan Partridge.

“We were sitting at the bar where he was bartending at The Point on Wickenden. Essentially, after a couple of drinks, we tipped him $300 to make us a painting and the subject was up to him,” says Brown.

During the mid-March COVID-19 lockdown, the roommates made a conscious effort to rearrange shared spaces to inspire specific activities and creativity. The dining table and standing desk were moved into the living room to take advantage of the large bay windows for a sunny work zone, and the center room of the double parlor became the living room. “It’s where we can sit on the couch, watch TV, be with friends, and be closer to the kitchen at night.”

Brown adds, “Our advice for making a rental feel like home: rugs, art, DIY, curtains, the perfect lighting, and blankets!” Kenyon adds, “Collectively we own 27 throw pillows and 60 plants. We just counted!”

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saperavi.com ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

29

LIFE & STYLE

H ome | by Elyse Major

A vintage panel infuses pattern in the kitchen

GET RHODY STYLE When you love where you live, it shows. Abby Brown shares the group’s favorite spots and more.

SALT LIFE “Our vibe comes from our genuine use of the Ocean State which means a constant flow of wet bathing suits, towels, sand everywhere, and Grey Sail and Whalers beers. When you buy stuff and spend time here, it naturally feels like the Ocean State.”

WEST WORLD “The biggest clues to our location come from local artists and shops: AS220, White Buffalo, Frog and Toad. We also shop at the Branch Ave Savers,” noting they adore the “grittiness” of their neighborhood.

EAT DRINK “At the beginning of quarantine, we bought a 10lb bag of coffee from White Electric to stock up,” says Brown, who lists Tallulah’s, Chilangos, Nitro Bar, Hudson Street Deli, Seven Stars, and Pastiche among faves.

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CorysCrusaders.org ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

31

LIFE & STYLE I n flu e n c e r | by E l y s e M a j o r

Meet Brendan Kirby The hilarious host talks about his Wicked Late past, favorite moments on The Rhode Show, and wishes for 2021

What are some of your favorite things to do to get into the holiday spirit around Rhode Island?

For me, the holidays haven’t commenced until I’ve been thrown off of a neighbor’s lawn for unsolicited caroling at midnight.

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ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

All kidding aside, for the last several years I’ve been honored to host the Mayor’s Tree Lighting on the steps of City Hall in Providence. I’m not sure how things will look this year – maybe we’ll light a massive Purell bottle – but I do hope everyone finds ways to enjoy the season. Gorgeous displays at the Newport mansions never disappoint.

Your Rhode Island public-access television show Wicked Late with Brendan Kirby ran from 2003-2012. Any plans for a reboot?

Haven’t we all suffered enough lately?!

Jokes aside, I’m obviously proud of the work we do on The Rhode Show, but Wicked Late was my total vision, voice, and sensibility. Despite no budget or a paid crew, I worked with what I had and did my best hoping to be ready for a professional opportunity once it arrived, and I was. So if there is a reboot, we just need to find someone to play the role of me – perhaps Bradley Cooper – although I’m not sure he’s good-looking enough.

What types of segments are your favorites to do on The Rhode Show?

I love the fact that we are live each morning!

The energy when Will, Michaela, and I are in the room is palpable and our friendship is authentic.

As for recurring segments, I’ve developed this semi-regular thing called The Kirby Kwiz where I challenge my co-hosts by asking silly questions.

I’m also quite proud of the “cold opens” we do from time to time right at the start of the show.

Is there a fun fact about you that readers would be surprised to know?

While long-haul trucking in the late ‘70s, I won several amateur arm wrestling tournaments across the Pacific Northwest under the name Skip Bicep.

Any wishes for 2021?

I know it’s a total longshot, but concerts! I miss experiencing the atmosphere surrounding live events and being able to support them regularly. Oh, and to finally launch my own line of designer jeans.

Photo courtesy of Brendan Kirby

Your junior year at Rhode Island College was spent in NYC as an intern at The Late Show with David Letterman. What were some of the biggest take-aways for you?

In the comedic stratosphere, David Letterman is by far my greatest influence, so getting the chance to work on my favorite show was simply incredible. I learned how a daily program was produced at the absolute highest level: the pressure, the disappointments, how they handled last-minute changes and cancellations.

From production meetings to the control room, I just took it all in. The experience just reaffirmed what I wanted to do with my life. I will always look back fondly – and I still have my Worldwide Pants jacket.

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real.estate.rachael 401.484-7015 rdotson@residentialproperties.com ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

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LIFE & STYLE

Sho p | by E l y s e M a j o r

Merry Makers A scalloped aqua sign with slightly askew lettering signals that you’ve arrived at Craftland. The delightful brick-and-mortar, which started as a holiday popup in 2002, has been bringing artsy charm to the Downcity part of Westminster Street for 11 years now, showcasing an array of prints, jewelry, magnets, and more, all created by local artists. “Craftland is a tactile store and sometimes it’s not enough to just see with your eyes!” says Darrien Segal, store manager and maker, who notes that along with hand sanitizer and disposable gloves at the front door, there are other protocols to keep customers safe during the pandemic. “Everyone must wear a mask, and we strictly adhere to guidelines limiting the number of customers in the store at one time,” she explains. There is also curbside pickup and a contactless semi-self-serve system where items can be scanned by the cashier through a clear panel with shoppers doing the bagging themselves. “And for customers who would like us to gift wrap for them, we do that, too!” says Segal. Craftland continues to participate in Open Air Saturdays, an initiative which encourages outdoor patronage by shutting down traffic on Westminster between Eddy and Union, Saturdays through December 26.

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ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

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ART SURVIVAL The

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Providence’s major arts venues are working hard to make sure culture isn’t cancelled

By Steven Triedman

“BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH.” - William Shakespeare (1599)

Who would have imagined that Bill got it right 421 years ago as the soothsayer warned Julius Caesar? It was this past mid-March when the pandemic arrived, forcing performing arts venues across the country into total lockdown with the date of any return to normalcy unknown.

The importance of the arts can’t be understated, especially in Rhode Island. Our late Senator Claiborne Pell authored the legislation creating the National Endowment for the Arts, and according to NEA research, today people spend more money on the arts than on sports events. But suddenly the bottom has fallen out of industry. And it’s difficult to underestimate the impact this has had on our society.

The arts in general aren’t the easiest way to earn a living. Under ordinary conditions, earned income from ticket sales, concessions, etc. typically accounts for between 40 and 60 percent of revenue. Historically, about 40 percent of artistic nonprofits operate at the break-even point at the best of times.

But this time, with so many venues shuttered, the financial hit taken by the arts industry is unprecedented and extends far beyond the obvious frontline employees: performers, writers, musicians, directors, and the like. There are probably over 100 direct or indirect jobs and supporting vendors who derive all, or a significant part, of their income from the arts. To make matters worse, many of the institutions depend on fundraising galas and public events to close their revenue gaps and, since they have been postponed or forced to go virtual, that income is lost or dramatically cut.

We spoke to the leaders of Providence’s most popular arts organizations and asked them how they are coping with this daunting financial reality, new creative efforts to deal with it, and what changes they anticipate in their operations going forward – and, in the spirit of end-of-year giving, links to where you can stream, learn more, and give back to these linchpins of the Creative Capital.

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

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TRINITY REPERTORY COMPANY

Photo courtesy of Trinity Repertory Company

C

urt Columbus, Trinity Rep’s artistic director, likes being with people – face-toface you can hear and feel his heartache when he talks about the pandemic and effect it has had on his theater and on his people. The most pressing issue to him was what to do about A Christmas Carol, which produces about a third of Trinity’s annual revenue. Given the closing of the theater, “one thing for sure, I was not going to let this 43-year tradition die on my watch,” Columbus laughs. ”The result will be a virtual version of the iconic classic which is only 50 minutes long, with one scene shot in the theater and the rest in other locations, professionally filmed and edited, and which we will be streaming for free!

There is a bonus cut at the end with actors singing Christmas carols,” he adds.

“I don’t anticipate being back in the theater with a cast and audience until next fall – only when it’s safe. In the meantime, we are producing monthly half-hour calls where we offer a ‘behind-the-production’ window into our process reading new plays and planning production.

“We will also be producing ‘America Too’ which is a Trinity Rep initiative that reflects on the times in which we live and catalyzes

community conversations with actors acting out real people’s stories.”

Executive Director Tom Parish now oversees a virtually empty house. “It’s been devastating. We’ve had to furlough 80 percent of our staff, shrinking from 120 to 28,” he explains. “But, the community’s continued support has been heart-warming.

We’ve had to adapt and change everything we do.”

TrinityRep.com.

One thing for sure, I was not going to let this 43-year tradition die on my watch -Curt Columbus

RHODE ISLAND PHILHARMONIC “

F

orget thinking outside of the box,” begins Executive Director David Beauchesne, “we threw out the box and have to create a new one! Initially we had to furlough the paid orchestra, but they’re back and we’ve created a Relief Fund to help all of our artists who are truly struggling.

At the Music School, in just two weeks we pivoted to virtual classrooms, which we will maintain as it’s actually made things easier for a lot of our students and their families.”

Recently, The Philharmonic pulled off an inspired virtual gala with rave reviews. “It took a lot of cleaning, testing, and logistics, especially of the brass and wind instruments,” Beauchesne explains. The orchestra has been pared down to 32 from a normal 70-100 musicians, and if there was a big singing group, there might have been over 200 on stage.

The Philharmonic is used to performing for just under 2,000 people at The Vets; now, they’re looking at audiences of 125 along with streaming until there is a vaccine and patrons feel comfortable enough to return.

“We’re going full speed ahead with a different model because people want our music,” says Beauchesne. “It gives them comfort.” RI-Philharmonic.org

Photo courtesy of Rhode Island Philharmonic

FESTIVAL BALLET PROVIDENCE Photo by Dylan Gyles, courtesy of Festival Ballet

K

athleen Breen Combes, Executive Director of Festival Ballet, is a retired ballerina, and can now add circus star to her resume with all of the juggling and magic that she’s used to keep the lights on. (Unfortunately, she has had to furlough 26 professional dancers, but they’re coming back!)

Under her leadership, the company has employed some particularly innovative efforts. They ventured off the East Side recently to present an event at a drive-in theater in New Bedford. Imagine the happy cacophony when their audience of dance aficionados in 200 cars (socially distanced, of course) all honked for an extended period of approval for the performance! Call it “NASCAR goes to the Ballet” but it proved to be a great success.

Perhaps their most significant recent success was winning a $100,000 Take it Outside grant from the state.

“It will allow us to bring many of our employees back to construct a new modular stage complete with a tent and heaters,” Combes explains. “We’re scheduled for 15 shows with attendance at just under 100 to meet the social distancing requirements.” Her hope is to be able to perform in many outdoor venues with their new stage.

FestivalBalletProvidence.org.

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

41

WATERFIRE Photo courtesy of PWCVB

W

ith its haunting music and over 100 crackling caldrons tended by an army of mostly unpaid community volunteers, there’s probably no arts venue as synonymous with Providence as WaterFire – nor, it could be argued, more important to the city, given both the revenue and hundreds of thousands of visitors it has brought into the city for the past 25 years. But WaterFire does not charge its viewers, relying instead on a complex array of subsidies, corporate support, and donations from the public to create its magic. And, with the return of big crowds to downtown Providence unlikely in the near term, this model is certainly at risk.

But Artistic Director Barnaby Evans and General Manager Peter Mello, the two driving forces of the operation, are a long way from giving up. Says Evans, “We’re not just an arts organization that lights fires. More importantly, we’re one that specializes in creative problem-solving on a wide range of levels.

We’re unique in that we are committed to delivering a world-class creative project free to an audience that reflects the entirety of society.”

The future of WaterFire will depend on the success of two current initiatives. First is the WaterFire Relief Fund, designed to replenish the organization and help maintain its volunteer base until a more realistic model is created to control the numbers and access to this important Providence resource.

Second is a rapidly expanding pivot to expand the activities at its state-of-the-art, well-ventilated and spacious arts center in the Valley neighborhood, which has held a number of events even during the pandemic, like nightly “Flame of Hope” lightings in memory of those lost to COVID-19. The Arts Center also has hosted weekend Art Marts, the Fringe Festival and, in conjunction with the Wilbury Theatre, produced a series of indoor-outdoor plays which were featured on the front page of The New York Times.

Evans’ thinking is forward-thinking: “The overarching goal is to make sure Providence remains a destination city again by ‘Building Community through Art.’” WaterFire.org.

FIRSTWORKS PROVIDENCE

O

“

ur stage is certainly different,” explains Kathleen Pletcher, Executive Director of FirstWorks Providence. “We’ve been in constant motion for the last seven months. Sometimes it’s a Zoom audience of 27 and other times we reach 5,000 in a week!”

FirstWorks has evolved from First Night and PVDFest into now filling The Vets on a regular basis with first-class national and international talent. “The arts are more resilient than ever and reflective of people’s lives in this strange environment. We’re looking at broad strokes and new ways to innovate and collaborate with artists and audiences.”

This summer, along with the Roger Williams Park Conservancy, FirstWorks produced eight outdoor pop-up shows that often drew over 125 people and over 8,000 on Facebook Live.

And rather than being tied into a limited set schedule, the pandemic has allowed them to stream a wider range of global acts from different parts of the world. Notably, the Kennedy Center reached out to FirstWorks to coordinate with Rhode Island for their social justice initiative, Arts across America, which allowed them to work with local icons Rose Weaver and Sokeo Ros. For the holidays, they are bringing “Taylor Mack’s ‘Holiday Sauce… Pandemic!’ a blend of music, film, burlesque and random acts of fabulousness to reframe the songs you love and the holidays you hate.” First-Works.org.

Photo courtesy of FirstWorks Providence

PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

B

y now, PPAC should have seen almost 400,000 people pass through their doors delivering $25 million in revenue and generating an economic impact to downtown Providence in excess of $40 million. “We’re at $0,” says J. Lynn Singleton, Executive Director of PPAC and President of PFM, which manages about a dozen venues around the country.

“It’s the worst situation that I’ve seen in 39 years. Our staff of 50 is down to 20 and the 250+ outside people who work each of the shows are not working.”

But PPAC is moving forward. They are repairing and replacing its terracotta facade, installing handsfree faucets and ticket scanners, UV lights, and getting GPAC-certified for when patrons return. “We are streaming our Introduction to Theater programs to schools and getting ready for what we hope will be a late spring return, assuming that the vaccine is in play.”

“People are eager to return,” Singleton adds.

“Some 80-85 percent of our Broadway Series ticket holders have already renewed for the next season.

They want to come back!” PPACRI.org

Photo by Joan Marcus, courtesy of PPAC

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

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PROVIDENCE ATHENAEUM

F

ounded in 1753, The Providence Athenaeum, on the corner of Benefit and College Streets, has only had one prior closing – and that was for three months during World War I due to a coal shortage.

Matt Burriesci, the executive director of the library, has scrambled and adapted to the pandemic. “Our doors are reopened, everyone is masked, and there’s a lot of plexiglass,” he explains, “but the response from our patrons to the way we’ve had to change our programming has been extremely enthusiastic.”

Over 700 people joined their last special event via Zoom and an upcoming one in spring, with acclaimed American author Ann Patchett, will likely have a larger audience. So, between virtual programming (including a “Virtual Little Pumpkins Program” and Hoopla, which is like Zoom for libraries), curbside pick-up, and additional “book boxes”, and generating ongoing instock book suggestions compiled by staff, they’re adapting, innovating, and making it work. “Our biggest revenue hit has been the inability to host weddings,” Burriesci notes.

ProvidenceAthenaeum.org

Photo courtesy of The Providence Athenaeum

THE WILBURY THEATRE

T

Photo courtesy of The Wilbury Theatre

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ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

hought-provoking conversation is at the heart of The Wilbury Theatre, a group that is idealistic, ambitious, and stubborn in their resolve to create theater that entertains, enlightens, and inspires. Josh Short and Max Ponticelli never imagined that their mantra would include programming and performing in a pandemic. “We started streaming early,” explains Ponticelli, “and we did it for free because there was so much hurt out there, from artists and performers to audiences, and the response was tremendous,” adds Short.

Fortunately, they have a very lean organization, so they didn’t have furloughs, but they immediately started working on ways to keep all of their freelance artists and performers working. It took some time in the beginning of the pandemic, but they’ve been charging forward.

“People have been very supportive. We’ve continued our community engagement and new work development. We have five performance venues including a main stage, an outdoor venue where we can project images and video on a wall, a loading dock, and even from a canoe on the Woonasquatucket River,” they add.

Their perspective is philosophical: “Art is always happening, so there is no rush. We have to be flexible in the moment and we’re going to come out stronger.”

TheWilburyGroup.org

AS220

Celebrate the winter holidays with fish!

A

S220 is a multifaceted ecosystem that supports and develops a wide variety of arts and performing arts through an expanded portfolio that includes a restaurant and live/work studios spread out over three buildings in downtown Providence. “It’s challenging since 70 percent of our income is from earned revenue, but we’re hanging on,” explains Ruth Harvey, Director of Development. “It’s really a struggle.

We’ve taken advantage of the State’s workshare program so we could keep almost everyone employed, but it means reduced hours but not a reduced workload so everyone is working harder than ever.”

Harvey adds, “We’ve been operating outdoors as much as we can, which has been great for our youth programs, and our studios are open by appointment. Various parts of the organization have been open and more will follow as long as they can meet the guidelines.” Admittedly, there have been ventilation issues limiting a few of their smaller support businesses, but their restaurant has been opened for takeout.

“With all that has happened in the country, the downtime has allowed us to increase our focus and dialogue with a racial justice initiative,” Harvey explains, despite the fact that to most of us outsiders, AS220 might appear to be a model for racial justice. “We understand that this is in our DNA, but we believe that there is more to be done.”

Harvey is amazed and overwhelmed by the continued support of individual donors and the grassroots support that has emerged. AS220.org

Fearless Fish Market 425 West Fountain St., Providence, RI 02903 401-415-8905

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Nursery-Grade 12, Co-Ed Mosesbrown.org

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

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MANTON AVENUE PROJECT (MAP)

W

hen the pandemic broke, Olneyville-based MAP closed their neighborhood clubhouse and immediately focused on directly helping students and their families by delivering masks and groceries for those impacted by COVID-19 or unemployment.

“Ten of our fourth-grade playwrights had just finished short plays about staying positive during life’s challenges and were all excited about their upcoming play festival,” recalls Meg Sullivan, the executive artistic director. “Rather than cancel the event, a cohort of actors stepped up to help create a Zoom version that was streamed live on YouTube to a live audience.”

“Despite our small size, we are determined to keep making theater. We need it more than ever. We have our own YouTube Channel and have added a Young Woman’s Group and a Sixth Grade Playwriting Group in addition to our Teen Voices Internships, Playmaking, Play-it-again, Tag Team, and Dialogue programs for Olneyville youth. Admittedly we face technological challenges as many of our students don’t have iPads, Chromebooks, or even WiFi.” The Wilbury Theater offered the use of their large theater this summer, while MAP continues its remote programming and works on getting better air filters, air purifiers, and ventilation to ensure a safe and healthy space for a return to rehearsals at their clubhouse.

MantonAvenueProject.org

Photo courtesy of MAP

THE AVENUE CONCEPT

B

est known for their building-sized murals, The Avenue Concept used the shutdown to create an impressive variety of outreach programs to increase public awareness of what they do. They produced a self-guided public art tour that mapped out their work, which has already been seen by over 16,000 people. They partnered with What Cheer Writers Club to create an online writing project and virtual event that explored “public art through writers’ eyes.” They sent packages of postcards with some of their most notable work to friends and supporters, encouraging them to mail the cards and share images on social media. And finally, they asked people to #MakeYourArtPublic by displaying their own homemade works of art in their windows as a show of solidarity and community.

This energetic group continues to address ongoing social issues, like artist AGONZA’s depiction of Miss Rhode Island on the plywood covering a broken window at Queen of Hearts, and most prominently, they engaged four local BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color) artists to create the VOTE mural across from the Point225 innovation center.

TheAvenueConcept.org 46

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

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ART & CULTURE S t a g i n g D u r i n g COV I D | P u b l i c A r t P r o j e c t | C a l e n d a r

A Story of Creation Providence-based Forgotten Judaica brings ancient craftsmanship to modern celebrations It’s hard to fathom how old bronze is: Smiths have been mixing copper with other alloys for 5,000 years, and they’ve used wax molds to shape the metal for nearly as long. Ancient Israelites were already masters of the form before the Maccabees smelted their first menorah.

Tradition is a lynchpin of Jewish culture, and Forgotten Judaica was founded to keep these ancient arts alive. The online store offers high-quality items, such as Stars of David and Seder plates, cast in nickel, sterling silver, and, yes, bronze. Providence native Lisa Van Allsburg and her family have spent decades traveling through Eastern Europe and the Middle East, searching for authentic relics from the Hebraic diaspora. Van Allsburg started the website with her brother, David Morrison, along with other traditional crafters.

“It’s very important that these traditions, these Jewish rituals, are not forgotten,” says Van Allsburg in an introductory video, “that they continue to be practiced and are important in the home.”

Some of these items will look familiar, whether you celebrate Hanukkah or not: The Abraham’s Tree Menorah actually looks like a Mediterranean trunk with spreading branches. The Carpets of Jerusalem are handspun and depict sacred landmarks, such as Mount Sinai and King David’s Tower. You don’t have to be a Talmud scholar to know what Shabbat candlesticks are for, and these bronze sculptures look like leafy branches connecting two holders.

But the Forgotten Judaica catalog also lists some lesser-known artifacts, and traditionalists will be overjoyed to find Mezuzah cases, shaped like animals, which contain tiny scrolls and can be nailed to any surface. The Tzedakah box, topped with a realistic-looking bronze hand, is designed to collect alms for important causes.

Our favorite: The sterling silver Yad – or “pointer” – that any Bar/Bat Mitzvah veteran will instantly recognize. Devotees use these elaborate little rods to follow written scripture, ensuring that the reader doesn’t actually touch the Torah’s pages. Like all the Forgotten Judaica items, the Yadim are created to last – not just for years, but for generations. ForgottenJudaica.com | By Robert Isenberg Photo courtesy of Forgotten Judaica ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

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St agi ng Dur i ng COVID | By Elyse Major

Behind the Seams

Photo courtesy of Amanda Downing Carney

Trinity Rep’s Amanda Downing Carney talks costuming A Christmas Carol via Zoom As summer came to a close, the next thought for many people was what will the holiday season look like? For the leadership at Trinity Repertory Company, it meant figuring out how their 43-year history of presenting A Christmas Carol would continue. By late August it was announced that in the interest of public health, the company would pivot to an online version of the Dickens classic, offering it free-ofcharge to everyone. For Amanda Downing Carney, longtime staff member and Costume Shop Director since 2015, this meant a completely different process in almost every way possible.

In mid-September workshops began via Zoom, working out this year’s script and fleshing out the conceptual direction. Due to the scaled back process, Carney assembled mood boards rather than the usual drawings or renderings of costumes. “Their function is to give the other project team members – actors, director, cinematographer, and production folks – a vague idea of where I’m headed,” she explains.

Normally, the first step involves detailed renderings and technical drawings provided by outside designers before rehearsals even begin. Carney and staff use that information to make lists of which costumes will be pulled from their own stored supply, sourced or bought, or built from scratch. After taking measurements of each cast member, Carney’s staff constructs versions from cotton muslin fabric followed by rounds of fittings during the first few days of rehearsal. Then, the muslin drafts are used as patterns for the fashion fabric which has been bought and shipped – usually from New York City. “Normally, we have a second round of fittings and then sometimes a third round,” says Carney. Once the production is underway, she adds, the wardrobe department takes care of laundry, wig maintenance, dry cleaning, and repairs.

“The entire creative timeline is truncated and yet we are ambitious in our to-do list!”

Carney explains of this year’s production. “I have one skilled assistant for a few weeks

– shout-out to Meg Donnelly, my right arm – instead of a shop of eight people for two months. The costume budget is a fraction of what it normally is, and then I’m working in a digital film performance medium that is a new frontier for my theater brain.”

The real challenge, according to Carney, is making the design user-friendly as many scenes will be shot by the actors in their own homes. “We’ll be doing many of the costume alterations ahead of time or putting trick elastic in waists so they can easily cinch. I’ll be getting the costumes prepped

and labeled so the actors can do it themselves without the assistance of me or typically a wardrobe crew.”

With a smile Carney says, “So basically: less labor, less money, less time, with more solutions to find truly unique circumstantial issues. That makes it sound dreadful but honestly, my favorite part of my job is problem-solving so my creativity is currently kicking into overdrive.”

Virtual tickets will be available to all at no charge, but registration is required.

TrinityRep.com/carol

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

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ART & CULTURE

P ubl i c A r t P r o j e ct | By Elyse Major

Banner Year A public art project celebrates and thanks Rhode Island’s Latinx frontline workers

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ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

Shey Rivera Ríos proudly shows the banner they created at PCHC on Cranston Street

janitors in my piece because without them hospitals can’t function effectively and I feel that their indispensable work too often goes unrecognized. I wanted to make them visible.”

The project has recently been extended to include 250 large-scale posters throughout the city, a bilingual coloring book, and video interviews of the artists that will be available on the Art, Culture + Tourism website.

“Latinx people are often depicted as negative stereotypes and that needs to stop

because it only perpetuates racism and anti-immigrant narratives in this country. Latinx people are hard-working people, strong and wise, with very grounded values of family and community. We make great contributions in this country. We need more positive representations of who we are, and how diverse we are,” Ríos says. “I see these public art banners as temporary monuments. A big thank you to the people who risk their lives every day for all of us to be safe.”

ArtCultureTourism.com/mi-gente

Photos courtesy of Shey Rivera Ríos

“When I look at the banners, I feel very proud,” artist Shey Rivera Ríos begins. “I feel like our community can see these images and hopefully feel proud too, and celebrate our strength and resilience.” Ríos is referring to Mi Gente Siempre Responde (My People Always Respond), a public art project consisting of seven large banners by local artists installed on buildings around Providence selected for their importance to the Latinx community.

The project evolved from a conversation when Tony Méndez of radio station PODER 1110 reached out to Ríos, well-known for specializing in arts management, looking for some way to show appreciation and recognize the Latinx healthcare and frontline workers helping to manage the COVID-19 crisis in Rhode Island. “Tony and I talked through the idea, and involved local poet/artist Sussy Santana. We decided to start with an initial artwork that I made to celebrate Sussy’s sister Helen Santana, who’s been a certified nursing assistant for 16 years.”

Next, the group posted a Call for Artists, received work, and reviewed pieces by committee with an aim to showcase a broad range of talent. “We held a virtual meeting for all the artists to come together and with our partners including The City of Providence and the Department of Art, Culture + Tourism,” says Ríos. Throughout a span of several months, locations for the banners were chosen, working with advice and support from Mayor Elorza’s Latinx Task Force for COVID-19 Response, and other community leaders.

One of the artists is Atabey Sánchez-Haiman, known for her graphic style and cheerful but limited palette of red and yellow. Sánchez-Haiman’s effective work of someone pushing a broom with the word “gracias” repeated now brightens the brick at One Neighborhood Builders at 66 Chaffee Street. “It is great being part of a project that represents my community and recognizes the hard work of those that are helping to keep everyone safe during this difficult time. I chose to thank

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Downcity strolls for Open Air Saturdays continue through the holiday season, with even more craft vendors, live entertainment, and a pop-up beer garden at Grant’s Block. Providence, InDowncity.com

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December 4: Stroll through shops among lit luminaries at Tiverton Four Corners during Holiday Bright Night, and take in their festive re-Tree art installation in the village through December 18. Tiverton, TivertonFourCorners.com

Photo courtesy of Ashley Symons

December 5-6: Bosgraaf Stained Glass Studio’s Holiday Sale will feature festive, colorful glass works by student artists, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Jonnycake Center. Peace Dale, BosgraafStudio.com

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Georgen’s favorite cheeses include Triple Crème French Brie, Port Salut, Gouda, and Fontina.

Life is Gouda PC student Haley Georgen turns quarantine hobby into a delicious side hustle For many, quarantine was a time to pick up new hobbies like breadbaking and home workouts. For Haley Georgen, it was a time to perfect a very particular skill: curating cheese boards.

“I made them almost every day for my family and even just myself,” says Georgen, a New Jersey native and junior marketing major at Providence College. While vacationing in Nantucket, she had several admirers inquire about the boards she brought to snack on at the beach, which she assembled bigger and bigger to share with friends and family. It wasn’t until her summer marketing internship when she realized she could take her hobby and turn it into something more.

Thus, she became That Cheese Princess.

“The ultimate purpose of this account is to connect with people who share the same passion for cheese or even those who just want to learn more about cheese!” says Georgen of the Instagram account she created in July, which already has nearly 1.5k followers. Scrolling through the @thatcheeseprincess feed, you’ll find colorful aerial shots of boards laden with cubed cheese, sliced meats, fruits, crackers, and nuts.

“I take my time picking out a number of different cheeses that I believe will pair well together, but are also different from one another,” begins

Georgen of her process. “The meats are dependent on the cheeses, but I love including prosciutto as well as an Italian dried salami. In terms of the ‘crunch’, my all-time favorite cracker is a simple Triscuit, as well as a fancier water cracker or rosemary cracker.” However, Georgen’s favorite part is the final flourish, which for the holiday season includes pops of green and red with pomegranate, thyme, cherries, and holly.

While That Cheese Princess is all about deliciousness, it’s also about bringing people together. Georgen finds herself engaging in conversations with those who indulge in her cheese boards, bonding over that first bite and audible “mmmm!” Most recently, she’s started selling and delivering customizable cheese boards around Providence, which she says is a great way to decompress after classes and meet fellow cheese lovers. “Most of my deliveries are to Providence College students, so it’s allowed me to meet fellow Friars that I might have never met before.”

All of Georgen’s boards are made to order and can be altered based on allergies or preferences – she’s even had a request for a board containing no cheese at all. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to share my passion for cheese with others,” says Georgen, “and am excited to see where this delicious adventure goes!” @thatcheeseprincess | By Megan Schmit

Photo courtesy of Haley Georgen ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

61

FOOD & DRINK

C ook ie Maven | By Christine Chitnis

Spreading Joy One Cookie at a Time The sweet success story behind Alva’s Sweet Touch, a baking business born in furlough

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401.465.8625 dhasslinger@residentialproperties.com

Inspired by the tropical flavors of her childhood in the Dominican Republic, Alva Cabrera’s cookies taste as incredible as they look.

Hints of passion fruit, lemon, and orange elevate her dough and result in soft, buttery, sophisticated sugar cookies. Designs range from intricate snowflakes and ornaments for the holidays, to personalized jerseys and cleats for a soccer-loving birthday boy. Sparkling hearts for Valentine’s day, vibrant tulips for the first day of spring, school mascots for spirit day, tiny houses to congratulate a firsttime home buyer...name the occasion and Cabrera will create show-stopping cookies to help sweeten the celebration.

The seed for her business, Alva’s Sweet Touch, was planted back in February while helping plan her niece’s baby shower. “I wanted to buy customized sugar cookies for the party, but they were all so expensive,” Cabrera

recalls, “and when I tasted the samples, the cookies were hard and bland. I thought, I can do better!” She set about learning how to decorate cookies, thanks to YouTube tutorials. “Once I started, I just couldn’t stop.”

When the pandemic hit and she was furloughed from her job, Cabrera found herself with free time and an anxious mind that needed soothing. During the day, she assisted her sons, Adolfo and Andy, with their remote learning, while at night she perfected her dough and royal icing recipes, practiced her designs, and ordered packaging supplies. “Often, I’d look up at the clock and it would be 2am,” Cabrera says with a laugh, “but I find the process of decorating cookies so calming and meditative I don’t even notice the hours slipping away!”

As she practiced design techniques and experimented with different recipes, she

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ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

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Alva (R), with the help of her sister-in-law Manuela (L), launched her decorative cookie business this past spring, which quickly found a wide customer base eager for her sweet, uplifting treats

donated samples to her church community, as well as family and friends. The compliments poured in, as did the orders. Cabrera enlisted the help of her sister-in-law, Manuela Cabrera, to help her prepare the dough and act as partner as she began to grow her business. Even in the midst of a pandemic, customers turned to her cookies to send sweet messages of joy to loved ones, such as birthday cookies to out-ofstate grandchildren and cookie care packages to essential workers. “My greatest hope is that when a customer gifts my cookies, their loved

one feels as though the cookies were made just for them,” Cabrera says with a smile. “Personalized gifts are a way of sending an especially joy-filled message.”

Finding the silver lining in a situation as dire as a worldwide pandemic isn’t easy. However, Cabrera did just that when she launched her newfound hobby into a decorative cookie business that has already earned her wide acclaim. To place an order, visit AlvaSweetTouch.com and follow along on Instagram @alvasweettouch to see her latest designs.

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“I suppose Palo first came about 20 years ago when I studied abroad in Granada, Spain, living with a señora named Sebastiana,” recalls Samir Zaiter, owner of recently opened Palo Tapas Bar. “She shared her traditional Spanish recipes with me over those six months and I came back with a passion for food and travel.” These passions simmered over Zaiter’s extended hiatus from the restaurant business until the time was right to open Palo. Housed in the city’s oldest industrial-use building on Steeple Street, Palo not only sits on a patch of Providence’s past, but also draws from centuries of Andalucían history and Mediterannean flavors.

Speaking to the variety of influences in the menu, Zaiter explains, “This also allows me to mix in some flavors from my childhood and family.” One favorite is Gambas al Ajillo, a classic Spanish tapa made with three types of garlic, fino sherry, and chile. Grilled eggplant served over herbed labneh and grape leaves stuffed with seasoned beef are just a couple of flavors you can sample. PaloProvidence.com

Federal Hill fave opens takeout window

Cambodian food truck sets up shop in Pawtucket

Massimo brings Italian street food to Federal Hill in the form of a to-go window housed in a bright blue storefront under a yellow awning. While the original Atwells ristorante is known for their quintessential Italian dishes in a warm, sit-down setting, Massimo 2 Go brings a fresh spin on takeout with quick bites derived from authentic street fare that will make you think you’re in Tuscany. As we enter a winter of social distancing and outdoor dining, the fun, relaxed concept gives diners the option to not set foot inside.

“We have added casual menu items that we think will travel well and that our guests can easily enjoy outside or to-go,” says owner Esther DeQuattro. “These include espresso drinks, Italian-style donuts, panini and sandwiches (including a breakfast sandwich), arancini, and gelato.”

Sample cannoli- and nutella-filled donuts or gelato sandwiches while you’re strolling through the neighborhood, or perhaps an after-dinner dolce to follow up a meal at the full restaurant. MassimoRI.com

Josh Burgoyne and Korn Suom are the couple behind Ming’s Asian Street Food, serving up Cambodian favorites – that pull influence from a variety of Southeast Asian street food flavors with a barbecue flare – out of a yellow truck posted up around the city. Soon, the truck will see a little less mileage when Ming’s moves into their new brick-and-mortar in Pawtucket’s Lorraine Mills. “Our original slogan for Ming’s was ‘the mobile, passion-inspired Asian cuisine’,” says Burgoyne. “We are making this next move out of that same passion for creating crave-worthy comfort food that celebrates Asian flavors and ingredients.”

The new digs will support stationary carry-out and delivery to expand their offerings and take the search out of ordering classics like panko-fried Katso Sandos, Banh Mi, Korean Tacos, and their signature loaded street fries. Until the storefront is ready to welcome diners, find the truck set up at Lorraine Mills, next to neighboring White Dog Distilling and Crooked Current Brewery. MingsRI.com

Photos by Cooper Hammond, courtesy of Palo Tapas Bar

Volkswagen • Toyota • Kia • Nissan • Chrysler • Infinity Ford • Lexus • Honda • BMW • Chevy • Isuzu • Mercedes Mini • Porsche • Mazda • Saab • General Motors Volvo • Hyundai • Audi • Saturn • Subaru • Mitsubishi (ALL foreign and domestic models)

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1271 North Main Street, Providence • 437-8421 358 Broad Street, Providence • 273-7050

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“We would highly recommend Will to anyone who is looking to sell or buy a home.

He helped us sell our family home and was able to provide valuable knowledge and expertise.

He was attentive and was always easy to reach if we had any concerns or questions. Will did a wonderful job!“

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DAVID HASSLINGER - 401.465.8625 ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

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At press time, the restaurants on this list were open in some capacity. We strongly advise calling a location first to ensure they are open and what type of service they are offering at this time; many are reservation-only for in-house and outdoor seating. For the latest updates on regulations visit Health.RI.gov/covid . List provided by PWCVB. If we missed your favorite, please let us know. Marketing@ProvidenceOnline.com

Ta keout

Blend 57 DePasquale Avenue, 432-7449 BlendPVD.com Cafe Nuovo One Citizens Plaza, 421-2525 CafeNuovo.com Camille’s 71 Bradford Street, 751-4812 CamillesOnTheHill.com Capriccio 2 Pine Street, 421-1320 Capriccios.com Caserta Pizzeria 121 Spruce Street, 272-3618 CasertaPizzeria.com Cassarino’s Ristorante 177 Atwells Avenue, 751-3333 CassarinosRI.com CAV 14 Imperial Place, 751-9164 CavRestaurant.com Chez Pascal & The Wurst Kitchen 960 Hope Street, 421-4422 ChezPron.com Circe Restaurant & Bar Providence 50 Weybosset Street, 437-8991 CirceRestaurantBar.com

Andrea’s Restaurant 268 Thayer Street, 331-7879 AndreasRI.com Angelo’s Civita Farnese 141 Atwells Avenue, 621-8171 AngelosRI.com Anthony’s Authentic Italian Cuisine 441 Atwells Avenue, 273-5900 Anthonys.Restaurant

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Bacaro Restaurant 262 South Water Street, 751-3700 BacaroRestaurant.net

Big King 3 Luongo Square BigKingPVD.com Blake’s Tavern 122 Washington Street, 274-1230 BlakesTavern.com

Costantino’s Venda Bar & Ristorante 265 Atwells Avenue, 528-1100 CostantinosRistorante.com Courtland Club 51 Courtland Street, 227-9300 CourtlandClub.com Dave & Buster’s of Providence 40 Providence Place, 270-4555 DaveAndBusters.com Dave’s Coffee 341 South Main Street, 521-1973, DavesCoffee.com

Photography by Nick DelGiudice

Courtland Club

Don Jose Tequilas Restaurant 351 Atwells Avenue, 454-8951 DonJoseTequilas.com Ellie’s 225 Weybosset Street 563-3333, ElliesProv.com Federal Taphouse & Kitchen 279 Atwells Avenue, 454-8881 FederalTandK.com Fellini’s Pizzeria 166 Wickenden Street, 751-6737 FelliniPizzeria.com Flatbread Company 161 Cushing Street, 273-2737 FlatbreadCompany.com Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar One West Exchange Street, 533-9000 FlemingsSteakHouse.com

POKÉ ALL DAY MADE-TO-ORDER POKÉ // COFFEE & TE A

185 CAMP ST • PROVIDENCE RI 0 2 906

Gracie’s 194 Washington Street, 272-7811 GraciesProv.com Great Northern BBQ Co. 9 Parade Street, 421-1513 Gregg’s Restaurants 1303 North Main Street, 831-5700 GreggsUSA.com Hemenway’s Restaurant 121 South Main Street, 351-8570 HemenwaysRestaurant.com Il Massimo 134 Atwells Avenue, 273-0650 Providence.MassimoRI.com Jacky’s Waterplace Restaurant 200 Exchange Street, 383-5000 JackysGalaxie.com Joe Marzilli’s Old Canteen Italian Restaurant 120 Atwells Avenue, 751-5544 TheOldCanteen.com

Brown University offers for sale the houses currently sited at 245-247 Brook Street, 66-68 Charlesfield Street, and 70-72 Charlesfield Street for Ten Dollars ($10.00) each.

Interested buyers must apply and agree to remove the structure(s) before 10/31/21.

Contact community@brown.edu or 401-863-3717 for more information and an application (due 12/18/20).

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

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Indoor Dining

KG Kitchen Bar 771 Hope Street, 331-4100 KGKitchenBar.com Kleos 250 Westminster Street 443-4083 Knead Doughnuts 135 Elmgrove Avenue, 865-6622 KneadDoughnuts.com Loie Fuller’s 1455 Westminster Street, 273-4375 LoieFullersProvidence.com Los Andes Restaurant 903 Chalkstone Avenue, 649-4911 LosAndesRI.com Mare Rooftop 229 Waterman Street, 336-6273 MareRoofTop.com Mill’s Tavern Restaurant 101 North Main Street, 272-3331 MillsTavernRestaurant.com Murphy’s 100 Fountain Street, 621-8467 MurphysProvidence.com New Harvest Coffee & Spirits 65 Weybosset Street, 438-1999 NewHarvestCoffee.com New Rivers 7 Steeple Street, 751-0350 NewRiversRestaurant.com Nicks on Broadway 500 Broadway, 421-0286 NicksonBroadway.com

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North 122 Fountain Street FoodbyNorth.com Oberlin 186 Union Street, 588-8755 OberlinRestaurant.com

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Panera Bread 43 Providence Place, 248-0020 PaneraBread.com

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Pane e Vino Ristorante 365 Atwells Avenue, 223-2230 PaneVino.net

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P.F. Chang’s 111 Providence Place, 270-4665 PFChangs.com

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Opa Restaurant 230 Atwells Avenue, 351-8282 OpaProvidence.com

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Olneyville New York System Restaurant 20 Plainfield Street, 621-9500, OlneyvilleNewYorkSystem.com

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Ocean State Sandwich Company 155 Westminster Street, 521-6772 SandwichRI.com

Fifty-seven years, three generations, and who knows how many meatballs. ▲▲

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Open for

prepaid takeout and delivery.

Order online at

thesandwichhut.com 1253 North Main Street, Providence RI • 401-272-2590 • www.thesandwichhut.com • Mon-Sat 10am-6pm

Parkside Rotisserie & Bar 76 South Main Street, 331-0003, ParksideProvidence.com Pasta Beach 195 Wayland Avenue, 270-0740 PastaBeach.com Persimmon Restaurant 99 Hope Street, 432-7422 PersimmonRI.com Plaza Bar & Kitchen 59 DePasquale Avenue, 331-8240 PlazaKitchenBar.com Pot au Feu 44 Custom House Street, 273-8953 PotAuFeuRI.com Providence Coal Fired Pizza 385 Westminster Street, 454-7499 ProvidenceCoalFiredPizza.com Providence G Pub 61 Orange Street, 632-4782 ProvidenceGPub.com

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

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Ta keout

The River Social 200 Exchange Street, 256-5686 TheRiverSocial.com The Rosendale 55 Union Street, 421-3253 TheRosendaleRI.com The Salted Slate 186 Wayland Avenue, 270-3737 SaltedSlate.com

Providence Oyster Bar 283 Atwells Avenue, 272-8866 ProvOysterBar.com

Small Point Cafe 230 Westminster Street, 228-6999 SmallPointCafe.com

Public Kitchen & Bar 120 Francis Street, 919-5050, Facebook: Public Kitchen & Bar

Snookers Sports, Billiards, Bar & Grill 53 Ashburton Street, 351-7665 SnookersRI.com

PVDonuts 79 Ives Street, PVDonuts.com Red Stripe 465 Angell Street, 437-6950 RedStripeRestaurants.com

Tavolo Wine Bar & Tuscan Grille 289 Atwells Avenue, 274-6000 TavoloWineBar.com

Trattoria Zooma 245 Atwells Avenue, 383-2002 TrattoriaZooma.com Trinity Brewhouse 186 Fountain Street, 453-2337 TrinityBrewhouse.com Union Station Brewery 36 Exchange Terrace, 274-2739 UnionStationPVD.com Uno Chicago Grill 82 Providence Place, 270-4866 Unos.com

Rooftop at the Providence G 100 Dorrance Street, 632-4904 RooftopAtTheG.com

Ten Prime Steak & Sushi 55 Pine Street, 453-2333 TenPrimeSteakandSushi.com

Venda Ravioli Inc. 265 Atwells Avenue, 421-9105 VendaRavioliStore.com

Rosalina 50 Aborn Street, 270-7330 Facebook: Rosalina

The Capital Grille 10 Memorial Blvd., 521-5600 TheCapitalGrille.com

Vino Veritas 486 Broadway, 383-2001 VinoVeritasRI.com

Saladworks 75 Fountain Street, 383-2100 SaladWorks.com

The District 54 South Street, 421-0050 TheDistrictRI.com

Waterman Grille 4 Richmond Square, 521-9229 WatermanGrille.com

Sarto 86 Dorrance Street, 270-0790 SartoProvidence.com

The East End 244 Wickenden Street, 433-9770 TheEastEndPVD.com

Xaco Taco 370 Richmond Street, 228-8286 XacoTacoRI.com

Sin 1413 Westminster Street, 369-8427 EatWicked.com

The Malted Barley Providence 334 Westminster Street, 490-0300 TheMaltedBarley.com

Yoleni’s 292 Westminster Street, 500-1127 Providence.Yolenis.com

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Photography by Mike Braca

The River Social

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ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

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ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2020

73

Pic of PVD

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With bows and boughs and holly berries all over the city, the holiday season has returned in Providence!

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6 OLIVE ST. | EAST SIDE OF PROV., RI SOLD: $1,710,000 | 401.465.3975

328 WILLIAMS ST. | EAST SIDE OF PROV., RI SOLD: $1,412,500 | 401.595.3235

53 STIMSON AVE. | EAST SIDE OF PROV., RI SOLD: $1,337,500 | 401.465.3975 NEWPORT JAMESTOWN

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26 HUMBOLDT AVE. | EAST SIDE OF PROV., RI SOLD: $895,000 | 401.465.3975

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31 INDIAN HILL RD. | WARWICK, RI SOLD: $1,400,000 | 401.465.3975

141 WINSOR AVE. | JOHNSTON, RI SOLD: $775,000 | 401.265.8316 LILA DELMAN REAL ESTATE OF PROVIDENCE 369 SOUTH MAIN STREET | 401.274.1644

336 Olney Street East Side of Providence $1,695,000 | 401.553.6315

157 Waterman St, Unit #2-6 See the Video & 3D Tours at 336olney.com

116 Chestnut Street, Unit M Providence $939,000 | 401.484.7015

9 John Street See the Video & 3D Tours at 116Chestnut.com

Kettle Point East Providence $600,000s | 401.742.9988

See the Video & 3D Tours at 157Waterman.com

East Side of Providence $1,025,000 | 401.553.6315

East Side of Providence $849,000 | 401.451.7848

4 Pallas Street See the Video Tour at KettlePointHomes.com

Providence $549,900 | 401. 641.3723

Barrington 401.245.9600

East Greenwich 401.885.8400

Providence 401.274.6740

Westport MA 508.636.4760

Cumberland 401.333.9333

Narragansett 401.783.2474

West Side PVD 401.457.3400

Relocation 800.886.1775