Providence's Iconic WaterFire is Reimagined

The scene is both stoic and stunning: A single brazier rising from a spread of luminaria, stars dangling above, soundtrack playing in the background. This is WaterFire’s resourceful and resilient response to the pandemic, a dynamic art installation that can be streamed live 24/7.

“In this time of such tumult and uncertainty…where we are celebrating the heroic selflessness of our frontline defenders while also mourning the sad loss of too many of our fellow Rhode Islanders, we wanted to share an ongoing place of refuge and reflection amidst all that is happening and a memorial for those we have lost,” says founder Barnaby Evans. At 8:30pm each night, WaterFire artists add a luminary for each Rhode Island soul lost that day to COVID-19 while simultaneously honoring those on the frontline, and on June 5, they will host the second #StayHomeWaterFire to celebrate educators, students, and parents.

Says Director of Creative Services Laura Duclos, “The WaterFire Beacon of Hope has become an incredibly powerful representation of loss and love, healing and hope, for Rhode Islanders, people around the country, and around the world.” 

Editor's Note: The second #StayHomeWaterFire takes place this Friday, June 12! Stay up-to-date on online.