2023 Angel Beth Smith "The Natural" Solo Exhibition at the Atrium Gallery

Rhode Island State Council on the Arts presents “The Natural”, a Solo Exhibition by Indigenous Artist Angel Beth Smith, is on display Oct. 27-Feb. 7 at RISCA’s Atrium Gallery at One Capitol Hill, main floor, state’s Administration Building in Providence. The exhibition features weavings and drawings that speak to the beauty and simplicity of nature. Natural fibers and dyes are used to create the weavings, while the drawings reveal the growth of the Earth.

“As an Indigenous Artist I have a natural affinity to embrace that which comes from the Earth as sacred, choosing to work with mediums that complement the environment. The expression of art is characterized in many forms. It can be quiet, noisy, gentle, or passionate but it always speaks. It speaks with personal interpretation and broad renditions that beckon the viewer into the world of the creating artist.” ~ Angel Beth Smith.

Official Bio (provided by artist)
Angel Beth Smith is the Creative Services Manager for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in the Public Affairs Department. She was born and raised in Providence and is a proud citizen of the Narragansett Tribe. From a young age, she was determined to become a professional artist and musician. Smith earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts, with a concentration in textile design, from RISD and continued her studies of music theory at Brown University.

Smith is an established Indigenous Artist. After night classes at RISD to perfect her drawing, she secured a working residency with the Turkey Land Cove Foundation to develop The Indigenous Peoples Project. As one who proudly embraces not only her Narragansett heritage but also her sister tribal nations, Smith curates' various art exhibits and extends opportunities to other Indigenous artists to display their work.

Smith’s work has been published in the Directory of Illustration as a highlighted Indigenous artist. She also debuted her first solo show in October 2022, The Indigenous Peoples Project: The Mashantucket (Western) Pequot Women, at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center. Smith’s work continues to be displayed throughout Southern New England and beyond.

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.

Solo Exhibitions Program
The Atrium Gallery hosts solo exhibitions each year displaying an array of mediums that includes but is not limited to paintings, photography, textiles, and installation. The public gallery features emerging and established artists who are interested in exploring and showcasing their creative vision through an exceptional body of work. Selected artists are provided an installation preparatory specialist, promotional brochure or postcard, opening gallery reception, as well as being included in RISCA’s website and newsletter.

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