An exhibition at Newport Art Museum features the work of 23 exceptional Rhode Island artists who were selected for NetWorks 2009-2010. NetWorks is an ongoing enterprise showcasing and recording the work, methods, achievements and profiles of Rhode Island artists through video profiles, photographic portraits, exhibitions, panel and gallery discussions and more. “NetWorks 2009-2010” runs at Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Avenue, through January 17.
The NetWorks project was originally developed in 2008 by Rhode Island collector Joseph A. Chazan, who serves as NetWorks producer, and Umberto Crenca, artistic director of Providence’s alternative arts space, AS220. Over time, the enterprise aims to create a living archive of select Rhode Island artists. Chazan and Crenca have chosen a different group of Rhode Island artists for NetWorks each year since 2008.
The project has documented 42 artists, their methods, inspirations and artworks, and continues to evolve as new partners join the undertaking. Newport Art Museum curator Nancy Whipple Grinnell calls the multimedia, multicultural project “a model for arts ventures of the future.”
The signature NetWorks companion exhibition at the Newport Art Museum features outstanding artwork by accomplished artists representing NetWorks 2009-2010, along with video profiles of each artist by Richard Goulis, who was himself selected for NetWorks in 2008. NetWorks videos also are airing on WSBE/Rhode Island PBS. Photographic portraits by Scott Lapham and Lucas Foglia are featured on the NetWorks poster. Lapham and Foglia also were named as NetWorks artists in 2008.
For additional information, www.NewportArtMuseum.org or 401-848-8200.
