Community Corner
IonaFest: Celebrating the life and legacy of Iona B. Dobbins
The First Annual "IonaFest," hosted by the Art League of Rhode Island, will celebrate the life and legacy of Iona Dobbins and her contributions to the arts in Rhode Island.
Each year, the event will be hosted by a different arts organization and represent varied arts disciplines, with the on-going goal of highlighting all art forms practiced in the state. Funds raised, will benefit the host organization in three categories: scholarship, program or operating expense.
“IonaFest” will begin with a public procession that will start at the historic First Baptist Church. In collaboration with Trinity Repertory Company and many others, a procession or New Orleans-style "second line" will wind its way into down Memorial Boulevard and over the bridge to Westminster Street in downtown Providence.
The procession will make its way towards Grant’s Block, near the Roots Cultural Center, with music, colorful umbrellas (Mardi Gras!), flowing fabrics, and dancing. Roots Cultural Center will be the venue for the main event, a celebratory party with music, dancing, and refreshments. “IonaFest” at Roots is a multifaceted event, including performances by internationally-acclaimed artists, live and silent auctions, libations, and culinary delights, and the presentation of the first “IF” Award.
For more information visit: http://ionafest.org/