Thursday, April 25, 2013
Wickford gallery owner Ellen Waxman believes a proposed arts bill will level the playing field.
- OPINION
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Thursday, April 25
To the editor: The arts bill will be heard this week by the House Finance Committee. What's happening now is that some towns are allowed art districts and others are not. I believe every town in Rhode Island equally deserves this opportunity. My gallery in Wickford is at a disadvantage because I have to charge my customers sales tax while galleries in other towns don't. It's difficult to compete. House bill 5844 considers every artist and gallery in Rhode Island. It gives hope and promise for all of our towns and villages, and it's fair for all. Let's restore the charm and vibrancy to all of Rhode Island, and allow every town to benefit from the revitalizing, creative energy that artists and galleries can bring. There's an enormous …
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Fredericka "Ricky" McLaughlin, co-director of the 2012 Wickford Art Festival, has passed away.
Frederica "Ricky" McLaughlin, co-director of the 50th Wickford Art Festival, passed away Thursday, Aug. 9 at the age of 70. "Ricky came to us a few years ago, pouring her creative energy and zest into volunteering her skills and time to helping our association into the 21st century," said Sarah Tallarico, director at the Wickford Art Association's Gallery, in an email to members of the art association on behalf of the board of directors. "Her work ethic was unmatched, her passion for the arts a driving force in creating a successful festival. Ricky was working fervently to help create an unforgettable festival, while all the while struggling with her health." McLaughlin was unable to attend this year's festival after being hospitalized …
41.5718
-71.45012
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
55 Main St, North Kingstown, RI
/articles/wickford-art-fest-co-director-passes-away
1426289
/locations/7628087
Thursday, July 12, 2012
State Senator James Sheehan expresses his disappointment in the General Assembly for its failure in passing legislation that would make Wickord a tax-exempt arts district.
- OPINION
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Thursday, July 12, 2012
To the editor, I want to add my public disappointment to that of members of the arts community, and other Wickford residents, on the failure of the General Assembly to approve legislation this year that would have created an art district in the town. My disappointment is in direct contrast to the enthusiasm felt when the bill that I sponsored, 2012-S 2448, was read and passed by the Senate on May 30 on a vote of 36-0. The bill was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Finance, where it remained – unaddressed – until the General Assembly adjourned a short time later. As proposed in the legislation, the Wickford Art District was to include certain areas along Route 102, commencing at the Hussey Bridge running west along Route 102, …
Monday, July 9, 2012
The Wickford Art Festival celebrated its golden anniversary this weekend.
Despite scorchingly warm temperatures, the 50th Wickford Art Festival still drew a large crowd to North Kingstown's historic village this past weekend. (We bet the strategically placed Del's Lemonade trucks helped alleviate the unbearable heat.) More than 250 artists took up shop on the streets of Wickford, displaying everything from watercolor art to oil paintings to sculptures to paintings made entirely with thread. Add your own photos to our gallery above by clicking the "upload" button!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Where can and can't you park during this weekend's art festival?
The Wickford Art Festival brings thousands upon thousands of people into Wickford Village. Between the more than 250 artists who will be displaying their work and the thousands of cars that will make their way into the village, parking is going to be quite the production in North Kingstown's historic village this weekend – for both residents and visitors alike. So what's off limits? Where can you park and when can you park? The North Kingstown Police Department asks that all those attending this year's Wickford Art Festival strictly observe any "no parking" areas. Wickford area residents having any special situation (i.e. a wedding or similar function) should contact the NKPD's Capt. Steven St. Onge at 401-294-3316 ext. 8203. The NKPD's …
Five things to know for July 5.
1. The Wickford Farmers' Market returns again this afternoon at the town parking lot from 3 to 7 p.m. This week, Wildwood Catering and Bravo Wood Fire Pizza is scheduled to join the roster. 2. It's back! The Wickford Art Festival returns this weekend, celebrating its 50 anniversary. The festival is open form 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. down in the village on Saturday and Sunday. 3. Head down to the town beach tonight for the Thursday Evening Family Concert. Tonight, Vic & Sticks performs at 6:30 p.m. Suggested donation is $3 per family. 4. Running for public office this year? Before you post those lawn signs, bust out the palm cards and hit the campaign trail, there's something else you should do: blog! NK Patch is always looking for bloggers …
41.566151
-71.444631
North Kingstown Town Beach
15 Beach St, North Kingstown, RI
/articles/5-things-farmers-market-art-festival-more
1408607
/locations/7371781
Friday, June 8, 2012
Next month, the Wickford Art Festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary.
It started as sidewalk art show organized my local artists in 1962. Today, it’s one of the most well-known art festivals in the region with 250 artists and 30,000 to 50,000 people forecasted to enter the village over the weekend from New York to New Jersey to California and even Canada. This year’s Wickford Art Festival, however, promises to be one of the biggest yet as the event celebrates its 50th anniversary. “From what really began as one artist putting his paintings and art out on the street, it has just turned into something that has impacted the community in a really positive way,” said Festival Co-Director Rich Watrous. Though the festival is always a draw to art lovers throughout the northeast, the week of the festival happens …
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
One local gallery owner urges the General Assembly to create a Wickford Art District.
- OPINION
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Wednesday, June 6, 2012
To the RI General Assembly: Don't discriminate! It's only fair to create a Wickford Art District, too! Wickford is known for its art community, as it is home to one of the oldest art festivals in the country that is recognized internationally. Why then has it been prevented from the same benefits provided to nine other RI communities that have designated tax-exempt art districts? (Providence, Pawtucket, Westerly, Woonsocket, Tiverton, Little Compton, Newport, Warwick and Warren.) The RI General Assembly declared these areas would "promote economic development, revitalization, tourism, employment opportunities, and encourage business development by providing alternative commercial enterprises.” [RIGL §44-18-30B(6)]. In short, the …
41.571392
-71.45217
5 Main St, North Kingstown, RI
/articles/letter-don-t-discriminate-create-a-wickford-art-district
/locations/7159685
Friday, May 11, 2012
A new piece of legislation would turn Wickford into a tax-exempt arts district.
More than a half dozen Rhode Island cities and towns host a tax-free art district, where artists and galleries are exempt from state sales tax. Despite the various art galleries, local artists and renowned art festival in Wickford, North Kingstown is not one of them. State Senator James Sheehan (D-Dist. 36) is once again supporting a bill that would create a tax-free, art district zone for Wickford Village and the surrounding area. The legislation would remove the state sales tax on goods and works produced and sold in Wickford. If passed, the Wickford art district would include the village and areas along Route 102 (Ten Rod Road) as well as the Rodman Mill Pond area. “Wickford has a brand, and that brand is art,” said Sheehan. “I think …
41.569057
-71.452792
16 Brown St, North Kingstown, RI
/articles/sen-sheehan-locals-pushing-for-wickford-art-district
/locations/6984598
41.571392
-71.45217
5 Main St, North Kingstown, RI
/articles/sen-sheehan-locals-pushing-for-wickford-art-district
/locations/6984599
Friday, July 8, 2011
An East Bay resident explains why you should go to Wickford this weekend.
Wickford Village in Rhode Island is such a fun little getaway. It has something for everyone including art galleries, book stores, clothings stores and waterfronting dining. This weekend Wickford Village will also host the 49th annual Wickford Art Festival July 9 to 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This event can be a girls' escape (up for a little window shopping, ladies?) a daytime or early evening date with your hubby, a family getaway or even a personal getaway. Whatever floats your boat. Actually, you could even get there by boat since it is on the water. "The weather looks like it is going to be a beautiful weekend," said Francie Christopherson, festival director. "We are very excited this year to have so many new and talented artists in …
Heidi Stevens
9:38 pm on Thursday, August 16, 2012
I am deeply saddened by this news! Not only was Ricky a good friend she was also a great asset to our community. She will be very missed and I will carry her in my heart. It was a gift to know her. Sadly submitted, Heidi Stevens more ›