Inside Art with Michael Rose — A New Art Gallery Unveiled
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
It is always exciting to see a new creative venture take shape. In Woonsocket, Monument Square Arts, a recently-opened gallery, is a bright spot in the local cultural scene. The brainchild of artist and arts educator Kim Celona, the space is a mix of a traditional art gallery, retail shop, and a sort of sitting room all in one. Situated in the heart of Woonsocket near other established cultural amenities, this burgeoning art business is a venue to watch.
Asked to describe what Monument Square Arts is all about, Celona says, “I would say my mission at MSQA is about creativity and connection. I want to enhance the community through the arts and to collaborate with other artists and businesses through the gallery and its events.”
Located at Two Monument Square, just across the street from the boldfaced neon marquee of Woonsocket’s Stadium Theatre, Monument Square Arts is housed in a modest storefront space that features an interior full of character and history. High tin ceilings are contrasted subtly against fresh, white wainscotting. On the walls, Celona is currently featuring a mix of pieces, including some of her own richly layered paintings as well as evocative photographs by Laurie Maitem.
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At the gallery’s rear, works of jewelry and textiles are on display as well. Particular standouts here include hand-sewn garments created using recycled clothing by the emerging designer Emma Joyce. Joyce’s work brings second lives to previously owned items like sweatshirts, stitching them together to create entirely new objects.
Celona’s hybrid model, which is an unconventional mix of fine art gallery and artsy boutique, is just one of the ways she is aiming to create a new experience for visitors who might be sheepish about gallery-going. Through this singular type of space, the uninitiated might be enticed to explore their first art gallery, making Monument Square Arts a friendly entry point for newcomers. Beyond creating a boundary-blurring format, Celona is also seeking to connect with artists who are not yet established. Through her new space, she aims to advocate for artists and add new opportunities to share work with previously untapped audiences.
Responding to what she hopes the public will take away from a visit to the gallery, Celona states, “I would hope the take away would be that this is a cool, unique and creative venue, where you feel surrounded by beauty and art of all kinds; fashion to fine art. In addition, that you are purchasing something made by local artisans with integrity, passion and skill.”
A key reason to follow developments at this newly inaugurated cultural venue is Celona herself. A longtime educator who studied at Parsons and NYU, she has an infectious enthusiasm for the work she is taking on in this novel venture, which she is operating alongside her day job as an art teacher. When visiting the gallery, one can immediately sense how thrilled Celona is, both by the possibilities within her own shop as well as in Woonsocket at large. Boasting relatively low overhead, the city is uniquely positioned to attract more creative businesses like Celona’s. More art-driven ventures would further enliven Woonsocket’s downtown.
On the list of artists, Celona hopes to work with are individuals who are younger and those who are newer to exhibiting. In a state where opportunities often go to storied artists with long careers, a business owner who is investing in new voices is someone worth celebrating.
Describing her feelings about beginning this venture in Rhode Island’s northernmost city, Celona says, “The people and community here excite me, along with their love and dedication to Woonsocket. The passion and pride to move forward with the revitalization projects, while retaining the integrity of the history here is incredible and inspiring. It is the perfect place and time to be a business in Woonsocket and I am happy and grateful to be here.”
Being in Woonsocket, Celona’s space is outside the shadow of the state’s other cultural hubs like Providence or Newport. Across from the Stadium Theatre, the gallery also counts Beacon Charter High School for the Arts as a neighbor. The famed Chan’s Restaurant, which has brought live jazz to generations of listeners, is just down the road. The Museum of Work and Culture and St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center are two more landmarks in the city, along with the non-profit RiverzEdge Arts. With the addition of a retail venue like Monument Square Arts, Woonsocket has gained another valuable cultural attraction that in time will surely draw art-seeking visitors from around the state and beyond.
Monument Square Arts is open to the public Thursdays and Fridays from 4 pm - 6 pm each day and Saturdays from 1 pm - 5 pm. Celona is also available to open the space by appointment. To learn more, visit HERE.
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