Fall Gallery: “In Memory Of”
The Cranston Arts Commission Fall Gallery takes place annually at Cranston Central Library, showcasing a particular theme and/or discipline.
This year, we are proud to be working in partnership with the Cranston Historical Cemeteries Commission for our exhibition titled ‘In Memory Of.’ This exhibition is an exploration of remembrance, and what we create from what we’ve lost.
We are also hosting a series of related lectures and workshops, details of which can be found below.
Opening Tuesday, September 29, 2026, in the James T. Giles Community Room at the Cranston Central Library (140 Sockanosset Cross Rd, Cranston, RI), the exhibition will feature local artists’ unique interpretations of the art of memory across diverse mediums.
A formal Gallery Opening Reception will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. The reception is free and open to the public, and will feature exhibiting artists, a curated playlist and remarks from both the Arts and Historical Cemeteries Commissions.
Workshops
We are offering a series of related talks and workshops to further expland on and explore the themes of remembrance.
All offerings are free to attend, however space is limited. Please be mindful of each events’ age requirements.
Mortality, Meaning & the Art of a Good Death A lecture + Q&A
Jay Davani, Studio Mortem.
Thursday, October 1st, 2026 | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
William Hall Library Auditorium
1825 Broad St, Cranston, RI
Jay Davani is Providence’s pioneering death advocate—a multifaceted artist, speaker, and hospice grief facilitator with a passion for exploring life’s final frontier. Born in Tehran, Iran and now based in New England, she embraces death positivity with high ethical standards, inviting conversations around mortality that are both profound and transformative.
Jay is an experienced Death Cafés facilitator and completed Ayatana’s Death Residency at a renowned death-positive thanatology school for artists, where she delved into the practical, cultural, and existential dimensions of death and mourning.
Her work has taken her to respected venues including the RISD Museum, North Burial Ground, Biophillum Death Club, and she has served as a Santa Muerte Artist in Residence, capturing the interplay between cemeteries and Persian death rituals through evocative photography.
In addition to planning funerals, memorials, and organizing estate clean-outs, Jay actively participates in Life and Death Cafés, doula and grief trainings, and death book talks, further cementing her role as a transformative voice in the dialogue around life, death, and rebirth.
Please note that this event is intended for mature audiences.
Headstones: A History
Saturday, October 10th, 2026 | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Cranston Central Library
140 Sockanosset Cross Rd, Cranston, RI
Have you ever wondered how headstones are made, and by whom? What do the enscriptions and motifs actually mean?
Guest lecturer, John Hill, Chair of the Cranston Historical Cemeteries Commission, will provide valuable historical insight of the symbolism, artistry and tradition surrounding these memorial monuments.
Following the lecture, attendees will have a chance to do their own exploration by taking part in a self-guided scavenger hunt of a local cemetery of their choosing. By completing the scavenger hunt requirements, attendees will be entered to win a gift card to a local business!
This event will discuss topics that may not be suitable for all audiences. Individual discretion is advised.
About our Facilitator
John Hill is chairman of the Cranston Historical Cemeteries Commission. Before joining the commission in 2021, he was a reporter for newspapers in Connecticut, Florida and the Providence Journal in Rhode Island, where, over a 30-year tenure, he worked in the West Bay, South County and Blackstone Valley bureaus, as well as in Providence covering the city and the state prison system.
Block Printing Workshop + Cranston’s Historical Cemeteries
Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
William Hall Library Auditorium
1825 Broad St, Cranston, RI
Linocut printing is an ancient artform, originating from China around 200 A.D., and was used in spiritual texts and artwork to convey and replicate sacred imagery.
Today, block printing is a dynamic and meditative artform. Cranston Arts Commissioner, Abbey Tellier, will lead guests in the process of creating their own rubber stamp, and leave with their own unique artwork.
John Hill, Chair of the Cranston Historical Cemeteries Commission, will also deliver a presentation about his work with the CHCC, and how Cranston Residents may get involved to help preserve the history and spaces that commemorate the rich lives of those buried in Cranston’s 167 historical cemeteries.
This event is intended for audiences ages 12 and up. Sharp linocutting tools will be used.
About Our Facilitators:
Abbey Rondeau-Tellier has been a practicing artist for as long as she can remember, without a specific specialty or medium, she finds herself always learning, evolving, & exploring. She received her Associates Degree in Fine Art from CCRI. A resident of the Eden Park neighborhood, & a member of the Cranston Arts Commission for several years, she is passionate about lighting the spark of creativity in everyone.
John Hill is chairman of the Cranston Historical Cemeteries Commission. Before joining the commission in 2021, he was a reporter for newspapers in Connecticut, Florida and the Providence Journal in Rhode Island, where, over a 30-year tenure, he worked in the West Bay, South County and Blackstone Valley bureaus, as well as in Providence covering the city and the state prison system.
Cemetery Tour & Photography Walk
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Oakland Cemetery
1569 Broad Street, Cranston RI
Join us for a Cemetery Tour + Photo Walk to experience the rituals of entering sacred spaces, iconography and photographing within a cemetery.
ABOUT YOUR GUIDES
Jay Davani, artist + photographer— is the founder of PVDSTREET — Providence's first photo collective and she founded Studio Mortem, a community based initiative dedicated to increasing death literacy, reducing the stigma surrounding mortality, and creating spaces where people can engage in honest, compassionate conversations about death, grief, and what it means to be fully alive. Through shared dialogue, ritual, and creative experiences, we foster connection, belonging, and a healthier relationship with life's most universal experience.
Follow @projectmortem for all things death + dying!
Follow @thejaydavani + @pvdstreet for all things photography
Lexie Ludovici is a lifelong cemetery enthusiast. She has a special affinity for zinc monuments or “zinkies” and has catalogued every zinc monument in the state. As a docent at North Burial Ground in Providence her tours focus on the zinc monuments and, soon, the mourning statuary in the burial ground. For the purposes of this tour Lexie will focus on interpretation of cemetery iconography.
This event is intended for mature audiences.
Day of the Dead Alters: History & How to Make Your Own
Saturday, October 17th | 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Cranston Central Library
140 Sockanosset Cross Rd, Cranston, RI
Join Marta Martinez, Executive Director of RI Latino Arts, as she explores the Day of the Dead celebration, and guides attendees through a workshop on how to make their own ofrendas.
This event is intended for audiences ages 12 and up.
About your Facilitator
Marta is RILA's Executive Director and Founder of RILA. She is a Community Oral Historian and leads Nuestras Raíces: Latino Oral History Project of Rhode Island. Martínez also published a book in 2014 based on her work with the Latino Oral History Project.
She received her Bachelor’s and Doctorate degrees from Providence College, and has a Master’s degree in Journalism from The George Washington University.
Marta is fluent in Spanish, English and Sign Language. She is of Mexican heritage, was raised in El Paso, TX and currently lives in (Pawtuxet Village) Warwick, RI.
