Selected CV
EDUCATION:
Vermont College of Fine Arts, MFA in Visual Arts, 2017
University of Findlay, B.A. Art, 1982
SELECTED GRANTS/AWARDS/ARTIST RESIDENCIES:
2014 URI Feinstein Providence Campus 1st and 2nd floor Lobby Gallery, Women of Distinction Recognition, Providence, RI Curator: Steven Pennell
2013 Citation, Atrium Gallery, 11th Annual State Black Art Exhibit, Office of Governor Lincoln D. Chafee, State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Providence, RI
2012 Citation, Atrium Gallery, 10th Annual State Black Art Exhibit, Office of Governor Lincoln D. Chafee, State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Providence, RI
2012 Certificate of Recognition, Atrium Gallery, Celebrating Black Heritage and Culture, Office of Congressman David N. Cicilline, State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Providence, RI
2011 CEO Choice 2011 Award, Dr. Day Care, Pawtucket, RI
2011 Certificate of Appreciation, Warwick Museum of Art, Black Art Exhibit, Office of Governor Lincoln D. Chafee, State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Providence, RI
2010 Certificate of Appreciation, Atrium Gallery, 8th Annual Black Visual Art Exhibit, Office of Governor Donald L. Carcieri, State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Providence, RI
2010 Professional Artist Development Grant, Project: Business Plan, Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, Providence, RI
2007 Certificate of Appreciation, Atrium Gallery, 5th Annual Black Visual Art Exhibit, Office of Governor Donald L. Carcieri, State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Providence, RI
2005-2007 Artist-In-Residence, AS220, Providence, RI
2005 Who’s Who in American Education
2004-2005 Who’s Who of American Women
2003 Award of Distinction, Spectrum Friends of Fine Art Gallery, Open Winter Show, Toledo, OH
2003 New Works Individual Grant, Drawing Project: “400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity (Tobit),” Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, Toledo, OH
2001 Teacher Recognition Award, Meadows Choice Community School, Lucas County Educational Service Center, Toledo, OH
1999-2001 Artist-In-Residence, Collingwood Arts Center, Toledo, OH
1994 New Works Individual Grant, Painting Project: “400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity (1 Esdras),” Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, Toledo, OH
SELECTED EXHIBITION HISTORY
2014 The First Unitarian Church of Providence, Peace Art Exhibit, Providence, RI
2014 Hoxie Gallery, Hera Gallery’s 40th Anniversary Exhibition, Westerly, RI
2013/14 John Brown House, Rhode Island Historical Society, First Floor Gallery, “Bannister and Beyond,” Providence, RI
2013 Atrium Gallery, 11th Annual State Black Art Exhibit, Providence, RI
2013 Hera Gallery, “Paint,” Wakefield, RI - Curator: Neal Walsh, Gallery Director of AS220 Project Space Gallery
2013 RISD Museum, “Drawing from the Grid,” Locally Made: One Room - Office Hours, Providence, RI
2013 Gallery At City Hall, “We Are Family,” Bannister Society, Providence, RI
2013 University of Rhode Island, Providence Campus, “Creative Feminisms: Art, Activism & Everyday Action,” Providence, RI
2013 General Electric Headquarters, GE Cultural Art Gallery, “Women Leaders: Past, Present and Future” National Exhibition, Fairfield, CT
2013 Black Artists of DC, Show Me What You’re Working With! Exhibition, Brentwood Arts Exchange, Brentwood, MD - Curator: Daniel T. Booking
2012 10th Annual State Black Art Exhibit, Atrium Gallery, Providence, RI - Curator: Bob Dilworth
2012 Roger Williams University Art Gallery, Art Night Bristol & Warren, Bristol, RI
2012 People’s Credit Union, Art Night Bristol & Warren, Bristol, RI
2012 Attleboro Arts Museum, Remembering Exhibition, Attleboro, MA
2012 TseTse Gallery, Lyrical Warriors: On Their Own Terms” Exhibition, Providence, RI
2012 Main Gallery, URI Kingston Campus, The Bannister Society: Recent Works Exhibition, North Kingston, RI - Curator: Alexandra Broches
2012 Office of Congressman David Cicilline, Celebrating Black Heritage and Culture Exhibition, Pawtucket, RI
2012 URI Feinstein Providence Campus Gallery, 1st and 2nd Floor Lobby, African-American: Identity - Living on Both Sides of the Hyphen, Providence, RI
2012 African American Museum, Carroll Harris Simms National Black Art Competition and Exhibition, Dallas, TX - Curator: Emmanuel Gillespie
2011 Roots Art & Cultural Center, Rhythm & Rebellion Exhibition, Providence, RI
2011 Hope Gallery, “People, Places & Things” Exhibition, Bristol, RI
2011 TseTse Gallery, “Artful Women” Exhibition, Providence, RI
2011 UBS Headquarters, UBS Cultural Art Gallery, “Our History is Our Strength” National Exhibition, Stamford, CT
2011 URI Feinstein Providence Campus Gallery, 1st and 2nd Floor Lobby, “Mother Africa” Exhibition, Providence, RI
2010 Atrium Gallery, 8th Annual State Black Art Exhibit, Providence, RI
2010 URI Feinstein Providence Campus Gallery, 1st and 2nd Floor Lobby, “Interrogating Race: (MIS)PERCEPTIONS & (MIS) CONCEPTIONS” Exhibition, Providence, RI
2010 CVS Caremark Corporate Headquarters, “Bannister Society Invitational Exhibition,” Woonsocket, RI - Curator: Bob Dilworth, Professor & Art Department Chair, University of Rhode Island
2008 Hampton University Museum, “New Power Generation: A Nationally Juried Exhibition,” Hampton, Virginia - Juror: Napoleon Jones Henderson
2008 Warwick Public Library, “Reflections,” Warwick, RI,
2007 Atrium Gallery, “5th Annual Black Visual Art Exhibit,” Providence, RI Curator: Joaquina Bela Teixeira, Director of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society
2007 Turks Head Gallery, Bank of Rhode Island, “Unspoken Words,” Providence, RI,
2007 Pitman Street Gallery, Bank of Rhode Island, “Unspoken Words,” Providence, RI
2007 Upstairs Gallery, AS220, “Reflections,” Providence, RI
2007 The Unity Center, Rhode Island College, “The Art of the Struggle: A Night of Black Art by Simone Spruce” Providence, RI
2007 Cranston Public Library, "400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity" (2 Esdras), Cranston, RI
2006 Hera Gallery, Wakefield, RI, “Recent Work”
2006 Bannister Hall Space Gallery, Rhode Island College, Providence, RI, “Recent Work”
2006 “Straight Mixed Culture V,” Loom Studio Gallery, Providence, RI - Curator: Sidney Tillet, Artist - Featured 17 artists; painting, drawing, installation, photography, jewelry
2005 University of Rhode Island, Providence Campus, Providence, RI
“400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity” (Books Featured: 1 Esdras, 2 Esdras, Judith)
2005 Mathewson Street Church Chapel Gallery, Mathewson Street Church, Providence, RI - “400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity” (Tobit)
2005 “AS220 Residency Exhibition,” AS220 Main Gallery, Providence, RI - Curator: Neil Walsh, AS220 Gallery Director - Featured painting, drawing, mixed media, photography, installation, sculpture
2005 “Straight Mixed Culture III,” Ron Wexler Studio, Providence, RI - Curator: Sidney Tillet, Artist - Featured 8 artists; painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, photography
2005 “Creating Connections: African American Artists Express Their Heritage and Experiences” - Beard Gallery, Wheaton College, Norton, MA - Curator: Ann H. Murray, Professor of Art, Director of Beard and Weil Galleries - Featured 5 artists; paintings, drawings, mixed media
2004 First International Institute, Providence, RI, “400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity” (Tobit)
2004 First Unitarian Church, Toledo, OH, “400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity” (Tobit)
2003 University of Findlay, Dudley and Mary Marks Lea Gallery, Findlay, OH - 400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity" (2 Esdras)
2003 Mott Branch Library, Toledo, OH, "400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity" (2 Esdras)
2003 “ACGT Grants Program Participants’ Exhibition,” ACGT Parkwood Gallery, Toledo, OH - Curator: Programming Staff - Featured 16 artists; painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, photography
2003 “Guerilla Gallery,” Toledo School for the Arts, Toledo, OH - Curator: Mark Lammie, Graphic Designer, Head of the Graphic Arts Department - Featured 73 artists; painting, drawing, mixed media, hand blown glass, photographs, sculpture
2003 “Members Show,” Spectrum Gallery, Toledo, OH - Juror: Neil Frankenhauser, Artist - Featured 63 artists; pastel, painting, mixed media, handmade paper, ceramic, lithography, drawing, wood, photography
2003 “The Real Saints Project: An Exhibition of Contemporary Icons,” Lourdes College, Mother Adelaide Hall (Bookstore), Sylvania, OH - Curator: Dr. Eileen Condon, Project Director - Featured 9 artists portrait paintings based on the stories, photographs, and symbols submitted to the project to represent ordinary people devoted to social justice.
2002 “Appreciating Creation,” Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, Ohio Curator: Lori Foshag, Community Gallery Coordinator - Featured art by members of Toledo area faith communities.
2002 “Vibrant Expressions by Contemporary African American Artists,” Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, Ohio - Curator: Lori Foshag, Community Gallery Coordinator - Featured artists works in sculpture, pottery, drawing, painting, photography, and fabric/textile.
2002 “Salon des Refuses Exhibition,” 20 North Gallery, Toledo, OH - Featured artist works that were not accepted in the annual Toledo Area Artists Exhibition.
2002 “The Real Saints Project: An Exhibition of Contemporary Icons,” University of Toledo, Corpus Christi University Parish, Toledo, OH - Curator: Dr. Eileen Condon, Project Director - Featured 9 artists portrait paintings based on the stories, photographs, and symbols submitted to the project to represent ordinary people devoted to social justice.
2000 University of Illinois at Chicago, African American Cultural Center, Chicago, IL "400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity" (2 Esdras)
2000 Friendship Baptist Church, Toledo, OH, "400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity" (2 Esdras)
BOOK PUBLICATIONS
Mandel, Jack K., ed. Long Island Arts, Fine Crafts & Collectibles Directory. 12th ed. Massapequa, NY: Island Craft and Business Consultants, 1991.
SELECTED REVIEWS
Amanda DiSanto,. “Resolved: make more art.” Newport Mercury, [Newport, RI], 2 January 2013 – 8 January 2013.
McKenna, Stephanie. "Artist draws on social issues for inspiration." Providence Journal, (The Rhode Islander - Diversity Spotlight), [Providence, RI], 30 January 2011: D2.
Texeira, J. Bela. “CVS Caremark Hosts Edward Mitchell Bannister Society Exhibit.”
Providence American, [Providence, RI], Vol. 24 No. 3, 18 March 2010: 16.
Clifton, Reza. "Reflections on Art, Healing, and Love (Artist Canvas)." She Shines, [Woonsocket, RI], Vol. 5 No. 3, Spring 2009: 2.
“5th Annual Black Visual Art Exhibit.” Providence American, [Providence, RI], Vol. 21, No. 18, 20 September 2007: 12.
"African American Community News." Providence Journal (Metro Edition), [Providence, RI], 19 September 2007.
Laverty, Dana R. "Artistic Spaces." Providence Monthly, [Providence, RI], No. 124, March Issue 2007: 23, 25.
Thompson, Jerome. “The Art of Struggle.” RezaRitesRi.com, [Providence, RI], Archives, 28 February 2007.
"The Art of Struggle: A Night of Black Art: Simone Spruce." The Anchor, [Providence, RI], Vol. 79 No. 16, 30 January 2007: 7.
“Recent Work.” The Providence Phoenix (Arts & Entertainment), [Providence, RI], 17 November 2006: 22; 24 November 2006: 16; 1 December 2006: 18; 15 December 2006:17.
“Hera Gallery showing works by members Spruce and Gearon.” South County Independent –North/East Independent, [Wakefield, RI], 23 November 2006: C2.
Rosati, Lauren. "Breaking the Silence." Providence Monthly, [Providence, RI], No. 108, November Issue 2005: 79.
Imbrie, Katherine. “Simone Speaks - 400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity.” Providence Journal
(Live this Weekend), [Providence, RI], 29 September 2005 – 2 October 2005: 26.
“Simone Speaks - 400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity.” The Providence Journal (Metro Edition), Providence, RI], 29 September 2005: D1.
“Simone Speaks - 400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity.” Providence Journal, [Providence, RI], 29 September 2005: B3.
“Creating Connections: African American Artists Express Their Heritage and Experiences.”
Gallery Guide (Boston/New England), [Norton, MA], February Issue 2005: 24.
"Breast Cancer Presentation." The Providence Journal (Metro Edition), [Providence, RI], 6 October 2004: C3.
"400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity (Tobit).” Spectrum Gallery Newsletter, [Toledo, OH], January Issue 2004: 3.
"400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity (Tobit).” Toledo Blade (News of Art), [Toledo, OH], 13 January 2004.
“Local Exhibition.” Spectrum Gallery Newsletter, [Toledo, OH], January Issue 2003: 2.
“Lives of local people highlighted for service.” Catholic Chronicle, [Sylvania, OH], 14 June 2002:25.
“Artists, art lovers benefit from wealth of local galleries.” Toledo Blade, [Toledo, OH], 17 February 2002: FC9.
"400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity." Otto Guide, [Toledo, OH], September Issue 2000: 5
"Biblical Exhibit.” The Toledo Blade, [Toledo, OH], 23 September 2000: B4.
SELECTED INTERVIEWS
2010 Interview, Women’s Business, Cox Access Television, Lincoln, RI
2008 Artist Spotlight, Coffee with the Fords, ABC13 News, Toledo, OH
2005 Television Interview, “400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity” & Clothesline Project on Domestic Violence, Health Check segment with Barbara Morse Silva, NBC10 News, University of Rhode Island (Providence Campus), Providence, RI
2004 Radio Interview, “400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity” (Tobit), WBRU “Walking in the Spirit,” Gospel Program, Brown University, Providence, RI
SELECTED LECTURES/PANELS
2014 Panelist/Presenter, International Women’s Day Celebration, Lincoln School, Providence, RI
2012 Lecture, “Bannister Society Exhibition and New Works.” Course: “African-American Art in Context.” University of Rhode Island (Kingston Campus), Kingston, RI - Instructor: Bob Dilworth
2012 Panelist, “The State of Women Artists in RI,” Warwick Museum, Warwick, RI Moderator: Elena Calderon-Patino, Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA)
2011 Lecture, "How as an African-American Artist I use the narrative to tell my story.” Course: "African American Art History," University of Rhode Island (Kingston Campus), Kingston, RI - Instructor: Bob Dilworth
2007 Lecture, “The Art of Struggle: A Night of Black Art: Simone Spruce.” The Unity Center, Rhode Island College, Providence, RI - Aaron Bruce, Director
2005 Lecture, "400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity" (1 & 2 Esdras, Tobit, Judith), Course: "Beginning/Advanced Drawing," University of Rhode Island (Providence Campus), Providence, RI - Instructor: Bob Dilworth, Professor & Art Department Chair, University of Rhode Island
2005 Lecture, “400 Years of Silence Afrocentricity” (I Esdras), Beard Gallery, Wheaton College, Norton, MA - Ann H. Murray, Professor of Art, Director of Beard and Weil Galleries
2002 Slide Lecture, "400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity" (2 Esdras), Course: "Introduction to Black Popular Culture," Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH - Instructor: Matthew A. Donahue
2002 Lecture, “400 Years of Silence Afrocentricity” (I Esdras), Maumee Valley Country Day School, Toledo, OH - Audrey Johnson, Director of the Afro-American Club
2001 Slide Lecture, "400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity" (2 Esdras), Course: "Introduction to Black Popular Culture," Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH - Instructor: Matthew A. Donahue
2000 Lecture, "400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity" (2 Esdras), African American Cultural Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL - Dr. Philip M. Royster, Director of The African-American Cultural Center - Professor, The Departments of African–American Studies and English
2000 Slide Lecture, "400 Years of Silence: Afrocentricity" (2 Esdras), Course: "Introduction to Black Popular Culture," Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH - Instructor: Matthew Donahue
2014 Art Instructor, Worship Arts Program, Mathewson Street Church, Providence. RI - A pioneering program that builds friendships between homeless families and mentoring families which offers a comprehensive arts program integrated with supportive services.
2014 Education Grant Review Panelist for the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA), Providence, RI
2013 Conference Coordinator, The Association of American Cultures (TAAC), Open Dialogue 13, Providence, RI
Open Dialogues are biennial meetings that bring together artists and cultural workers reflective of our pluralistic society to discuss issues, challenges, successes and perspectives of arts organizations and artists in communities of color. Participants from around the nation engage in Action-oriented sessions, connected around food, music and common purpose to formulate action-agendas promoting equity in cultural policy, funding and leadership. Open Dialogues also featured a dynamic and diverse sampling of artists’ performances as joyous reminders of what we all are striving to celebrate and protect.
2012 Presentation, “The Life of a Working Artist,” Women In Charge, Providence, RI
2012 Art Instructor for Children’s Workshop held at RISD to create story quilt wall hangings in conjunction with the Afrocentric Exhibition at Gallery Z, Providence, RI.
2012 Artist Portrait Demonstration, A Relaxed Event for Women to Explore Creativity, Warwick Museum of Art, Warwick, RI
2012 Panelist, The State of Women Artists in Rhode Island, Warwick Museum, Warwick, RI
2011 Urban Ventures Main Street Business Economic Forum, Providence, RI
2010/12Diversity Consultant, Lifespan Community Relations, Providence, RI
2010 Guest Artist to critique Painting II & III final portfolios, The Department of Art and Art History, University of Rhode Island, Fall Term, Kingston, RI
2010 Grant Consultant for the Cathedral of Life Christian Assembly, New Roots Capacity-Building Grant ($15,000), New Providence, Providence, RI
2010 Grant Consultant for the Cathedral of Life Christian Assembly, Professional Development Grant ($600), Rhode Island Foundation, Providence, RI
2010 Illustrator & Graphic Artist for the Edward Mitchell Bannister Visitor’s Guide Brochure, Providence, RI (Funded by Rhode Island State Council on the Arts)
2010 Juror for the 2010 Annual Student Exhibition, The Department of Art and Art History, University of Rhode Island, Main Gallery, Kingston, RI
2009 Missionary trip to the Dominican Republic to a small village near Nagua, located on the northeast coast. Delivered and dispensed needed food and clothing, assisted in building a playground and helped organize arts and crafts activities at the children’s day camp.
2009 Guest Artist to critique Senior Seminar final portfolios, The Department of Art and Art History, University of Rhode Island, Spring Term, Kingston, RI
2008 Juror for the 2009 RISCA Painting Fellowship, Providence, RI
2007 Artist Workshop with Youth United for Global Action and Awareness (YUGA) to create visual images using the Aids awareness symbol to show compassion for children affected or orphaned by Aids for World Aids Orphans Day.
2006/7 Director of Youth Programming, The TSETSE Gallery, Providence, RI, Under the direction of Theresa Lavalle, Executive Director
2006 Studio Visit from Art Insiders, a group of Rhode Island high school students who work with Rhode Island School of Design’s Museum Education Department to create programs that attract high school students to the RISD Museum.
2006 Writer, 2007 Breast and Cervical Cancer Awareness Calendar, American Cancer Society, Providence, RI
2006 Curatorial Assistant, Prints, Drawings & Photographs, RISD Museum, Providence, RI, Under the direction of Jan Howard, Curator of Prints, Drawings & Photographs
2005 Living Label Guide for the “Bodies of Evidence” Exhibition, RISD Museum, Providence, RI, Under the direction of Jan Howard, Curator of Prints, Drawings & Photographs
2002 Set Designer, New Works Writer Series, Play “Riff Raff,” Toledo, OH
2001 Exhibition Staff for the “Star Wars Exhibit,” The Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, OH, Roger Berkowitz, Museum Director
2000 Judge, Crosby Festival of the Arts, Toledo, OH
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
01/10 - 02/17 Member, Bannister Society, Providence, RI
01/09 - 01/13 Member, Black Artists of DC (BADC), Washington, DC
01/09 - 02/17 Member, Women In Charge, RI
08/12 - Board Member, Worship Arts Restoration, RI
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE COLLECTIONS
The Black Heritage Library and Cultural Center, Findlay, OH
Jesup W. Scott High School, Toledo, OH
The University of Findlay, Findlay, OH
Friendship Baptist Church Library, Toledo, OH
Bishop Duane C. Tisdale Family, Toledo, OH
Bishop Jeffery A. Williams Family, Providence, RI