"I was making art to go out in the world, not to be in storage"
– Fay Chandler
INSPIRED BY A TRUE ARTIST
In 1995, Fay Chandler was to be featured in a major retrospective exhibit of her work at the Boston Center for the Arts. Of the many works in the show, Fay thought, surely not everything will sell, and there's no point in bringing the remaining pieces back to sit in storage at the studio. Why not donate whatever is left at the end of the show to groups in the community who couldn't otherwise afford to buy art, so it can be seen and enjoyed?
Letters went out, and nonprofit agencies came during the last week of the exhibit to select a piece of art. And from that simple act, the Art Connection's placement program was born.
The idea behind the Art Connection is still simple: making art accessible to everyone lends power to inspire, challenge, heal, communicate, and transform.
Wendy Ingram (AC-RI Founder), Fay Chandler, Peter Hacunda (former AC-RI Board Chair)
OUR CORE VALUES
Power of Art
Making and experiencing art is an essential element of the human experience. Regardless of socio-economic circumstances, AC-RI believes everyone has the right to experience art in their life.
Art in Public View
The nonprofit organizations we work with serve the public onsite where the art is enjoyed by their constituents, employees and volunteers.
Original Works of Art
The artwork that we receive is always original. Our preference is to receive and place the works of local artists but we gratefully accept donations from all generous donors.
Trusting Relationships
We develop relationships with organizations that apply for donations, starting with our initial contact and continuing through selection and hanging of art and beyond. Artists and collectors who donate their art can feel confident that their work is respected and well-cared for.
Free Choice
We do not influence the selection of artwork by the receiving organization. There is great value in the conversations that occur as organization employees and constituents discuss their preferences for the work, and come to agreement on their selections.
Participatory Selection Informed by Constituent Voice
We require participation including a diversity of voices in the art selection. We believe that the people served in the agency should be part of that discussion and strongly encourage organizations to involve constituents in the selection process.
Diversity of Art and Artists
The visual artwork available for selection includes many genres. We seek to ensure that artists of all backgrounds are included in the pool of artwork available for selection.
MEET THE TEAM
Michael Phelan
Program Manager
Michael has worked with nonprofits organizations including AARP and www.healthevillages.org. He is focused on fund raising, marketing and operations. Michael has worked at several New England firms including Reebok, Polaroid and Staples and founded the consulting business Go-to-Market Pros.
Wendy Ingram
Founder & Board Member
Wendy, an exhibiting artist in New England, began her career in a studio at the Boston Center for the Arts. As a graduate from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Wendy continues to create artworks, specializing in pastels and handmade paper. In 2008, she became the Co-founder and Director of Art Connection-RI. To date, 11 of her artworks have been generously donated to non-profits throughout the state. Wendy contributes her time to the Providence Art Club, Athenaeum, Southside Community Land Trust, Woonasquatucket River Watershed Association and the Association for Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Rhode Island Chapter.
Liz Martino
Secretary
Liz has recently retired as a System Director of Infection Prevention and Control for a hospital network in RI. She earned a BS from Northeastern University and an MBA from Suffolk University. Her work experience brings management and organizational skills to AC-RI. Liz's goal after retirement was to join the board of a non-profit that brings the joy of art to others. She is an amateur artist and believes in collecting original art to support local artists. Liz's house is filled with the paintings she has collected over the years.
Kate Botelho Sibya
Director
Kate has spent her career working and volunteering with non-profits. Her life-long love of the arts and her background in photography led her to AC-RI. Kate has managed teams in Admissions and Retail Sales at The Preservation Society of Newport County and created digital marketing platforms and e-commerce websites to further the mission of various non-profits. Kate has worked with The Museum Store Association nationally to develop programming for young professionals and create career paths for art lovers.
Al Harris
Director
I am a retired arts educator from the Providence and Boston Public Systems. My goal was to teach all subjects using the arts. I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ethiopia working with leather exporting, beekeeping, and developing village-level crafts. I have worked with "The Experiment in International Living" and small tour groups for Europe and Africa. I have a BA Degree (Art Education) from Florida A&M University and a MA Degree (School of International Education) from U/MASS Amherst
Robert Malley
Development Manager
He has served as a trustee of the Memorial and Library Association of Westerly for 13 years where he currently serves as chair of the Board of Trustees' Development Committee. After a 32-year career as a corporate and banking lawyer in New York City and Boston,
Bob changed careers to work for Colgate University on its development staff, responsible for soliciting major gifts and planned gifts from prospects in the New England states, New York City and Baltimore/ Washington.
James Scott
Chair
Jim is a Practitioner Faculty in Marketing at Providence College and the Principal of JES Packaging Consulting. Jim was instrumental in reviving the Gallery Committee at Central Church in 2007 and served on the committee since then, including four years as its chairman. Jim joined the board of Art Connection - RI in 2008 serving as the head of the Art Committee. He is now the Vice-Chair of AC-RI. Jim believes that AC-RI is the only organization in RI that helps both artists put their art to work in the community and non-profits in need of original art for their clients and staff.
Carey Terranova
Director
Carey is a native Rhode Islander and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from Rhode Island College. She has led design teams at several major Rhode Island companies including Fidelity Investments, Amica Mutual, and currently CVS Health. When she is not sitting in front of a computer, she enjoys spending time and making art with her two daughters.
Kayla David
Director
Kayla is a Marriage and Family Therapist and Director at FSRI, a local nonprofit providing social services to Rhode Island families. She founded the Hope and Resiliency Art Exhibit, an annual exhibit of art created by children in mental health recovery. Kayla believes in the healing power of art and ensuring all children have avenues for creative expression no matter their socio-economic status. She holds a Bachelor’s in Women and Gender Studies from Rhode Island College and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Antioch University of New England.