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.
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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 three 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.
Photo courtesy of Saul Sandoval Navarrete.
Public Shop & Gallery
The Shop
Our retail shop is open during business hours, special events, and programming. It currently features products from 15 local artists, a curated selection of books from Symposium Bookstore, a free library, and a clothing exchange rack.
The Gallery
We host solo and group exhibitions in our gallery every 1-2 months. Visit the gallery during business hours to explore the art, browse our personal collection of Art Books, and play games like chess or Uno. Children and elders are welcome. No pets.
The Studios
We offer private and communal space to create. There are 4 artists that have private workspaces, storage, and 24/7 access. Workshops, classes, and other programming also take place in the studio.
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.
Our Location
50 Agnes Street #101, Providence, RI 02909
(inside the "Victory Pearl" building)
Frequently Asked Questions
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!