The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) announced today several changes and additions to its 13-member commission. Jean Rondeau of North Smithfield was elected at a recent meeting to serve as Chairman of the State Arts Council board. Also elected to officer positions at that time were Beverly Blais of Coventry as Vice Chair and Dana Negent of Ashaway as Secretary.
In addition, Governor Chafee appointed and the Rhode Island Senate recently confirmed several new members to serve on the State Arts Council board. The new members are Maureen Moakley of North Kingstown; Francis Parra of Providence; Katherine Quinn of Bristol; Ray Rickman of Providence; James Riley of Warwick; Deming Sherman of Providence; and Alison Vareika of Newport.
Mr. Rondeau has been on the RISCA board since 2009, most recently as Secretary and as a member of its Executive Committee. He currently serves as a commissioner on the State of Rhode Island Employees Retirement Board (ERISA) and was a member of the Rhode Island Historical and Preservation Commission. Mr. Rondeau served as Executive Director of the Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket from 2006 to 2007, and currently serves as Chairman of its Board of Directors.
Council members are appointed by the Governor for three year terms, and are subject to approval of the Rhode Island State Senate. The Council serves as the decision-making body of the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts.
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.