ABOUT
Video courtesy of Steer Forward.
At Public Shop & Gallery, we offer artists and creative people a space and platform to exhibit, teach, and sell using their skills, providing them with more autonomy over their labor and helping further their practice.
We strive to be accessible by being affordable, intentional with our location, and accommodating in our space. We’re representative of the artists we prioritize; Indigenous, Black, Brown, and People of Color. This helps provide a sense of belonging within the creative community in Providence, which has a history of being private and exclusionary.
OUR FOUNDERS
​Casandra (Cas) Inez & Spocka Summa are the visionary founders and operators of Public Shop & Gallery, located in the Olneyville neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island.
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Cas and Spocka met in high school and grew up as creatives in Providence, immersing themselves in art shows, rap battles, performances, and stage plays. Today, Cas channels her creativity into poetry and mixed media visual art, while Spocka thrives as a musician, performer, and visual artist. They have two children and live in Providence.
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Public is an African & Latina, family-owned and home grown creative business. Since opening in 2019, the shop and gallery has featured over 175 artists and 130 makers plus 75 community partners, 18 authors, and 15 muralists (as of June 2024). With the rising support of the community, Public has navigated the challenges of Covid-19 and continues to grow.
Our Values
RESPONSIBILITY
We respect our connection to the earth and understand our relationship to land and space to be both a privilege and responsibility. Our work strives to strengthen the roots and nourish the soul.
REPRESENTATION
We prioritize collaborating with members of our community. Serving as a safe and welcoming space to reflect on issues, cultures, and practices while fostering connection and a sense of belonging.
FLEXIBILITY
Our space can be a platform, a gathering place, an incubator, learning center, and connector. It is meant to stay flexible in order to continue to fit the needs of the surrounding community.
What We Offer
​Art Exhibitions
Showcasing artists of all skill levels and mediums.
Community Programming
Artist-led workshops and community-building gatherings for all ages.
Special Events
Hosting monthly and annual events to bring people together.
Affordable Art Studios
Providing private and communal spaces for artists to create.
Shop
Featuring unique products from local designers, artisans, and makers.
Our Location
50 Agnes Street, Providence, RI 02909
Hours:
see our calendar
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