On Thursday, March 15, residents and members of the newly formed Art Night Committee attended a launch party to kick off the art nights that will commence this summer.

"The launch party was a huge success," said Jill Culora. "[It was an] awesome turnout."

According to Culora, more than 100 people attended the party including nearly every featured artist, participating gallery and sponsor.

"We had state reps Walter Felag and Jan Malik... Warren Town officials Cathie Tattrie, Scott Lial, Davison Bolster and Caroline Wells, and from Bristol Diane Mederos," Culora said. "The energy was really good and exciting for all."

The following is a release from the Art Night Initiative announcing the official kick off for Art Night on March 29.

Waterfront towns of Bristol and Warren, RI have joined forces to offer nine “Art Nights” throughout 2012, with a first event on Thursday March 29 from 5 to 8 p.m.  Think gallery stroll with a twist as “Art Night” promises access to the inner workings of artists’ studios.

 A partnership between Bristol Independent Galleries and the Warren Arts Initiative, Art Night is held on the last Thursday of every month from March thru November.

 Each monthly event features two local artists who are opening their studio doors for an up close and personal look at where their work is created. And 20 local galleries offer access to dozens of other artists’ work.

 A free trolley service will run between designated parking areas, galleries and studios in the two towns, and local shops and restaurants are offering dining and other incentives.

The March 29 event features open studio tours of Warren air sculpturer Janice Lee Kelly and Warren painter Debbie Gonville Miller.