about
We are both Providence natives and residents. Casandra writes poetry and short stories, and paints. Spocka is a musician and performer, event curator, and creates visual art. Growing up, we benefited from local creative opportunities.
And so we felt a need to bring more of those opportunities to our community. The idea of opening this public, art-centered space together floated around for about three years. Our goal was to build a creative hub for art and music but also a place to host events, meetings, workshops, and classes. On September 7th, 2019 - we opened Public.
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Since then, we've had 100 makers in our shop, 75 artists in our gallery, 13 muralists, and 10 local authors in our book corner (as of June 2023). In the past, we've hosted regular open mics, a dinner in the gallery series, a secret comedy show, a film screening, a self-care pop-up, 4 artist-curated events, a collage night, dance night, a panel discussion, and vintage pop-up.
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Since COVID-19 hit in 2020, we moved to a new location. Public has temporarily transformed into a shared art studio space, mini shop & gallery, and community space.
Public: a space that welcomes all members of the community
to experience and interact with art.
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If you'd like to contact us, please email publicpvd@gmail.com
Inside Art with Michael Rose for Go Local Prov
9/27/2023
"The exhibition features works ranging from photographs and mixed media pieces to prints, drawings, textile-based works, sculpture, and more. On view in Public’s space at 27 Sims Avenue, adjacent to The Steel Yard, the exhibition features an enticing body of works. Pieces by ten artists with local connections are on view including contributions by Nacho Amor, Vienna Mercedes Gambol, Izzy Rodriguez, Gabriela Cantú, Johanna Benitez, Haydee Naula, Michelle Perez, Jessica Reyes, S.A. Chavarría, and Christian Sánchez."
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To read the full article, click here to visit Go Local Prov's site.
Interview with Michael Rose of Go Local Prov
5/10/2023
"Few have brought as much energy, enthusiasm, and impact to the local art community as Casandra Inez and Spocka, co-owners of Public Shop and Gallery, a hard-to-label creative space that goes beyond traditional definitions of art venue. Located at 27 Sims Avenue in the complex of buildings that comprises The Steel Yard, Public is a working studio that is currently hosting an art show highlighting a great pool of talent."
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To read the full article, click here to visit Go Local Prov's site.
Interview with Motif Magazine
2/5/2020
"The route to the Public Gallery winds through a pretty rough neighborhood – the streets of Olneyville are lined with pawnbrokers, flea markets and head shops; an old woman waves down cars near a stop light, peddling flowers. But along with the obvious signs of poverty, there are signs of strength. A poster on a hardware store reads: “Community is stronger than hate.” There is truth to be found here, and a beauty that is born of the struggle. A new art scene is growing, and Public Gallery is one of the primary incubators."
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To read the full article, click here to visit Motif's site.
Interview with Providence Monthly
1/30/2020
"In a typical week, Public may host an art opening, vendor market, movie screening, open mic, poetry slam, collage night, and dinner prepared by a local chef. Driving past the little second-store gallery on Aleppo Street, you might never suspect such a busy schedule."
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To read the full article, click here.
Interview with The Public's Radio
12/4/2019
Click here to find the story on The Public's Radio website.