Hour by Hour // A close look at the upcoming conditions »
Rhode Island
University of Rhode Island Celebrates Progress on $99 Million Fine Arts Center Renovation – Newport Buzz
Under the rising framework of a revitalized Fine Arts Center, University of Rhode Island (URI) faculty, students, state lawmakers, and university leaders gathered Thursday morning to mark a significant milestone in the long-awaited transformation of the 56-year-old building.
The event drew over 250 attendees, who assembled under a large tent beside the construction site to commemorate the project’s progress. Participants lined up to sign a steel beam destined for installation in the new facility later this year, while student performers showcased the university’s thriving arts programs.
“This is an important moment to recognize the collective efforts of our community in bringing this project to life,” said Jen Riley, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “The new center will be a state-of-the-art space for our students and faculty artists.”
The $99 million project, which is set to be completed by fall 2025, represents a major renewal of the campus landmark. The new 71,000-square-foot, three-story academic building will house modernized classrooms, art galleries, recording studios, and expanded facilities for theater and digital media. The center is expected to host approximately 100 performances and exhibitions annually, drawing over 50,000 visitors.
URI President Marc Parlange hailed the renovation as emblematic of the university’s broader commitment to making a positive impact on Rhode Island. He acknowledged the strong backing from the local community and lawmakers, particularly Governor Dan McKee and House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, who were both present at the event.
“This has been a long time in the making,” Parlange said. “This would not have been possible without the support of Rhode Island voters. I want to thank Governor McKee and Speaker Shekarchi for their leadership and give a shoutout to our South County delegation.”
In his remarks, Governor McKee underscored the importance of the arts as a cornerstone of education, alongside academics and athletics. “The arts are integral to the spirit of any institution,” he said. “URI’s Fine Arts Center is a special place, and this investment reflects that.”
Speaker Shekarchi echoed the sentiment, praising the collaboration between state lawmakers and university leaders. “This university is our flagship, and we must ensure its continued success,” Shekarchi said.
The renovation is part of a broader expansion effort at URI, which also includes the construction of an Ocean Robotics Lab and a new life sciences facility. URI’s recent ascent in national rankings, including being named the best public university in New England by The Wall Street Journal, was highlighted by Margo Cook, chair of URI’s Board of Trustees.
“We are making substantial investments in the future of URI,” Cook said. “The Fine Arts Center will be a place where students hone their skills and chart their course forward in life.”
For faculty and students, the renovation signals a long-awaited improvement in the quality of their work environment. Art professor Annu Palakunnathu Matthew recalled circulating a petition for the project years ago. “The new Fine Arts Center represents an investment in the future of the arts at URI,” she said.
Students, too, expressed enthusiasm. Isaiah Agabi, a sophomore double majoring in theater and civil engineering, said, “It’s our space where we create art. Having access to new areas like dance rooms and bigger rehearsal spaces will make it even more enjoyable.”
The event concluded with performances by fine arts students, including a violin piece by graduate student Zeynep Balci and a monologue from Macbeth by Agabi, both demonstrating the artistic talents that the renovated center will nurture for years to come.
Like Newport Buzz? We depend on the generosity of readers like you who support us, to help with our mission to keep you informed and entertained with local, independent news and content. We truly appreciate your trust and support!
Related
RI’s Verdi Productions films ‘Bad News On The Doorstep’ in Providence
Verdi Productions wrapped filming of Tom DeNucci’s “Bad News On The Doorstep” early on May 23 in Providence.
Verdi Productions’ secret horror movie, “My Boyfriend is a Demon,” now filming in Rhode Island, is no longer a secret as Chad A. Verdi, the East Greenwich production company’s president, has announced the cast and given an outline of the movie’s plot.
The ensemble cast comprises veteran actors and rising young talents. The story follows Mary, a lonely, small-town girl who creates a fake Instagram account that pretends to be boyfriend, a guy too perfect to be real. Mary puts so much effort into making him “real” that he shows up at her door one day.
The cast includes:
- Mattias Ferrell, son of comic actor Will Ferrell and known for “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie” and “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.”
- Coco Arquette, daughter of Courteney Cox and David Arquette and known for “Cougar Town.”
- David Arquette, known for his work in the “Scream” film franchise.
- Rosanna Arquette, David’s sister and Coco’s aunt, known for “The Moment.”
- Bailey Sloan, known for “Ragamuffin.”
- Jack Champion, known for “Avatar.”
- Ever Anderson, known for “Peter Pan & Wendy.”
- Vinnie Hacker, known for “Euphoria.”
- Josephine Reitman, known for “Juno.”
- Savannah Lee Smith, kown for “Tunsel Town.”
- Lisa Yamada, known for “Elle.”
- Ty Law, known for “Friday Night Lights.”
“My Boyfriend is a Demon” is written and directed by first-time director mishka.
“My Boyfriend is a Demon” is filming in Providence
The movie began filming in Rhode Island in April and has rented Providence’s Cranston Street Armory for the month of May to use as a studio.
The producing team for Verdi Productions includes Chad A. Verdi, Chad Verdi Jr., Paul Luba, Michelle Verdi and Sera Verdi. Executive producers include Ketchup Entertainment and Kinolime.
Good morning! Happy Thursday! Today will be pretty unsettled with the chance for showers and t’storms. Friday will still be damp with showers and drizzle, but the weekend still looks amazing!
The one good thing with the rain, for allergy sufferers at least, the pollen levels will be lower. In fact, both today and tomorrow, the tree pollen counts will be low locally. Do expect a spike in the pollen count for Saturday and Sunday with the dry weather.
INTERACTIVE RADAR: Live Pinpoint Weather 12 Radar »
“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” FLIGHT TRACKER
“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” POWER OUTAGES
TODAY
Hour-by-hour forecast for today…
We’ll have some showers around during the morning commute today, but the greatest chance for showers and t’storms will be after 9AM and before 5PM.
Showers and thunderstorms could slow travel around mid-day. Rain could fall heavily at times.
A line of showers and t’storms will be sweeping across the area through the afternoon as a slow-moving weather systems moves through the region.
Highs today will be in the upper 50s to lower 60s with southeast to east winds of 5-15mph.
“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” BEACH AND BOATING FORECASTS
TONIGHT
Showers are still possible this evening; although they won’t be as numerous.
TOMORROW
That low center will be nearby Friday morning, and we’ll be stuck with a damp, cool windflow. Expect drizzle and showers in the morning and possibly some lingering showers in the afternoon.
Highs Friday will only be in the 50s. The average high this time of year is in the upper 60s.
LOOKING AHEAD
Then…there’s the weekend. Saturday looks amazing with lots of sunshine and dry weather. It’ll be warmer, too, with highs in the 70s.
-Meteorologist T.J. Del Santo
T.J. Del Santo (tdelsanto@wpri.com) is the weekday morning and noon meteorologist for 12 News. Connect with him on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram and Threads and BlueSky.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Rhode Island Department of Health issued an overdose spike alert for Johnston and North Providence.
Health officials said over the past week, five Johnston and North Providence residents received medical care for a drug overdose.
According to RIDOH, these municipalities have historically lower overdose rates than the statewide average.
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
Residents can visit Prevent Overdose RI connect with community harm reduction organizations and find treatment.
-
Maryland2 minutes agoSee which baby names were the most popular in DC, Maryland, and Virginia in 2025
-
Michigan8 minutes agoMan curses Arab candidate after allegedly tossing brick at office
-
Massachusetts14 minutes agoTrauma foam developed by Massachusetts company used to stop internal bleeding in first patient
-
Minnesota20 minutes agoMinnesota could see northern lights tonight, here’s how
-
Mississippi26 minutes agoGolden Spikes watchlist features players from Mississippi State, Ole Miss – SuperTalk Mississippi
-
Missouri32 minutes agoMissouri lawmakers pass bill requiring age verification for porn sites
-
Montana38 minutes agoEmergency travel only in northeast Montana (video)
-
Nebraska44 minutes agoNo. 1 Nebraska ready to open NCAA Tournament against Summit League Champion South Dakota