ART Night Features Two Local Talents

Art lovers won’t want to miss the spectacle Thursday night — ART Night — which features open studio tours of two intriguing artists: a Bristol experimental artist and a Warren interdisciplinary artist.

JP Fernandes is a Rhode Island native and award-winning artist who studied art at Roger Williams University, Jewelry Design at Rhode Island School of Design, and Porcelain Antique Doll Reproduction at Seeley’s Doll Artisans School of Doll Making, in New York. Fernandes enjoys creating unusual and experimental art. His recent works are abstract expressionist pieces that are colorful and organic, with faux enamel finish. Fernandes also creates watercolor paintings on tea bags that are mounted in shadow boxes and sculptures created from found objects — insulation foam spray, wood, glass, recyclables and house paint.

Mary Dondero is an interdisciplinary artist — mainly painting, photography and installation. Most of her painting is created with Sumi ink or acrylic paint on Mylar. Dondero received her BFA in Studio Art and Art History at Roger Williams University and holds an MAT from RISD as well as an MFA from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Her work is held in several private and public collections. She has exhibited and traveled extensively nationally and internationally, and has been the recipient of artist residencies and grants.

Dondero, a founding member of in Warren, is an associate professor of Art at Bridgewater State University, and currently operates a business and art studio in Warren.

Held on the last Thursday of every month from March thru November, each ART Night is completely different to the last, with new featured artists and exhibits at 16 galleries each month. In addition, ART Night business partners display the work of special “guest artists” and offer special ART Night promotions. A free trolley runs from 5 to 9 p.m. between the studios and galleries, making it easy to get between venues in both towns.

“We couldn’t be happier with the positive feedback we are getting. It’s clear that there are a lot of very talented people in these two towns and we are very grateful that they are participating in ART Night,” said ART Night committee chair Stephan Brigidi. “Participation of this scale really helps with the artistic diversity that we can offer.”

This month’s ART Night is scheduled for Thursday, 5-9 p.m., and features open studio tours of Mary Dondero, Studio #203, 30 Cutler St., Warren; and JP Fernandes, One Old Ferry Road, Bristol.

ART Night is a partnership between Bristol Independent Galleries and the Warren Arts Initiative. The towns have a long history of attracting creative people, and organizers have put together an exciting lineup for 2012. Visit our website for more details: www.artnightbristolwarren.org.

Art Night Committee Spokesperson: Paula Silva: 401-996-9855. 

High-resolution photos are available upon request. Contact Jill Culora: jillculora@gmail.com or 619-865-5468.