The Board

The Jamestown Arts Center is a non-profit organization begun by Kate Petrie, Elizabeth Congdon, Dori Hirsch, Jocelyn Donahue, and Jane Mitchell. We believe that our island needs and can support an arts center.

We have committed ourselves to making the Jamestown Arts Center a reality. Together we bring the essential skills to achieving our goals. We greet the challenges that this large scoped and multi-facetted project presents with enthusiasm and optimism.     click here to see the biographies of the board members.

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Our Plan

We see JAC becoming a self-sustaining successful business. With the help of benefactors and Rhode Island grant agencies, JAC can provide high level and low cost arts programs for the whole community.

JAC will be a centrally located facility. Our long range plan is to purchase a property in town which will be large enough to include painting, photography and ceramic studios, a dance/yoga studio, theater/music rehearsal space, writing and music classrooms, and a gallery. Ideally we seek a property with land for an open air stage, sculpture garden, children's summer camp, and fundraising/rentable event space.

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Our Inspiration

Jamestown's art community is strong and vibrant. Artists of all disciplines live here, working independently or participating in the many arts organizations on island. We believe this spirit deserves to be represented and nurtured by creating a place to gather, learn and share.

By uniting the arts community we may better serve individuals, families and groups. Professional artists will have a home to exhibit, perform, teach, mentor and participate in outreach programs. Amateur adult art lovers will find a wide range of classes available in an accessible, encouraging environment. Teens will have opportunities to learn, intern, volunteer, as they explore challenging arts experiences. Lower and middle school children will find classes for their blossoming talents. Preschoolers will enjoy discovering the world of art in a warm on island classroom (scheduled during classes for parents from yoga to painting!).

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Can We Do It?

Yes! Our growing community of Jamestown already has many of the key ingredients to ensure the necessary appreciation , participation, support and employment for this endeavor:

The natural beauty of our island and its proximity to Providence, Boston and New York City draws a steady influx of visitors including many artists from around the world.

Our large summer community enthusiastically embraces summer activities and artistic events.

Our fundraising record is outstanding.

Our excellent public schools enables many year round families to engage in both artistic pursuits and volunteer work.

Our state is one of the most highly endowed in the country. The Rhode Island Foundation has both a Newport County Fund and a Jamestown Fund for the Performing Arts. The Jamestown Educational Fund hosts a wide range of educational experiences for school aged children, and strongly supports the arts. The National Endowment for the Arts is reaching out to our state to support new educational community organizations.

Supporting the Arts in Jamestown strengthens our community identity as a whole.