By Christina Huang
Bristol, RI – With only three events left this year, the next ART Night: Bristol & Warren, Rhode Island, which takes place this Thursday, September 27 from 5-9 p.m., is fast approaching.
Walking down Main Street Warren, one would be surprised to see the number of the cars and trucks that drive by the small street adorned with a variety of small stores. Lane Poor, owner and photographer at Main Street Gallery, runs a joint photo shop and gallery that is appealing for all visitors; its Kids’ Corner is especially popular during ART Night.
Immediately to the left of Main Street Gallery is Betty Harrington’s Studio 67 with the Coffee Depot, a great place to stop for an afternoon pick-me-up, is directly across the street. Then explore the historic Cutler Mills, which have transformed into artist studios, and the nearby Mudstone pottery and ceramics studios. Students of a wide range of experience levels who have taken classes with Ellen Blomgrem, Mudstone’s director, said that she works wonders with them. Blomgrem is also a member of the Gallery Eleven Fine Art in Bristol.
The Top Drawer at The BRASS, a nonprofit visual arts center in partnership with Living in Fulfilling Environments (LIFE), is also in the same vicinity. It provides art programs to give opportunities to adults with developmental disabilities express themselves and to connect with their community.
The IMAGO Gallery seems to be out of place amongst the small town feel of Warren, where they appear to be ‘ahead of its time.’ Placing my first steps in the gallery, I could already sense their contemporary vibe. IMAGO will be partnering up with the Bristol Art Museum to present the exhibition “Storm Tossed” on October 12 through 28.
When you are ready, hop on and enjoy a free trolley ride over to Bristol. The trolley makes stops in between galleries and the two towns.
Gallery Eleven Fine Art, a gallery cooperative, was recently named “Best Art Gallery in the East Bay” by Rhode Island’s Monthly’s Best of Rhode Island. With just 11 members, the gallery fills its space with sculptures and walls with paintings and prints.
When it seems that everywhere else is drawing to a close for the night, the lively artists of Hope Gallery are still ready to greet you. This gallery showcases a range of fine arts and crafts that reflects their diverse artist roster. The gallery offers great artwork for an affordable price — it’s not surprising to see a someone leave with one or two new works of art in their hands after a single visit.
In addition to the studios and galleries, there are two featured artists every month. For the month of September, the featured artist in Bristol is Stephen Brigid and the featured artist in Warren is Tom Culora; artnightbristolwarren.org will give you directions to their studios.
If you plan to partake in a Bristol & Warren ART Night, make sure you head down early enough so that you have time to enjoy the beautiful coastal view and make sure you stop by the Knotty Dog in Bristol and the Muse in Warren for some memorable souvenirs of your visit. The sense of community between the two towns really shines through during these ART Nights. I’ve only highlighted a few places, so please see the website — artnightbristolwarren.org — for a full list of participating galleries and studios.
(“Art Night” at Bristol and Warren, RI is held on the last Thursday of the month from 5 to 9 p.m.; the final three events of the year will be held on September 27, October 25 and November 29. To learn more about ART Night and to see a complete list of participating galleries and studios, visit artnightbristolwarren.org.)