Making Waves Exhibit @ The Big E

What Makes Rhode Island Remarkable?

The coastline and harbors that shape our communities? The artists, makers, and innovators who call this state home? The hidden places, local traditions, and stories that define who we are?

The Pawtucket Arts Collaborative invites Rhode Island artists to participate in Making Waves, a special exhibition in the Rhode Island Building at The Big E celebrating the people, places, ideas, and experiences that make the Ocean State unique.

With more than one million visitors attending The Big E each year, Making Waves offers an extraordinary opportunity to share your work with audiences from throughout New England and beyond while helping tell Rhode Island's story through art.

We are seeking artwork that captures the spirit of Rhode Island in all its forms, from its natural beauty and rich history to its creativity, innovation, culture, and communities.

The exhibition will become a collection of works that encourage visitors to pause, look closer, and discover something unexpected about Rhode Island.

The Theme: Making Waves

Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly.

Your work might explore:

Rhode Island's coastline, waterways, and natural beauty

Local culture and traditions

Historic places and events

Community and identity

Innovation and invention

Food, music, and creative culture

Personal stories and experiences

Environmental stewardship

Architecture and neighborhoods

The people who make Rhode Island special

Or something entirely your own.

Whether your work celebrates a beloved Rhode Island landmark, reveals a hidden story, highlights a unique perspective, or simply captures the character of life in the Ocean State, we want to see your interpretation.

Making Waves Exhibition

Making Waves will be featured in the Rhode Island Building throughout The Big E, introducing visitors to the remarkable creativity found across our state.

In addition to exhibiting artwork, participating artists will have opportunities to engage visitors through:

Artist talks

Demonstrations

Workshops

Meet-the-Artist sessions

Creative presentations

These optional programs help bring the exhibition to life and create meaningful connections between artists and visitors.

Accepted artists are asked to participate in a gallery sitting shift during the exhibition.

Why Participate?

SUBMIT TO CALL

Share Your Rhode Island Story

Help shape how more than one million visitors experience Rhode Island.

Reach a Massive Audience

The Big E attracts visitors from throughout New England and beyond, offering unparalleled exposure.

Connect With Visitors

Engage directly with audiences through demonstrations, presentations, and conversations.

Be Part of Something Bigger

Contribute to a collective exhibition celebrating Rhode Island's creativity, culture, and community.

Call for Entries

Open Call: Now through August 15, 2026

Submission Deadline: August 15, 2026

Eligibility: Open to artists residing in Rhode Island.

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