No matter how you feel about what is contained in the recently-proposed state budget, practically everyone agrees that the document itself looks terrific.
That's because this year's budget contains cover art by Rhode Island artist Stephen Mancini of North Kingstown, part of an annual collaboration between the State Budget Office and the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts to feature original works of art by Rhode Island artists on the state budget document.
The cover of the State FY2011 budget books features a group of sailboats passing under both the new and old versions of the Jamestown bridge. The original was painted in acrylics on canvas by Mr. Mancini and titled "Jamestown Bridge Regatta." The work was chosen by Governor and Mrs. Carcieri as "Best in Show" in the 2010 "Scenes of Rhode Island" art show, an annual collaboration between the State Arts Council and the Governor's Office.
Randall Rosenbaum, Executive Director of the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, said that such collaborations are important. "The State Budget represents the life and livelihood of all Rhode Islanders. It's not a sterile set of charts and numbers. Art helps to humanize this important document."
Mancini, whose website is www.art-to-die-for.com, agreed, saying, "In some small way, my picture may provide a backdrop perspective to the budget... a reminder of some unique, and really priceless benefits of our Rhode Island lifestyle."
About the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts
The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts is a state agency supported by appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. RISCA provides grants, technical assistance and staff support to arts organizations and artists, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments to bring the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders.
