Family ties, shared memories, and personal truths take shape inside Family Business, a month-long exhibition at WaterFire Arts Center running through October 19. The show is the collective effort of the 2024-2025 WaterFire Accelerate cohort, five emerging artists who have transformed the gallery into a home filled with stories only they could tell.
Visitors step into a reimagined household, each room designed by a different artist. Lizzy Sour splashes the walls with bold color and typography. Dorian Epps explores identity through the lens of athletics. Caterina Maina weaves memory into photographs and archival imagery. Sissy Rosso layers collage and printmaking with Dominican-American roots. Ariel Tavares infuses spirituality and Cape Verdean heritage into multimedia work. Together, their creations capture the complicated beauty of family, from grief and reconciliation to joy and nostalgia.
WaterFire Accelerate, the program behind the exhibition, provides a year of professional development to artists under 30. The initiative connects them with mentors, workshops, and resources beyond the classroom while giving them a platform to share their vision. Family Business marks a milestone in their journey and offers the public a glimpse of the next generation of cultural leaders building right here in Providence.
The show extends beyond what hangs on the walls and sparks conversation. On Wednesday, October 8, the cohort will host an artist panel moderated by Jordan Seaberry. Expect an honest dialogue about their time in the program, the inspiration behind their work, and what it means to make art in a city like Providence.
If you missed the earlier Housewarming reception or open studios, there’s still plenty of time to catch the exhibition. Admission is free, open to the public, and a perfect stop during Gallery Night Providence tours.
WaterFire Arts Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, with extended evening hours on Thursdays. Wipe your feet, step inside, and let Family Business show you how art can transform a house into a living, breathing story. For more information, visit Waterfire.Org.
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