2021 Conceal / Reveal Mask Installation at the Atrium Gallery

Rhode Island State Council on the Arts presents "Conceal / Reveal Mask Installation" at the Atrium Gallery @ One Capitol Hill. An exhibition of artwork in the shape of a face mask on display at the Atrium Gallery on the main floor of the state’s Administration Building, One Capitol Hill, Providence. The Conceal/Reveal Mask Installation was created during the pandemic and presents a mix of handmade face masks by RI artists and members of the community, who answered an open call. The exhibit examines the intersection of the arts and healing.

On viewing the installation at the state’s gallery managed by the RI State Council on the Arts (RISCA), Randall Rosenbaum, executive director of the state’s arts agency, said, “I am amazed and in awe of the quality of the pieces our community contributed to this timely show, which illustrates the healing power of the arts. Conceal/Reveal sends another important message, and that is to encourage community members to do their part and wear a mask to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

The face mask art exhibit originated and was displayed at the Providence Art Club’s Dodge House Gallery on Thomas Street. It included works by Rhode Islanders of all ages and members of the Art Club. In late fall, Rhode Island’s Art and Health Network expanded the show to include works by Department of Health staff, and faculty and students from The Pennfield School, Portsmouth. In addition, the 80 masks were exhibited at the Department of Health and the RI State Archives on Broad Street in Providence.

“Creativity is available to each of us, and we experience it in profound ways during times of crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has been no exception. It has fed the creativity of artists and individuals from across the globe,” said Steven Boudreau, co-chair, RI State Arts and Health Network. “This Conceal/Reveal exhibition has drawn upon the experience, grief, humor and resilience that many Rhode Islanders have endured since the beginning of 2020.”

Partnerships: Rhode Island Art and Health Network, Providence Art Club

Atrium Gallery at One Capitol Hill
Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) developed the Atrium Gallery to recognize talented artists from communities throughout the state. The Atrium Gallery hosts multidisciplinary exhibitions in partnership with diverse artists and cultural organizations. The gallery features a stunning tall glass ceiling with light that cascades into an open space surrounded by three walls of artwork. This has become a destination point for visitors and the many people who frequent the Administration offices at One Capitol Hill, while enriching the environment for hundreds of state workers in the building.

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts is a state agency supported by appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. RISCA provides grants, technical assistance and staff support to arts organizations and artists, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments to bring the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders. To learn more visit www.arts.ri.gov