Art League of Rhode Island

To inspire artistic growth and excellence among artists through education and exhibition in order to bring national recognition to the State and its artists.

Description:
The ALRI exists to sustain an association of artists and art patrons for the purpose of education through exhibition, and to achieve recognition and national exposure for the state of Rhode Island and its artists by encouraging integrity and excellence in the fine arts.
In addition, the ALRI wishes to promote in time a biennial, national, juried exhibition in Rhode Island enhancing awareness and appreciation of art from across the country while encouraging communication and continued education of artists and the general public throughout the state.

History:
In 1999, a core group of business professionals and artists began a conversation about the arts and the need for an organization that would promote high standards for artists in Rhode Island and provide them with the opportunity to exhibit their work along-side their peers and encourage education through exhibition. Out of this conversation came the establishment of the Art League of Rhode Island in 2000.

A Board of Trustees was established and a group of Honorary Artists and Art Patrons convened including James Baker, Robert Boyajian, Margaret "Peggy" Leeson, Virginia Lynch, Howard Newman, Gretchen Dow Simpson and Robin Wiseman, among others.

Since the Board of Directors was formed, 73 artist members were chosen for their artistic skills and accomplishments. These artists collectively produce 16 types of artistic medium and represent all five Rhode Island counties. While each artist's work is distinct, they all hold in common the desire to promote communication between artists and the general public and to encourage education in the arts for people of all ages.

In addition to the 73 artists in the Art League of Rhode Island, an Advisory Board made up of those with a keen interest and knowledge of the arts in Rhode Island was formed to assist ALRI with strategic planning.

Other accomplishments include:
*ALRI achieved 501(c)3 status in September of 2001.
*More than 500 people attended the opening reception for the Founding Members' Exhibit held at the Bristol Art Museum in March of 2001. During the two-week exhibition more than 1,000 people came to see the works presented.
*More than 400 people attended the opening reception for the 2nd Annual Members' Exhibition at the Virginia Lynch Gallery in March of 2002.
*The most recent Annual Members' Exhibition in 2003 was held at the Scholar Athlete Hall of Fame at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston. Artists were present and available to the public at the opening of the show. The exhibition remained at the Hall of Fame for six weeks. The exhibition celebrated its' first fine art exhibition catalog. A self funded project by the development committee.
*Eight Board Committees were formed including Development, Exhibitions, Marketing and Communications, Education, Membership, Nominating, and Administrative Management.
*A grass roots membership drive generated over 100 new non artist members.
*ALRI received an overwhelmingly positive review from ART NEW ENGLAND in June 2001 for the Founding Members' Exhibition and has since received front page coverage and full page articles in many of Rhode Islands print media.
*Each year a call for artist members is announced. Each year approximately 30-40 submissions from artists across the state are received. All applicants go through a rigorous jury process. Approximately 1/3 of submissions are accepted for artist membership.
*The Art League sponsors educational programs that reach out to the public in the form of workshops, lectures, and seminars. Rhode Island notables Gretchen Dow Simpson, Robin Wiseman, Thomas Sgouros, and Evelyn Rhodes are a few of the artists who have highlighted the program roster. Educational programs in the past year include: Digital Imaging, a workshop conducted at Roger Williams University by Professor Brett McKenzie; a slide lecture entitled The New Yorker and 65 Paintings presented by painter Gretchen Dow Simpson; a slide presentation by illustrator and author David Macaulay regarding the evolution and development of his new book Mosque; a lecture by Patricia McLaughlin discussing The Power of Art and Design. Ms. McLaughlin is the Director Of Corporate Relations and Foundations for Development at the Rhode Island School of Design.
*A mural project in collaboration with Paula Most, Arts Coordinator at Lifespan at The Hasbro Children's Hospital "Museum on Rounds" offers a wonderful opportunity for the Art League to continue to bring art to our culturally diverse community.
*New Honorary Member David Macaulay was elected to the ALRI.

Contact person: Iona Dobbins, (401) 351-0742, (email)

Address:

One Meeting Street Providence, RI 02903 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.artleagueri.org

Miscellaneous Information

Handicap accessible?
	No
Does your agency accept court-appointed volunteers?
	No

Last updated on September 29, 2009