FirstWorks

FIRSTWORKS BOARD NEWS Melissa Snape, Head of Corporate Citizenship at Collette, a global tour operator based in Rhode Island, has assumed the role of FirstWorks Board President. “We are thrilled to have Melissa lead the FirstWorks Board as we mark 22 years of connecting art with audiences in Rhode Island,” said Kathleen Pletcher, FirstWorks Founder and Executive Artistic Director. “Melissa brings her passion for audience engagement and reaching new communities to FirstWorks and has been integral to our Strategic Planning process over the past three years.” As board president, Melissa will work closely with Kathleen on a strategic process for the organization, one that will strengthen the future of the arts in Providence and ensure that FirstWorks’ mission continues with even greater impact. FirstWorks also welcomes Steven Boudreau, Director of Equity and Engagement at the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging to the FirstWorks Board this spring. Steven's work is rooted in promoting equity and engaging underrepresented communities. He brings his experience at the intersection of arts, health, and community engagement to FirstWorks to deepen our impact as a catalyst for connection, well-being, and civic imagination. Visit our website to learn more about FirstWorks leadership and staff.

Design the official 2026 PVDFest poster! 🔊 ACT, FirstWorks, and The Boston Globe Rhode Island are calling on Rhode Island artists to submit their work. Apply at PVDFEST.COM or in the link in our bio Submission period: May 4-May 31 Open to Rhode Island-based artists, 21+ -Preference for Providence-based artists- @firstworksri @providenceact @bostonglobe #PVDFest2026 #CallforArt #posterdesign

3…2…1… Lineup drop 🎺🪘🎤 Our FirstWorks Summer Beats concert series returns this July and August to Roger Williams Park and 195 District Park! Three FREE concerts Etienne Charles Gullah Roots: July 10, Roger Williams Park Boathouse Lawn 🎺Global jazz with deep American roots The GroovaLottos: July 24, Roger Williams Park Boathouse Lawn 🪘Soul-funk Afrobeats jam band Pedro Pastor and his band Los Locos Descalzos: August 14, 195 District Park 🎤Spain's voice of global folk-fusion For full details visit our website at the link in our bio - @etiennejazz @thegroovalottos @pedropastorguerra Co-presented with @rogerwilliamspark @providenceparks @195districtpark Thanks to our sponsors and supporters! @providencetourism @banknewport @gocollette @rhodeisland250 @nefa_1976 @midatlanticarts @risca1967 @bostonglobe @poder102fm

Come Visit Us This Saturday @ Open Valley! Explore the 50 Sims community this Saturday, May 2! FirstWorks will have a table at the Welcome Center located right at 50 Sims Ave (our new digs 🏠) Learn about our education programs and upcoming events like our FREE Summer Beats concert series and PVDFest. Pick up some FirstWorks swag and decorate your own tote bag. At Open Valley you’ll meet amazing artists, nonprofits, community partners, and neighbors. It’s going to be a fun day. More info: /open-valley and in our stories

It's always inspiring to participate in Arts Day at the RI State House! Great to see so many colleagues and friends on the program including FirstWorks arts educators Sidy Maiga and Silvermoon La Rose. Thanks to RISCA for another inspiring afternoon of community connection.

⚠️Carlin's May/June mending workshop at Shea Fashion has been POSTPONED. Stay tuned for updates here or reach out to [email protected] with any questions. Reminder! Register now for our free mending workshop series now open for 8th & 9th grade students in Pawtucket, Providence and Central Falls Schools! Mondays: May 11, 18 and June 1, 4:00-5:00 PM 🧵🪡 Join FirstWorks at Shea Fashion for a unique learning opportunity to learn garment mending with Carlin Ash, a local fiber artist and illustrator. In this three-session workshop, students will learn the basics of hand sewing and visible mending, exploring how both traditional and modern techniques can extend the life of things we already own and reduce our environmental impact. By the end of the workshop, students will leave with a mended garment and practical clothing repair skills. They will also get a sneak peek at Shea Fashion's programming for high school students! This is a comprehensive, three-session course; participants must be able to attend all three sessions. All materials will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring any garments that need mending. The registration form is linked in our bio! Questions? Contact Leah Silva, FirstWorks Education Manager at [email protected] @firstworksri @carlin.ash @sheafashionri @psdri_schools @centralfalls_ri @centralfallsschooldistrict

The Club had the honor of welcoming master djembe drummer Sidy Maiga for an unforgettable visit! 🥁✨ He began with a small group session for some of our older members, sharing the rich history of the djembe, its importance in Malian ceremonies, and the different sounds each drum can create. The energy carried into an incredible performance for the entire Club, followed by a hands-on experience where members of all ages had the chance to play the drums Sidy crafted himself! At the Club, we are proud to create opportunities for our members to explore new cultures, discover diverse traditions, and expand their understanding of the world around them. Thank you to FirstWorks for partnering with us to bring this meaningful cultural experience to our members! 💛🌍 #bgc #bgca #newport #djembe

The energy at Providence Career Technical Academy was absolute magic as alum Atlás returned to their old hallways for a high-energy homecoming that was part concert, part masterclass, and pure inspiration. Beyond the live mixing and student dance-offs, Atlás shared a powerful personal story of navigating life as a queer immigrant from Guatemala, describing how they turn the "weight of the world" into art and explore their identity through music while honoring their roots. We learned that their stage name, Atlás, came from the weight of the world they felt growing up, translating for and carrying the heavy hopes of a family seeking a better life. And Planeta, their QTBIPOC-centered collective, was named as a subversion of being labeled an "alien" in immigration paperwork. Seeing a former student bridge the gap between vocational training and the arts left a massive mark—some students were even scouting for their own DJ gear before the assembly was even over. It was a beautiful reminder that great things are possible through personal resilience and the building of community. 🎧✨ Learn more about FirstWorks Artist Educators on our website (link in bio) @atlaskidbhai @pcta_hs @ppsdoeb #firstworks #ArtsEducation 📷 by leahthesilva

Thank You, FirstWorks Family! 💛 What an inspiring #401Gives! Together, our community showed up for the arts in a big way. Thanks to your generosity, FirstWorks met our Board Match and raised $8,826 to support arts education, free community performances, and creative experiences that connect us all. We’re so grateful for every donation, post share, and cheer you sent our way. You make our mission possible! 🫶

🎨 Skip a coffee, spark some creativity! At 4:01 PM today, the biggest #401Gives match kicks in — and your gift can go a long way. Thanks to the @rifoundation , every donation gets a $25 match (max $25 per donor, per organization). Give $5 → Get $25 = $30 for FirstWorks! ✨ Your “skip‑the‑latte” moment could help bring arts education and FREE community arts to thousands. Let’s pour our love into the arts instead 💛 Match starts at 4:01 PM — don’t miss it! Visit our @401gives profile link in our bio to give Photo credit: @erinxsmithersmedia

✨ Board Match Update: Thanks to your generosity, we’ve raised $2,115 toward our Board’s $4,001 match* Let’s keep the momentum going and close that gap! There’s still time to give, share, and spread the word. Visit our @401gives profile at the link in our bio. 📅 #401Gives continues through end of day tomorrow, April 1. Photo credit: @erinxsmithersmedia

⏰ 4:01 PM MATCH COMING UP! At 4:01 PM today, your #401Gives gift to FirstWorks can go even further with the Ocean State Community Match from the @rifoundation 💛 • The next $20,000 in donations will be matched • $20 match per donor, per nonprofit • Minimum gift: $5 • Online donations only Give $5 → Get $20 = $25 for the arts! ✨ at our @401gives profile link in bio. Photo credit: @erinxsmithersmedia