support local
August 15 is not only Gallery Night, but on that date Gallery Night Providence will be the highlighted at the TroopTop Thursday event at WaterFire Arts Center.
These summer Thursday evenings on the roof at WaterFire Arts Center showcase art experiences and live music as well as cocktails in support of local non-profit organizations highlighted each week.
Stay tuned - more details coming soon!
This month our spotlight is on textile designer Sara Ladds. She will give a short presentation on her work during the 6 pm tour's stop at Kreatelier, and tour-goers will be able to ask questions and browse the fabric and wallpaper showroom. You can also visit Kreatelier on your own anytime between 6 and 8 pm on April 18 Gallery Night.
Q: You were trained at RISD as a graphic designer. What's the difference for you between designing on paper vs. fabric?
A: As a graphic designer, one uses information to create a design with a specific message, such as a poster or a book cover. There are choices in type, image, and color which are arranged on a given dimension to inform. The similarities between graphic design and fabric design are the designing of similar elements such as pattern, color, and size/dimension on a flat, two-dimensional plane. But fabric is a moving, pliable medium that takes into consideration light, shape, function, style, trends, taste, etc. It has a longer presence where graphic design has a short window of purpose. And when it comes to interior fabrics, the fabric is part of a complex array of other elements such as rugs, artwork, furniture, etc. and they all need to "talk" to one another as a unified group. If it's done correctly.
Q: Art and design are often used interchangeably. Is there a distinction?
A: I am of the opinion that yes, there is a distinction. Art is an expression of the soul. It comes from a place of having something to say and the artist completely drives what is said and how it's conveyed. Design has a purpose. To communicate and inform (graphic design), to be functional (industrial/furniture design), to live in society (fashion, architecture design), and so on. There are many designers who are artists and artists who are designers in both life and work. The two principles can intertwine and there are a few who have mastered it brilliantly. But for me, there is a distinction in the "why" something is created which separates art from design.
Q: Do you have a favorite palette? A favorite design or one that you're most proud of?
A: I love color! It's the number one driving force in how I design. I have always gravitated towards the warmer hues - red, orange, pink - but my new collection is with a lot of blues and greens. Whatever the color, I tend to go for a lot of saturation. I would say one of my favorite patterns is the "Peony" pattern. It's graphic and soft in style, bold, and colorful.
Sara Ladds Design was launched in early 2015 and is based in Providence, Rhode Island. The collections combine a particular style of bold pattern and vibrant color with attention to proportion and balance. Sara Ladds Design uses eco-friendly printing methods, including water-based pigment ink, regional production and sustainably sourced materials and all fabrics are produced in the USA.
Sara Ladds grew up in New York City where fashion, art, architecture, and culture influenced her sense of style and design. After graduating from Rhode Island School of Design, Sara spent many years as an award-winning graphic designer. She was owner of Bachleitner Design and in 2005 she became the art director at Brown University. In 2012 she moved out of Providence to the beautiful coastal town of Little Compton where she began to rethink her life’s work and decided to fulfill a long-time dream of being a textile designer. Thus Sara Ladds Design was born and one need not look far to see how Sara’s years as a graphic designer has strongly influenced her textiles. Her attention to detail and color are complemented by bold, graphic patterns and her work offers a strong and refreshing addition to the world of residential textiles.
Greetings!
401Gives is TODAY, and runs through Tuesday April 2 at 6 pm. I am asking you to help make this an awesome day of giving in Rhode Island (our beloved 401 community)!
Please take 5 minutes to Give to Gallery Night Providence | 401Gives to enable us to continue to offer free access to Providence art spaces for diverse public audiences. If you’ve been on one of our tours, or enjoy visiting art spaces and want to see the arts and artists continue to thrive in our Creative Capital, please consider supporting us today!
I also encourage you to give to other 401 nonprofits that make a difference in our community – including several of our partner art spaces –and any other causes that speak to you.
Your donation of any amount will help Gallery Night Providence continue its work.
$15 will help support the design and printing of our new maps
$50 helps us pay our knowledgeable guides
And any amount will help us fund our trolley and vehicle rentals (which cost $750 per tour!)
And thanks to the generosity of some of our supporters, your gift may be automatically matched! Some of our friends are offering a match --so your donation could be doubled. One of our supporters is challenging us –with a pledge of $200 – to raise funds from 20 distinct donors!
Here’s how you can make a big difference today:
Spread the word about 401 Gives! Mention it to co-workers, friends, and neighbors. Forward this message. Post on social media and follow @401Gives.
We need your help to make our 401 Gives campaign a success. So even if you’re a 508 or a 617 or a 203 or a 703 like me, I hope we can count on your support. Thank you for considering.
Sincerely,
Michelle Maynard
Executive Director
