WaterFire Presents Strong Survey of Local Artists
Guests at the opening of Growing the NetWorks with a large-scale piece by Entang Wiharso in the background. Photo by Logan Firestone, courtesy of WaterFire Providence.
Group exhibitions are a great opportunity to explore the interconnectedness of geographically proximate artists. Right now the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence is presenting a major survey that highlights dozens of makers. Titled Growing the NetWorks, the exhibition is an extension of an earlier show that highlighted the collection of the late arts patron Dr. Joseph Chazan. For those in the local art scene, it is a family reunion of sorts. Familiar names and artworks bring full circle the sense of community that comes with being in a small place like Rhode Island while also showing off the remarkable breadth of artistic production happening in the state and region. The impressive show continues through August 31 with a concluding reception on August 28 from 5-9pm.
Growing the NetWorks is about community. Artists in the exhibition were selected through nominations from those who showed work in NetWorks Rhode Island and the Chazan Collection in 2024. The original exhibition showcased individuals who were profiled in a documentary series of the same name, underwritten by Dr. Chazan. This year’s show expands the field of creative talent, showing off new artists who are connected to those who participated last year.
Among the artists with work on view is printmaker Julia Samuels. Originally from New Hampshire, Samuels earned her BFA from Pratt and her MFA from RISD. A widely exhibited artist in her own right, Samuels is also the artistic force behind Overpass Projects, a full service printmaking studio based in Providence. Works published by her can be found in a range of important collections including that of the New York Public Library.
Explaining what being in Growing the NetWorks means to her, Samuels says, “It's an honor and a privilege to be included with all of the NetWorks artists. We as artists often work in solitude and being included in such a comprehensive survey is a reminder that we are part of a vibrant arts community in Rhode Island. My work addresses ubiquitous American themes while depicting specific neighborhoods, so sharing the work with the Providence community where the work originated is a special treat.”
Julia Samuels, DePasquale Ave, 2021, linocut, plate size: 36 1/2” x 47 7/8”, paper size: 38 7/8” x 50”
Samuels is showcasing some of her fastidiously crafted prints that illustrate the urban scene in Providence. These immersive images celebrate the character of the city, its street, and its everyday landmarks. Large scale and specific, Samuels’ contributions to the show are technically and artistically impressive. She was nominated for the exhibition by renowned RISD Printmaking Professor Andrew Raftery, whose work was collected by Dr. Chazan and exhibited at WFAC in 2024.
Asked about Samuels’ work, Raftery answers, “Julia's linocuts of Providence reveal familiar places with intensity and freshness that changes the way I see the city when I go back outside.”
Raftery expands, saying, “As with all her work, this project shows incredible analytic skills in the range of marks used to create the images. She pushes the medium of linoleum printing to its limits in scale and detail. The prints have tremendous wall power from a distance, but are most rewarding up close.”
Samuels, like so many of the artists in Growing the NetWorks, is at the top of her game. Seeing her work and those by her counterparts reveals a vibrant artistic community of people who are creating work with considerable skill and vision.
Visitors engage with work in WaterFire Arts Center’s Growing the NetWorks exhibition. Photo by Deborah Shunney, courtesy of WaterFire Providence.
Art gallerist Candita Clayton worked closely with Dr. Chazan on his collection and co-curated the exhibition. Asked about her role in the show, she says, "My continued involvement is driven by a personal commitment to fostering community, mentorship, and opportunity among artists—values that Dr. Chazan championed so passionately throughout his life and work. Working alongside WaterFire and such a vibrant group of artists has been an honor. I am grateful for the chance to help cultivate the creative ecosystem that Dr. Chazan so steadfastly supported. I am passionate about keeping his legacy alive."
Growing the NetWorks does indeed celebrate and expand upon Dr. Chazan’s legacy as a champion of local art and artists. It is an inspiring show and one that will hopefully cultivate not only the next generation of artists but also new art lovers, collectors, and patrons across the state and region.
Growing the NetWorks is on view at the WaterFire Arts Center at 475 Valley Street in Providence through August 31, 2025. Admission is free and the WFAC is open Wednesday - Sunday from 10am - 5pm each day and is open late on Thursdays until 8pm. On Thursday, August 21, the space will participate in Gallery Night Providence and will also host a panel discussion at 6pm with several exhibitors. A closing reception will take place on Thursday, August 28 from 5-9pm. For more information and to plan your visit, go to https://waterfire.org/events/
