AS220

If you’re a real AS220 nerd like me, you may recognize the name "Steven Emma." It belongs to one of the three artists (the other two being Umberto Crenca and Martha Dempster (Steve's wife)) who signed the 1983 "New Challenge Manifesto". While it predated our existence by two years, this manifesto represented a moment of Rhode Island artists getting together, communicating, and envisioning better futures for themselves. Steve, a visual artist and writer, and Martha, a dancer, would soon go on to raise a family, and you probably already know that Umberto Crenca would go on to found AS220 in 1985 and pour his energy into it for the next 30 years.

Despite being partially responsible for a milestone in the pre-history of AS220, I am fairly confident in saying that Steve has never had a proper solo exhibit here. Still, he would pop up at AS220 in the 80s and early 90s to do poetry readings, and was part of a group show with Umberto Crenca and Susan Clausen in 1989.

Even though he's stayed relatively under the AS220 radar, Steve has never stopped making art. I know this because I had the chance to visit with Steve and Martha at their home in Providence last year. He showed me his studio and the breadth and depth of his various art making prices including carved stone and wooden sculptures, block prints, illustrations in graphite, charcoal, and ink, and much more that I'm certainly forgetting. He's also engaged in many other activities and interests, more than can fit in this space.

Please join us and Steven Emma (and all the other artists exhibiting at AS220 in June!) on Saturday, June 6th, from 5 - 7 PM for the opening reception of Working with My Hands: A Retrospective and celebrate the decades of work of a true Providence original. I'm sure he'd love to tell you about everything I can't squeeze in here!

Tag a movement artist you love!

Come teach at AS220 Dance!
Start with a 6-week series to see how it feels!
Send us an email if you’re interested

Get those apps in - as220.org/live-work-studios/

AS220 is excited to announce the Creative Justice Lab: a group of neighboring studio spaces for artists and artist-serving organizations committed to advancing the health and vitality of creative communities. Five artist studios on the second floor of our Empire Street building are becoming available to rent to artists and organizations whose work addresses critical issues including housing, mental health, climate justice, education and more. We invite applications from individuals and groups whose work advances liberation and uplifts other artists. The aim of Creative Justice Lab is to improve artists’ creative, personal, and professional outcomes by providing access to essential support in one creative space.

AS220 is now accepting applications from artists, artist collectives, organizations, and collectives for work studios available on July 1st at the Creative Justice Lab. The rents in these studios range from $390/month to $850/month with an equal security deposit due at lease signing. The studios range from 295 sq ft. to 512 sq ft. We ask for a minimum of a one-year lease commitment.

Applications are due Friday, May 15th, 2026 by 11:59pm. Interviews will be conducted during the weeks of May 18th and 25th.

as220.org/live-work-studios

AS220 is excited to announce the Creative Justice Lab: a group of neighboring studio spaces for artists and artist-serving organizations committed to advancing the health and vitality of creative communities. Five artist studios on the second floor of our Empire Street building are becoming available to rent to artists and organizations whose work addresses critical issues including housing, mental health, climate justice, education and more. We invite applications from individuals and groups whose work advances liberation and uplifts other artists. The aim of Creative Justice Lab is to improve artists’ creative, personal, and professional outcomes by providing access to essential support in one creative space.

AS220 is now accepting applications from artists, artist collectives, organizations, and collectives for work studios available on July 1st at the Creative Justice Lab. The rents in these studios range from $390/month to $850/month with an equal security deposit due at lease signing. The studios range from 295 sq ft. to 512 sq ft. We ask for a minimum of a one-year lease commitment.

Applications are due Friday, May 15th, 2026 by 11:59pm. Interviews will be conducted during the weeks of May 18th and 25th.

In response to the recent controversy surrounding the latest mural in downtown Providence, AS220 and The Avenue Concept are presenting a panel discussion and public forum where we can talk about the ins and outs of public art.

Names panelists and moderators / facilitators will be forthcoming. The Avenue Concept has created a form submit questions, comments, thoughts, ideas, beforehand: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuB2HGByY64KnKTITm8mkpuZticm1IhiA3-5oT2MU6kRY5iw/viewform We anticipate that there will be allotted time for comments and questions at the event itself.

- How can artists, property owners, government, and members of the public work together in dialogue to create public art that represents the hopes, dreams, and struggles of the communities that live and interact with them on a daily basis?

- How should art function within education, politics, and movements for justice, and what responsibilities come with that power?

- Where do we draw the line between freedom of expression and the use of art as a tool for influence or propaganda, and who gets to decide?

- When art exists in public view, even on private property, what responsibility do artists, funders, and property owners have to the community it impacts?

- How does art shape which stories, struggles, or tragedies receive attention, resources, and collective memory, and who gets left out?

This is a free event. RSVP is requested so we can estimate and prepare for potential crowds. An RSVP does not guarantee a seat, so we recommend that you arrive early / on time. Doors will open at 6 and the event will start shortly thereafter.

We’re 89% of the way towards our goal of $7,000 for Day! Help make our dreams come true by donating at 401gives.org/organizations/as220. If you follow us or are seeing this, you already know the importance of supporting AS220 so LET’S MAKE IT HAPPEN!

P.S. - I walked 3 blocks in the rain to to get this photo. You should donate to them too!