After the reality of the Covid-19 pandemic set in, I, like many others, tried to figure out what I could do to help my community. During this time of uncertainty I also needed a project to help steady myself.  I chose to make bowls, taking comfort in the simple act of forming the bowls on the wheel, the challenge of the surface drawings and decorations, and hoping that I could raise some money for the organizations that are helping the people of Rhode Island who are suffering.
The 80 bowls I made are up now, in The Project Space, at AS220 in downtown Providence, through August 29th.  You will need to make an appointment to see them. Contact neal@as220.org to set up a time, preferably Tuesday Thursday or Saturday.  I would also be happy to meet you in the gallery.  While in the space you can also see the amazing prints that the AS220 Printshop has been making for the recent Black Lives Matter protests. You can buy the bowls when you visit and take them home right away. (Go early for the best selection). If you can’t make it to Providence, the bowls can also be seen and purchased online through AS220.org. Link coming soon!
One third of the money raised will go to the RI Covid-19 Response Fund, a partnership created between the United Way of RI and the RI Foundation to help “local, direct-service nonprofits impacted by the coronavirus pandemic”.  Another third will go to the RI Solidarity Fund which supports “community organizations that are working nonstop to meet the needs of our community members who are most at risk of severe consequences in this crisis across Rhode Island”, specifically organizations which “set the example for a new system and a new world that puts all people’s lives above the wealth and privileges of a few.” And the final third will go to AS220 itself, which has been providing un-juried and uncensored access and opportunities for the people of Rhode Island to create and to engage with the arts for 35 years.
I hope you and all of your friends and family are well.
Susie