DESIGNxRI

We’re still coming down from the energy of the August Clambake. A lively and curious crowd of designers, illustrators, and creative thinkers gathered at 195 District Park to explore how graphic design and visual storytelling can shape the way we experience and connect with public space.

Illustrator and designer Ryan Dean of LUMUKU shared how his growing cast of colorful characters has found its way into murals, public art, games, and prints, all with the goal of bringing a little more joy and curiosity into the world. His work offered a playful look at how illustration can invite people to engage with their surroundings in unexpected ways.

José Menéndez of Buena Gráfica Social Studio brought a community-centered perspective, sharing how their interdisciplinary practice uses graphic design, printmaking, and public interventions to foster multilingual and multicultural connection. Their work demonstrated the power of design to respond to place, amplify community voices, and create opportunities for participation.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to our host and sponsor, 195 District Park, for helping make the evening possible!

Join us on September 16 for "The Long Table at RISD: A Public Studio for Community Exchange," one of our featured DESIGN WEEK RI 2026 events! As part of a day-long Design Day, the table will serve as a living archive and gathering point, helping participants surface connections and imagine what might continue beyond the event. Register today at https://champ.ly/1owIRtWj.

The Long Table at RISD: A Public Studio for Community Exchange
Wednesday, September 16 | 12-7:30 PM
RISD | 20 Washington Place, Providence, RI 02903

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DESIGN WEEK RI 2026 is Rhode Island's annual creative festival hosted by DESIGNxRI. Running from September 10-18, this year's event will offer talks, tours, workshops, parties, and more that showcase the design talent across our state. Visit www.designweekri.com for the full events calendar!

Can you believe we're just one month away from DESIGN WEEK RI 2026?? That means one month until talks, tours, workshops, demos, parties, and more! From exploring ecological design in Roger Williams Park with BIOPOD Co. to trying your hand at self-portraiture with the Alcove, Rhode Island's 13th annual festival of design has something for everyone. Claim your space at these events and more for FREE at www.designweekri.com!

Photography by Rue Sakayama

Join the RISD Museum on September 16th during DESIGN WEEK RI 2026 for "Finding Your Way: Reconceiving Wayfinding at the RISD Museum." This session with members of the RISD Museum design team will dive into the complexities of creating design systems within multifaceted institutions, why user testers are necessary, and what visitors really need. Register today at https://champ.ly/5k7hk-3s.

Finding Your Way: Reconceiving Wayfinding at the RISD Museum
Wednesday, September 16 | 12-1 PM
RISD Museum | 20 North Main St, Providence, RI 02903

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DESIGN WEEK RI 2026 is Rhode Island's annual creative festival hosted by DESIGNxRI. Running from September 10-18, this year's event will offer talks, tours, workshops, parties, and more that showcase the design talent across our state. Visit www.designweekri.com for the full events calendar!

Step into Roger Williams Park on September 16th during DESIGN WEEK RI 2026 and experience ecological design at a full scale with "BIOPOD Co.: Co-Creating Living Infrastructure Through Citizen Science." BIOPOD Co. is a Rhode Island-founded ecosystem services consultancy that deploys modular, mycelium-based floating wetlands to restore urban waterways, and this guided site tour puts you directly inside a live 20-unit installation. Register today at https://champ.ly/Yb0ki65w.

Co-Creating Living Infrastructure Through Citizen Science"
Wednesday, September 16 | 9:30-11:30 AM
Roosevelt Lake in Roger Williams Park | Pine Hill Ave, Providence, RI 02907

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DESIGN WEEK RI 2026 is Rhode Island's annual creative festival hosted by DESIGNxRI. Running from September 10-18, this year's event will offer talks, tours, workshops, parties, and more that showcase the design talent across our state. Visit www.designweekri.com for the full events calendar!

Meet Michael Townsend, Emily Bryant, and Caroline Nye Stevens, the hosts of "Bigger Box, Bigger Dreams: Designing the Future of Providence Place" with Grow Smart RI. Register for their combination talk, tour, and workshop on September 18th at 12 PM during DESIGN WEEK RI 2026 at https://champ.ly/Cp97Dw6O, and swipe to learn a little about their work!

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DESIGNxRI's "Meet the Host" Series features the faces behind each DESIGN WEEK RI 2026 event! From September 10-18th, DESIGN WEEK RI 2026 will offer talks, tours, workshops, parties, and more that showcase the design talent across our state. Visit www.designweekri.com for the full events calendar!

Is your space feeling a little *womp*? Join Johnny Cakes Design on September 15th during DESIGN WEEK RI 2026 for "Behind the Zhush: Taking Your Space from *Womp* to WHOA!" In their workshop, they'll take you behind the zhush to better understand key elements of design including color, scale, materials, layout, and more to give you the tools for thinking about your own spaces. Register today at https://champ.ly/NCaPUY-8.

Behind the Zhush: Taking Your Space from *Womp* to WHOA!
Tuesday, September 15 | 6-7 PM
JohnnyCakes Design | 378 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909

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DESIGN WEEK RI 2026 is Rhode Island's annual creative festival hosted by DESIGNxRI. Running from September 10-18, this year's event will offer talks, tours, workshops, parties, and more that showcase the design talent across our state. Visit www.designweekri.com for the full events calendar!

Meet Liz Welch, the host of the DESIGN WEEK RI Closing Party: "Anyhow Studio’s Most Excellent Pottery Throwdown: THE SEQUEL!" Register for this epic finale to DESIGN WEEK RI 2026 on September 18th at 6 PM at https://champ.ly/oXG1ZGsO, and swipe to learn a little about Liz's work!

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DESIGNxRI's "Meet the Host" Series features the faces behind each DESIGN WEEK RI 2026 event! From September 10-18th, DESIGN WEEK RI 2026 will offer talks, tours, workshops, parties, and more that showcase the design talent across our state. Visit www.designweekri.com for the full events calendar!

With DESIGN WEEK RI 2026 fast approaching (34 days to go!), it seems like an opportune time to shout out one of our sponsors that makes the whole week possible. Through public relations, marketing and events, the Providence Tourism Council works collaboratively with businesses, organizations and individuals to build awareness of Providence as an arts and multi-cultural destination. Thank you so much for your support of DESIGN WEEK RI 2026!

Join DWRI Letterpress on September 15th during DESIGN WEEK RI 2026 for "Tour a Vital Printing Press." Learn about letterpress printing traditions and see founder Dan Wood's collection of historical printing presses and equipment. Register today at https://champ.ly/EsjdgQjM.

Tour a Vital Printing Press
Tuesday, September 15 | 5:30-6:30 PM
DWRI Letterpress | 40 Rice Street, Providence, RI 02907

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DESIGN WEEK RI 2026 is Rhode Island's annual creative festival hosted by DESIGNxRI. Running from September 10-18, this year's event will offer talks, tours, workshops, parties, and more that showcase the design talent across our state. Visit www.designweekri.com for the full events calendar!