July 20th, 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission and man’s first steps on the moon. Throughout the month of July, the WaterFire Arts Center has been home to science, art, and exploration.
English artist Luke Jerram has created the “Museum of the Moon” exhibit which now sits in the main hall of the WaterFire Arts Center. Alongside the moon installation stands an 85′ Milky Way display created by John Sabraw; and Jeremy Schilling’s current series of paintings entitled “The Overview Effect”. Nearly every night, the exhibit has hosted speakers of diverse backgrounds, experience, and perspective. Each lecture has shed light on the importance of past, present, and future space explorations.
The city of Providence has also played its part in celebrating this monumental moment in history. Exhibitions held throughout the city have displayed artwork, film, photography, and immersive hands-on experiences to visitors.
As part of WaterFire Providence’s month long celebration, there will be a full lighting on July 20th in honor of the moon landing. All full WaterFire installations light up over 80 braziers from Waterplace Park to Memorial/South Main Street. Sunset begins at 8:16 pm and lighting will start at 8:36 pm. The fires will remain lit until midnight.
All on-shore activities will begin around 6:00 pm
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Envisioning Space Exhibition at The RISD Illustration Studies Building Gallery
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The ISB Gallery and Michael Kolondowicz have worked together to display incredible artwork, illustrations, NASA photographs and other projects, free to the public.
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm: The “Apollo Legacy: Rhode Island and Space Exploration” at Market Square.
- This area will be a family friendly exhibition, science fair and demonstration area presented by the NASA RI Grant Consortium, and students and faculty from Rhode Island colleges and universities.
6:00 pm: Space Chats at the RISD Museum (Metcalf Auditorium)
- 6:15 – Lecture: NASA astronaut Woody Spring; autograph signing after.
- 7:30 pm – Lecture: NASA astronaut Dr. Jeffrey Hoffman, professor at MIT’s Aeronautics and Astronautics Department.
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Washington Street Bridge
- “Dr. Samuel Wagstaff’s Eminent Emporium of Photography” – Have your portrait taken sitting on a classic Crescent Moon.
- Dassault education pods on the visualization of scientific data
- First Robotics Showcase of robots designed and built by students from 5th grade through high school.
- RI Museum of Science and Art science learning demonstration.
8:20 pm: Waterplace Basin Stage
- Festival Ballet Providence “Revolutions; a performative work exploring space and humanity”
Sidewalk Astronomy at the Riverwalk near College Street
Sidewalk Astronomy will offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the stars and planets in the sky.
Sponsored by the NASA RI Space Grant Program as our Co-Lead sponsor along with Brown University, Providence College, The University of Rhode Island, the NASA/RI EPSCoR Program, and the generous support of Textron Charitable Trust.
