2023 Cynthia Listens to the Wind Ross Meeks "In Flight" Solo Exhibition at the Atrium Gallery

Rhode Island State Council on the Arts presents “In Flight”, a Solo Exhibition by Native American artist Cynthia “Listens to the Wind” Ross Meeks, on display at the Atrium Gallery @ One Capitol Hill. The exhibit, titled "In Flight", features Indigenous circles formed by an assemblage of exquisite feathers. Ross Meeks traced her ancestry back to the Royal House of the Pokanoket Tribe, a direct descent of Massasoit. Narragansett, Pequot and Wampanoag tribal nations are part of her family tree. Ross Meeks communes with the Native American community and incorporates love of her ancestry and anthropology into the artwork she creates.

“Knowledge of my ancestry and culture was the catalyst for the creation of this exhibition of Indigenous circles,” Ross Meeks said. “The work emanates from a sacred circle shape, used in cultures around the world, as a form of spiritual practice. I draw my inspiration from a rich history of using shields in Native American culture.”

“We are all under the same sky” – Cynthia Listens to the Wind Ross Meeks

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