Exhibit titled ‘Globalization: Picturing Providence’ to highlight Rhode Island’s cultural diversity

Media Contact: Dave Lavallee 401-874-2116



äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ artist-in-residence Steve Pennell
aims to raise cultural awareness

KINGSTON, R.I. — September 30, 2003 — Visitors to the äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBվ’s Feinstein Providence Campus gallery will be able to browse the exhibit, “Globalization: Picturing Providence,” from Oct. 1 through 31.

Curated by artist-in-residence Steve Pennell, the exhibit is part of the semester-long äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ Honors Colloquium: The Futures of Globalization. Like all colloquium programs, the exhibit is free and open to the public. The gallery is located at 80 Washington St., Providence, and is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“The exhibit will explore the stories of many people who live in Rhode Island, but have come here from other lands – especially Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Latino community.” Pennell said. The display features cultural artifacts, original artwork and photographs of the people and their homelands. Pennell hopes to delve into the reasons why these individuals left their homes, how they came here and their reception upon arrival.

The exhibit will be part of Providence’s monthly Gallery Night on Oct. 16. Pennell will be available that night from 5 to 9 to answer questions concerning the various works.

Pennell has been the artist-in-residence at the äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ Providence Campus for the last seven years, and has focused on raising social issues such as domestic violence and homelessness awareness and celebrating diversity. By and large, Pennell’s work as a theater director, writer and visual artist is centered on education and social consciousness raising.

Please visit www.uri.edu/hc for the most current colloquium information and a complete schedule of events and directions, or contact the äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ Honors Center at 401-874-2381 or debg@uri.edu.

The program’s major sponsors are: äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ Honors Program and President’s Office, The Providence Journal, Fidelity Investments, äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ Foundation, äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ College of Arts and Sciences and the äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ College of Business Administration.

Other sponsors are äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBվ’s Office of Student Affairs, Alumni Association, Multicultural Center and College of Pharmacy.