Folks Fest VII: A Recap in Remarks and Festive Photos
On Saturday, August 19th, The Collaborative had an absolute Blast at our 7th Annual Warren Folks Festival!
The event celebrated all things local, including a talented music line-up, delicious food and drink, art and wares from over 30 Rhode Island creatives, a crafty kids tent, and so much more.
“Welcome to Warren!”
Exclaimed Jeff Danielian, extending a hand to the 2nd-floor window of Cutler Mill overlooking a crowd of folks — dancing folks, young folks, old folks, folks on bikes, folks with face paint, folks with crafts in hand — a lively community who had come out to celebrate community itself.
Jeff, who is one of the founders of The Collaborative explained that he comes up here every year to take in the jubilant atmosphere.
Photo Credit to Janet Moscarello Photography
Jeff and Board Member Jenn Harris at the Info Tent
“So, the people keep coming,” Remarked Board Chair Sally Turner as she greeted folks at the Info Tent. “and everybody is so excited. They’re parking their bikes, getting their faces painted, eating delicious food, and… of course the MUSIC!”
MUSIC INDEED! From the pop/rock of YONKS to the soulful grit of Julie Rhodes, The Collaborative was thrilled to have such a great music line-up at the event!
The sun was shinning, the weather was blessedly cool and sweet… A perfect day for biking in to have a blast!
"We want to give a huge thank you to all our sponsors, the incredible musicians, art and food vendors, volunteers, and of course, you all,” said Executive Director and Collaborative Founder, Uriah Donnelly to the crowd. “We truly couldn’t do this without your support.”
Photo Credit to Janet Moscarello Photography
The Collaborative’s Founders Jeff Danielian, Uriah Donnelly, and Adam Tracy
Photo Credit to Janet Moscarello Photography
A huge thank you to Dave Westcott who has so generously made Cutler Mill the home of Folks Fest.
From left to right: Representative June Speakman next to the sponsors sign acknowledging her generous contribution to the festival, a sparkling group of performers, and Artist Collaborator Melanie dai Medeiros with Executive Assistant Adrienne Wooster.
“I am in awe of the Collaborative, who creates events like the Warren Folks Fest,” said Melanie. “I am so lucky and blessed to be an Artist Collaborator with this talented and motivated group.”
Echoing Melanie’s sentiment, Adrienne reflected,
“Volunteering at Last year’s Folks Fest was the beginning of my involvement with The Collaborative, and I’ve been incredibly grateful for the journey since. I had a feature Artist show last October, became an Artist Collaborator, and have been on staff since November, 2022. This creative community has been instrumental in sparking my career in the arts and Folks Fest is a wonderful celebration of all the people that make this community so special.”
Photo Credit to Janet Moscarello Photography
Help us celebrate an 8th festival for the folks next year! To sustain The Collaborative’s mission in bringing free to low-cost arts and arts education opportunities to our community, please consider donating.