The Art Connection-RI is a nonprofit with a mission to connect artists who wish to donate art to nonprofit community service organizations.

TAC-RI is modeled on The Art Connection, begun in Boston in 1995, where this unique gifting program has identified and cataloged original works of art donated by generous individuals and has supported non-profit agencies in the choosing art that is meaningful to them. Within these healing environments the original works of art provide welcome opportunities for reflection, inspiration, comfort, and hope. The artists have an opportunity to exhibit their work in places that attract a large number of visitors and they feel good knowing that their work can have an impact on the daily lives of others. Organizations find that original artwork enlivens spaces and connects them to their constituents in profound ways.

Over the past year Kim Polson and Wendy Ingram have established this program here in Rhode Island. So far over 45 artworks have been donated enabling us to begin working with Sojourner House in Providence to choose pieces for their reception and meeting areas. Clients and staff met to view a slide show of the donations and to discuss and pick pieces that had meaning for them. Subsequently the agency will contact the artists to express its appreciation and, if possible, arrange a meeting for the artists to see how their work will be displayed.

Many artists are willing to donate an earlier work that may be in storage so that it can be seen and appreciated by people who don’t usually have access to original art.

TAC-RI has a dedicated space at Roots Cultural Center/Providence Inner City Arts on Westminster Street in Providence for showing artwork on a continuing basis. Presently, we are working on plans for a show in April of work by the artists who have donated to The Art Connection-RI.