:: POS Comments and Events ::

Pawtucket Open Studios has literally transformed itself over the past several years. Like any worthy endeavor its growing pains have been both beneficial and sometimes taxing. However, throughout the positive, exhilarating moments and the more laborious, mundane tasks our focus remains steady: 1. Develop and foster a positive attitude within the mills to showcase the artists, artisans and small creative businesses without judgment or competition. 2. Welcome the general public to discover and support the local artists, artisans and small businesses in the Pawtucket mills and surrounding areas. 3. Stimulate business and foster professional alliances in the mills.

POS participants, the City of Pawtucket, mill owners and the POS staff fully support this mission.

The following COMMENTS AND EVENTS page will give you, our supporters, some insight into the operation of POS. Comments are welcome and valued as they help us make the Pawtucket Open Studios event a more successful and exciting event for all involved.

We also plan to post news and information we receive by area artists who we encourage to share their lives and current work.

Please accept our sincere thanks for your continued and enthusiastic support!

Len Lavoie – P.O.S. Administrator

Javier Alfonzo – P.O.S. Web Designer

POSTING TIME	QUESTIONS	P.O.S. RESPONSE

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02/13/08	10 Great Towns for Working Artists Kim Hall Are you looking for a change of scenery, a community filled with artists selling their wares in a quaint main street district, a place where you could affordably live just a few steps away from lively art festivals, cultural attractions and theater? Then there’s good news for you. Here are some of our favorite places, from communities just starting their programs, to a few that have been flourishing for years and are still seeking newcomers. Many of the Web sites listed below will show you which properties are available for sale. Otherwise, a quick trip to Realtor.com can help you get a better idea of the cost of properties available in a particular community: 9. City of Pawtucket, Rhode Island What makes it special: A blue-collar, gritty mill town that needed a way to revitalize itself a decade ago, Pawtucket might just be God’s Mecca for Working Artists. In fact, the city has been so successful in attracting and maintaining artists that it serves as an official model for other communities planning to institute artist relocation programs of their own. Focused on helping artists make a living, city representatives walk new artists through the process of purchasing, permitting and renovating a new property, and they maintain a database of new properties on the market that would be suitable for artists. This includes old mill space (for as little as $6 to $7 per square foot) and commercial properties, suitable for artists’ studios. Plus, the city has an annual fund of $25,000 to fund arts groups, and host and advertise art events. With a local government that supports the artists, a convenient location just off I-95 and hundreds of working artists already established in the city of 72,000, Pawtucket is a great location for an artist who wants a solid career footing. What it offers: One of nine communities in Rhode Island with state tax exemptions for working artists, Pawtucket certifies eligible artists or galleries who get state tax sales exemptions for original art or limited production works of art sold within the 307-acre arts and entertainment district. The law (Rhode Island General Law 44-30-1.1) also exempts artists in the district from state income tax on income generated from their work. Additionally, the city sometimes offers annual grants of up to $2,000 (more than $10,000 budgeted) for an artist or art organization who creates a piece of work, or organizes an artistic or musical event, that primarily benefits the City of Pawtucket and its residents.	http://www.artcalendar.com/
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1/06/08	THE FIGURE IN AMERICAN ART ELEVENTH ANNUAL EXHIBITION JANUARY 10 - FEBRUARY 10, 2008 PARTICIPATING ARTISTS GREGORY CALIBEY MICHAEL DE BRITO GABRIELA GONZALEZ DELLOSSO STEVE HUSTON DANA LEVIN PAUL G. OXBOROUGH RICHARD PILOCO PETER VAN DYCK CHARLES WEED ZACHARY ZDRALE ELEANOR ETTINGER INC., 119 SPRING ST, GROUND FL, NEW YORK, NY 10012	Dana has been and is a supporter and participant of POS since her arrival at 545 Pawtucket Ave. where she operates a classical painting school.
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11/29/07	Hi Len, I looked in the Pro Jo today and in the Providence Monthly. Both had major spreads about where to shop for art this weekend. We were not in Providence Monthly and only a blurb in the Journal while other shows got major press. I have been to tons of places where I thought there should be posters or postcards and there were none. Do you have any ideas for maybe having postcards, etc. at some of these other shows to send people our way---maybe POS people who will be at RISD, Foundry, March de Noel, etc????....thanks, Lynn	POS has been running a 2" x 2 column ad daily in the Lifebeat Section of the Pro Jo. It started last Sunday and runs through Friday. We have a promotional package with public radio that will run through Saturday, it starting Wednesday. We have sent out media packages to 97 media outlets six times over the last 10 weeks. 4,500 post cards were sent to our professional mailing list as well as several thousand e mail invitations. POS has been very fortunate in the past with advertising coverage in Pro Jo. I do not know why they haven't pick us up this time. The Foundry and RISD shows start next week not this weekend so postcards would not help us.
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11/15/2007	Hi Len, we just wanted to let you know that we are planning to put up some Kreatelier signs for the upcoming Open Studio. We will use fire retardant vinyl. Hope this is ok with you. Line and Pernilla	Do your thing thanks for letting me know. Line and Pernilla Both these ladies have a sucessful business because they plan ahead. You are responsible to get the buyers to your space. Flyers, posters all work to draw buyers to your studio.
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11/12/07	Hi Len,I was wondering when postcards will be available for the show. There are many i need to mail out. Also, how/where do we pick them up? Thank you, Lynn, artist participant.	They are now available at IO labs at 560 Mineral Spring or Ocean State Printing at 545 Pawtucket Ave 50 card packs take up to 100 cards if you wish.
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11/08/07	Artists’ Reception Please join us Saturday November 17, 2007, 7-9 p.m. ( refreshments will be served ) 250 North Main Street, Mansfield, MA 02048 508-339-1234 Featuring fine art works by: John Baker Christina Beecher Carla Carey Gerard Conroy Michael Evans, Jacquie Gouveia Carolyn Guay Kristi Johnston	Michael has been and is a supporter and participant of POS since his move to 250 Esten Ave.
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11/05/07	Dear Friends, I am very pleased to announce that my work is now on view at Adler & Co. Gallery, San Francisco for a Fall showing. Included in the exhibition are recent, large-scale paintings and new works in oil from the Summer 2007. If you are in the Bay Area, please stop by or visit their website at http://adlerandco.com Best Wishes, Michael Rich Adler & Co. Gallery, San Francisco 251 Post Street, Suite 510. San Francisco, CA 94108	Michael has been and is a supporter and participant of POS since his move several years ago to 560 Mineral Spring Ave.
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10/25/07	Jacqueline Ott, tenant at 545 Pawtucket Ave will be featured at5 Traverse Gallery, 5 Traverse Street, Providence, RI 02906. http://www.5traverse.com Main Gallery: Jacqueline Ott Nov 2, 2007 - Jan 1,2008 Opening reception: November 2nd, 5-8 PM	Support Pawtucket Artists stop by and see her show.
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10/22/2007	From: Deborah Goldhaft , www.fireiceglass.com To: Fire & Ice Studio, CWE, Friends Subject: FIRE & ICE STUDIO AT PROVIDENCE FINE FURNISHINGS & CRAFTS FRI, SAT, SUN COME SEE FIRE & ICE STUDIO AT PROVIDENCE FINE FURNISHINGS & FINE CRAFTS SHOW! OCTOBER 26, 27 & 28TH [AS SEEN IN PROJ0'S LIFESTYLE SUPPLEMENT SUNDAY]	Deborah is a supporter and participant of POS.
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10/5/2007 9:00 AM	Len- Here is my new ad. Please forward it to all you can. Are you having another November holiday sale this year? Thanks, G www.AHLERSgifts.com Gail Ahlers • Ahlers Designs, Inc. 1005 Main St., Unit 707, Pawtucket, RI 02860 PH:401-365-1010 • 800-553-3419 FX 401-365-1333 Making unique gifts for the home & office since 1989	Gail is a supporter and participant of POS since her move to Pawtucket last year. She is the organizer of the Foundry Show which is the 2nd and 3rd weekend of December.
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9/27/2007 8:53 PM	Len, After the past Open Studio, people were calling us about the next event and how and when to apply. Do you have an idea when you will send out the forms? Shall I tell them to e-mail you? Thanks a lot ........................ Line Daems	As of October 15, 2007 registration will be on line only with payment with check or credit card.
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9/26/2007 7:43 AM	Name : ashley Message : HI. I am writing to inquire if you plan on having an open studio event in December? And if so, can Non-Pawtucket Mill Residents participate? Can a group of artists split one space? Please write back. Thank you, Ashley	Non residents are welcomed and can participate. Each artist must register individually.
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9/25/2007 8:39 AM	Dear Friends, Now see a selection of my work on ArtNet at the following link: ...................... Michael http://www.artnet.com/gallery/423912111/adler--co-gallery.html Michael Rich Sept - June 363 Morris Ave Providence, RI 02906 June - Sept 49 Fairgrounds Rd Nantucket, MA 02554 Ph: 508-280-6303 michaelbrich@mac.com homepage: http://homepage.mac.com/michaelbrich	We all hope that Michael is getting a lot of inspiration during his travels in Italy. We will see you after the first of the year. Michael has been and is a supporter and participant of POS since his move several years ago to 560 Mineral Spring Ave.
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9/24/2007 3:25 PM	Attached is the map of the Pawtucket open studios stroll. Let me know if you want to make any additions or corrections. .......... Mike	Mike Wilcox is a member of the Pawtucket Economic Development team and is working on an alternative map for Open Studios.
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9/22/2007 7:37 PM	October 13: Relay for Life: A Breast Cancer Benefit and Indoor Craft Fair 10am to 5pm vendors will be set up at the Grant selling handmade crafts and gift ideas. Table space is still available, contact Robin or Debbie at the Training Den. All rental fees are being donated to The American Cancer Society. October 26: PADS and Lost Chord Party Pawtucket Alliance for Downtown Success and the Lost Chord Film Festival celebrate Halloween and the Lost Chord Film Festival coming on the 27th and 28th. Don costumes and celebrate a weekend of great films, and just to make it more entertaining, we'll have a panel of local celebrities to judge your costume efforts (cool prizes!) AND, a virtual artistic exhibit! What is this? PADS is asking for artists of any nature to contribute a 3-5 minute virtual exhibit (in quicktime or power point format) of their work. This exhibit will be projected the night of the party. Joanne R.Luongo Paper Girls Studio and Art Gallery 250 Main Street Pawtucket, RI 02860 (401) 365-6332 www.papergirlsstudio.com	Paper Girls Studio and Art Gallery located at THE GRANT http://www.thegrantat250.com
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9/21/2007 6:03 PM	Len, I wanted to let you know what a great event we had for the P.O.S. this summer! With minimal email blasts and a few postcards mailed out, we were able to drive in more sales than the Spring event. Just shows how a little effort goes a long way. Thanks so much for organizing this. I am looking forward to the Winter P.O.S. Thanks, Michael Dow Studio Manager Andrea Valentini a division of ABV Design, Inc. 558 Mineral Spring Avenue Studio no. 106 Pawtucket, RI 02860 (401) 467-7104 · voice (401) 305-2444 · facsimile (401) 533-2004 · mobile www.andreavalentini.com	Thanks Mike, using the post cards does make things happen. Both the mail and e mail always work so well.
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9/20/2007 9:44 AM	Name : Lynn McCarthy Company : Lynn McCarthy Designs Message : I am interested in participating in the holiday sale from Nov 30-Dec 2. Please send me an application. Thank You.	Registration begins for one month starting October 15, 2007 on line only.
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9/13/2007 6:25 PM	Hi All, I just got back from out of town hence my late reply. I had to go home and pack which is also why I didn't attend the after party. I'm glad you all got together. I think it's a good idea to do more building organization. I can donate some time, the use of my A-frame in a better fashion, and maybe a little cash, but I cannot afford the POS fee plus the extra $75. I can afford maybe another $20. Sorry. I'm on too tight a budget to be able to do that. I think it's a great idea, but I can't afford the extra fee. According to Len the dates are the November 30th weekend which is not what he told me in July, but what he told Penny Fraich when she called to ask since I invited her to show in my studio. She can't because that weekend is another show, but I did get the dates:) We should ask the sign guys in our building for some sign stuff. They are moving into the space where Sally used to be near my studio and are interested in participating in open house stuff. They may not be moved by then, but someone could ask.... Stuart Ball was VERY interested in everything that was happening. Maybe they would provide something like building maps with moveable pieces...? Maybe not. I was thinking that a magnetic A-frame with thin strips for each studio that the studios could add or not would be a good idea since things change over time and that would eliminate the need to make new signs for the A-Frame each open house. If you participate you can stick it on the frame! Whatever... Please keep me posted. I will be out of town the 24th through October 1st. Best, Deborah PS- I had fewer people, but the people who came were more interested in actually making use of my glass than just looky-lou's. I also got a firm workshop. On Sep 10, 2007, at 12:34 PM, Karen Lee wrote: Hello All, After the Open Studios event, a few of us gathered at Dew Claw to eat each other’s left over food and chat. We unwound, finished off a large bottle of wine and sampled the mysteries husk cherries that seem to have appeared at farmers markets this year, having never been seen before. More evidence either of global warming or alien visitations. We all were happy that we had 10 participants in this building, which is something near a record for participation in our building. We also were in agreement that traffic this year was less than last year. We had an unstructured talk about the Holiday Open Studios. There was some question as to what date it would be held, so we’ll have to ask Len about that and clarify. As you may or may not know, Len Lavoie has taken charge of the event called Pawtucket Open Studios (POS). We think this is great, and we’re happy to have him driving the bus (as opposed to the musical chair version of who's driving the bus). The POS event includes studio and mill sites throughout Pawtucket. Those of us at the party who are intending to be open for the Holiday Sale will do so through POS. However, we felt that we could do something extra for our site (545 Pawtucket Ave) alone by each chipping in a certain amount of money for signage. * Possibly get a banner across Pawtucket Ave for a couple weeks before the sale. * Have better interior directional signage and a map with a route to follow. * With A frames at each studio, or some other kind of obvious marker. * And perhaps again a raffle that was linked to a punch card evidencing visits to all the studios. * possibly doing a geographic mailing of postcards to 02906 & Oak Hill if money allows. We felt that if you were to participate in our building efforts that you would have to also participate in the POS event, and do the 545 fees in addition to the POS fees. We also are aware that some folks haven’t got an established customer base and so participation in the building wide efforts would be optional, though if you can afford it we’d really appreciate if you would chip in too. We felt that late October to early November would be our deadline for decision about doing this together – see if we’ve each got some extra bucks to chip in for this (about $75) This is a note just to let everyone in on the loop. I suppose we ought to pick up the conversation in late October and see where everyone’s at. My personal opinion is, I'd like to minimize meetings and maximize getting stuff done, so whatever process will happen, we ought to try to expedite, which means it will help if we don't have to achieve consensus on decisions, but can go with what seems right at the time and be forgiving of efforts that fall short of perfection, or the way we would have personally done it had we been actually doing it! Any thoughts or comments -- please "reply all" on your email and let's discuss. Thanks, Karen Breathing Time Yoga	POS appreciates that building tenants can get together to maximize the POS experience.
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9/10/2007 9:58 AM	Len, This is from a friend of mine who is interested in space for the Xmas Sale. She doesn't rent but knows that there is a certain amount available for others. Is this still true for this coming year and if so can you contact her? Alan	We will have 25 spaces at 560 Mineral Spring Ave. If needed we will expand into 1005 Main St. We welcome all who wish to participate.
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9/8/2007 7:24 PM	Len, I was at the Visitor Center today and many people were complaining about the map because there was no information about the artists. People want to know what artists are at what mills. So they just walked away and didn't bother going.	My biggest issue is with the artist themselves. Several complained that they should have been listed on the map and I agree with them ! By the cut off date less that 5% had registered and the balance of the 80+ individuals dribbled in over the last two weeks prior to the festival. As you well know you can't prepare a map and directory together without the information and you can't wait until the last minute to get that put together, proofed and printed. So that remains an artists issue. They all seem to make the same excuses every year. We hope to resolve this issue this Holiday show by forcing everyone to register on line. AND ON TIME
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9/7/2007 9:45 AM	Name : barbara Message: please send me info about Sunday, September 9 including schedule and artists\' addresses. Thanks.	Sorry can't do that. As you well know you can't prepare a map and directory together without the information and you can't wait until the last minute to get that put together, proofed and printed. 80% of our artists refuse to register on time, so we can't get that information out in a timely fashion. You can go on line and in the Artist Directory you can find the individuals and their addresses
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9/6/2007 12:01 PM	This weekend, I will be again be opening my studio to visitors as part of Pawtucket Open Studios (held in conjunction with the Pawtucket Arts Festival) We're celebrating the anniversary of Will Paint for Food, a collaboration with area food writer Lydia Walshin that supports hunger relief through the sale of art. Since last summer, I've been painting food-themed still life studies. A portion of each sale of is donated to agencies working to end hunger through education, outreach, and food distribution. More than 30 new paintings will be on display for the first time. It's also chance to meet more than 30 of my neighbors....painters, photographers, woodworkers, designers, sculptors, jewelers...and yes, the pole dancer's still down the hall, right next to the world-class fine art printer. If you're ambitious, you can what's going on inside 13 revitalized mills throughout Pawtucket - More than 80 studios in all. All for free. - friday Sept 7th 6-9 (reception 8- ? ) sat/sun from 12-5. 560 Mineral Spring Ave #108 Pawtucket Rhode Island 02860 (bet. Lonsdale and Smithfield aves, opp. Lorraine mills) show preview, dining suggestions, maps and information: http://shawnkenney.com/blog/?p=91 hope to see you there-	Thanks Shawn, This is the type of advertising that makes things happen. For your info, Shawn sold 15 + paintings during the POS. He had a busy studio all week end long. Great marketing !!!!!
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9/5/2007 9:51 AM	Name : Heidi Message : I must comment: this is really badly done- all I was looking to print out was a map showing the studio tour locations similar to the type of map they publish for Gallery Night and I was lead to all kinds of links. Did I just miss it ? do you have a simple map for all locations and artists that I can print out and take with me? , Heidi	As you well know you can't prepare a map and directory together without the information and you can't wait until the last minute to get that put together, proofed and printed. 80% of our artists refuse to register on time, so we can't get that information out in a timely fashion. Gallery night is a 8 month commitment made by the participants. You can get the proper advertising done when the participants register on time. Our map can be printed and is on the last line of the first page "Find an artist, locate a Mill, look for available studio space"
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9/4/2007 8:41 PM	Please join us for Pawtucket Open Studios. There will 80 artists participating. http://pawtucketopenstudios.com/ Maps are at the "contact us" page Friday September 7th 6-9 PM Saturday September 8th 11AM - 7PM Sunday September 9th 12-5 PM I look forward to seeing you there. Please forward this to anyone you think may be interested. David Witbeck 560 Mineral Spring Ave. Studio 303	It doesn't take much to make things happen. This was David's e mail to his E Mail client list. David's first guest for the September show bought a painting on Friday late afternoon. He reports a very good turnout and successful show.
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9/4/2007 9:28 AM	Can you direct me to a list of the individual artists' locations. Do you have a map of the Mill area with the studios of each artist on it? ..........Stephen	I wish I could, I can only direct you to our web site. We are trying to get the artists to work with us on this problem. If only the artists would register on time !!!!
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