Category Archives: Providence

February 2, 2017

Gun Totem (Providence, RI)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: September 24, 2016

Location: S Main St, Providence, RI

Hours: Accessible everyday, 24 hours a day

Cost: Free

Parking: There is on street parking and several parking garages in the area

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlight: concrete obelisk constructed with over 1,000 real guns embedded in the concrete of the structure

I found this group of photos from a visit to Providence, Rhode Island last summer. I was originally going to post it on my Facebook page. But, since not everyone has liked my Facebook page (you really should), I decided to post it here. But, I do periodically post additional photos, videos and other fun stuff on my Facebook page that I don’t post on WordPress. So, think about joining it. OK, enough shameless self-promoting.

Built from 1,000 reclaimed guns from the Guns For Goods gun buy back program, the Gun Totem is a 12 foot obelisk made of concrete and 1,000 guns. Perhaps not coincidentally, the totem is located across the courthouse in Providence, Rhode Island.

Award winning artist Boris Bally created the monument in 2001. The concrete was chipped away to reveal the guns giving the guns a fossilized look. Or, as Bailey is quoted and saying:

“All aboriginal cultures, including this country’s own native American culture, build totemic structures to serve as venerated symbols of a clan or family… It will act as a monolithic, metallic warning and ‘mojo’ to ward off evil and violence so prevalent in today’s society. A crew of volunteer ‘archaeologists’ aided me in carefully chipping away areas of the concrete skin to reveal the ‘fossilized’ handguns beneath.”

23 Comments | tags: art, guns, New England, obelisk, photographs, Photography, photos, Providence, Rhode Island, totem | posted in art, gun totem, guns, New England, obelisk, photographs, photography, photos, Providence, Rhode Island, Uncategorized

October 8, 2016

Water Fire (Providence, RI)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: September 24, 2016 (next and last Water Fire of the year is Nov. 5)

Location: Memorial Blvd, Providence, RI

Time Of Event: First lighting is a little after sunset

Cost: Free

Parking: There are several parking lots and garages in the area. Off street parking is limited during the event

Dog Friendly: Yes

Web Site: Water Fire

Originally an award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans in 1994, Water Fire has become a staple of the Providence entertainment scene. Initially, the Water Fire display was a celebration of the 10th anniversary of First Night Providence. There were 11 braziers, or hot coal baskets, that were lit at the first Water Fire. There are now over 80 in the three rivers of downtown Providence.

It was another warm summer day when we arrived. Summer’s last gasp. And there was plenty of outdoor pre-Water Fire entertainment.

The first braziers are lit right after sunset (around 7 pm when I went). People on boats, some in the fashion of gondolas, float by during the festival and music is played during the event.

It was a cool evening. But the warmth of the fires kept us warm.

This man kept going by and throwing flowers to various people. I didn’t get one.

Of course, Providence looks beautiful with or without the water Fire lighting.

It was also Chinese Culture Night. Steeple Street had booths with information and games about Chinese culture.

The next Water Fire is scheduled for Nov. 5 (bundle up if you go). It will be your last chance to attend the event this year asit is the last Water Fire event of the year. They usually start up again in the spring of each year, usually in March.

Dogs are allowed at the Water Fire event.

Oakley is a 4 month old Australian Cattledog