Artists' Exchange: A Place to Grow in the Arts in Cranston, RI

The Artists' Exchange, Cranston RI is truly a place for all to grow in the arts, but it is also a spot that one does not encounter easily. It was not until a family member participated in a one act play festival held at the Artists' Exchange's Black Box Theater that we first became acquainted with this understated but thoroughly delightful center a few miles outside of Providence, RI.

We traveled to Cranston, RI to watch ten one act plays written by both new and experienced authors in a small but atmospherically perfect black box theater and were amazed at what we saw. The plays were well crafted, well directed and well acted. Oh these were not Broadway productions or even off Broadway for that matter. The authors credits though diverse were modest. The director, directed all of the plays and was simultaneously the artistic director of the Black Box Theater. The story lines were varied and interesting and tinged here and there with a taste of still developing genius.

But what was amazing about the ten one act plays was perhaps the players themselves. There were some strong voiced, solid actors and actresses that seemed to form a protective tent under which other less talented but equally enthusiastic amateur artists could develop their talent and enjoy their love of theater. The more we watched and listened the more we were captivated by the fact that in the casts of most of the plays the director had found space for people of all talent levels and with various limitations to participate and grow. And we felt like we were growing right along with them in an understanding of what the arts are meant to be, and way to express every aspect of the human spirit.

The One Act Play Festival offered by the Artists' Exchange opened the door not just to new writers but also to folks drawn from the community and region who loved drama and wanted to be part of a show. It didn't matter if they were handsome or plain looking, well spoken or working with some unresolved speech issues, fully sighted or not. The artistic director found a way to bring people of many different talent levels together in some very powerful and well performed pieces.

The festival introduced us not only to some interesting plays but more importantly to the work of the Artists' Exchange in Cranston, RI. The Exchange lives up to its website claim that it is " a non-profit arts collaborative whose mission is to create an atmosphere in which creativity, learning and discovery converge and individuality is celebrated." The claim was full justified by what we saw in the Artists' Exchange Black Box Theater One Act Play Festival.

What we also discovered was that more went on at the Artists' Exchange than just this annual festival. Indeed the place is alive with projects and programs in many aspects of artistic development. Art classes and workshops are offered during the school year and camp programs take over in summer time. Painting, drawing, pottery, jewelry creation are all available at various levels of expertise with classes for children, teens and adults. Drama classes are offered at varying levels and performances that showcase student growth are offered during the year.

The Artists' Exchange even offers birthday parties that allow children and parents to bring friends together around a theme like jewelry creation, watching a movie, or making a music video.

What we liked best about the Artists' Exchange was the spirit that we encountered in those who served as staff. The ideal of offering a place for all to grow in the arts is surely best realized when those doing the offering are filled with a real love of the arts and a patient willingness to allow others to develop their full range of talents and abilities. This welcoming spirit makes the Artists Exchange a place to grow in the arts in Cranston, RI

Resources: http://www.artists-exchange.org