Sites and Stories Explored: Culminating Event + Reception

In 2019, as a part of the Sites and Stories Explored Through Scholarship, Art and Community Engagement project, the Providence Preservation Society (PPS) will unveil five original artistic works that explore hidden and layered narratives of several endangered historic sites in Providence. Five artists and artist teams were selected to create new works related to four sites that are featured on PPS’ 2018 Most Endangered Properties list. The works are intended to provoke conversations about the meaning of place, what happens when a site tells more than one story, and what kind of reparative work can ensue when a site erases some of its narratives in favor of others.

The Providence Preservation Society’s culminating event for Sites and Stories Explored will feature a screening of the artists’ works (including Megan & Murray McMillan’s video on Paragon Mill), as well as a discussion of their process and inspirations. This event will take place at Bell Street Chapel (3 Bell Street) on Thursday, May 23, from 5 – 7 pm. Free and open to the public, advance registration required.

Following the artists’ discussion, there will be a ticketed reception at the Wedding Cake House (514 Broadway) from 7 – 8:30 pm, which will feature libations, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a chance to explore this iconic piece of Providence’s architectural history and witness the restoration work being undertaken by the Dirt Palace.

Wedding Cake House Reception General Admission: $30

Wedding Cake House Reception VIP Admission: $100 (includes a special print by Sites and Stories artist Walker Mettling of the Knight Memorial Library and a copy of “From Paris to Providence, Fashion, Art and the Tirocchi Dressmakers’ Shop”)

All proceeds will benefit the Providence Preservation Society and the ongoing restoration work at the Wedding Cake House.