top of page

ABOUT

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.

​

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 three children and live in Providence.

​

Public is an African & Latina, family-owned and home grown creative business. Since opening in 2019, the shop and gallery has featured hundreds of artists and makers.

cas&spocka.JPG

Photo courtesy of Saul Sandoval Navarrete.

Public Shop & Gallery

The Shop

The Shop

Our retail shop is open during business hours, special events, and programming. It features products from local artists and makers, a curated selection of books from Symposium Bookstore, a free library, and clothing exchange rack.

The Gallery

We used to host exhibitions in our gallery but that changed in December 2025. Today it's more of an art lounge, a creative space to hang out with a personal collection on display. This is also where programming & events happen. You can rent this space too.

IMG_9214_edited.jpg

The Studios

We offer private and communal space to create. There are 4 artists that each have a private workspace, storage, and 24/7 access to the studio. Workshops, classes, and other programming may also take place in the studio. You can rent it for a creative offering.

IMG_3411.HEIC

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. 

IMG_3722.HEIC

Our Location

50 Agnes Street #101, Providence, RI 02909

(inside the "Victory Pearl / Harrison Steam" building) 

Hours:

[open during events]

+ see our calendar​​

olga-thelavart-HZm2XR0whdw-unsplash.jpg

Press

publicexterior1.webp

2019 | The Public’s Radio 

"A New Home For Art, Culture And Community"

Article-Cover.jpg

2023 | Go Local Prov

"The Artist Couple Behind Public Shop and Gallery."

Screenshot 2026-08-11 at 7.30.27 PM.png

2026 | The Providence Eye

"I’m one of the owners, I own the space with my husband."

IMG_3448 2_edited_edited.jpg

2020 | Providence Monthly

"A new creative space in Olneyville is... needed"

Screenshot 2024-07-09 at 1.26.12 PM.png

2023 | Go Local Prov

  "Art Exhibition Celebrates Hispanic Heritage."

Motif-cover.jpg

2020 | Motif Magazine

"Public is more than a gallery for display."​​

Screenshot 2025-06-04 at 12.00.21 AM.png

2024 | Providence Monthly 

"Public.. Quadruples in Size and Scope"

Frequently Asked Questions

Screenshot 2025-06-04 at 12.00.21 AM.png

YOUR GENEROSITY IS APPRECIATED

Support our Space 

Public's goal is to provide easy access to diverse and inclusive art experiences while fostering a sense of belonging for members of our community. The Providence art economy and scene lack representation and inclusion but our existence is breaking down those barriers.

 

You can support by showing up, making a purchase, or signing up for an offering. 

 

If you would like to make an unrestricted, additional contribution, we welcome donations, too!

Public Shop and Gallery Logo

Join our Newsletter 

Thanks for subscribing!

Get Social

  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Facebook

Visit:

50 Agnes Street, #101 Providence, RI 02909

Hours:

open during events

[Fall 2026]

Contact:

© 2024 Public Shop & Gallery. All rights reserved.

bottom of page