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Bread and Roses organizers

Celebrating creativity and community

The first-ever NEARI art exhibit, Bread & Roses, showcased the talents our members bring to the world—outside of their workplace.
By: Stephanie Mandeville
Published: October 20, 2026

What a fantastic evening celebrating the creativity and talent of our members! The October 8 opening reception of the Bread & Roses Art Exhibition brought together artists, colleagues, and friends to celebrate the importance of art in our lives—and the belief that workers deserve not just fair wages, but dignity, beauty, and joy.

Bread & Roses Art Exhibition

We were especially grateful to URI Professor Erik Loomis, who shared the history behind the phrase Bread & Roses and reminded us why art and dignity have always been important to the labor movement.

If you missed the reception, there's still time to experience this wonderful collection of artwork created by our NEARI sisters and brothers! The exhibition is on display at CCRI's Knight Campus through October 30. We hope you will stop by, enjoy the artwork, and celebrate our talented members. 

Many thanks to Mazin Adam (CCRI Faculty) for curating the art show, our jurist Ken Moran, RISD Retired; Fil Eden who coordinated the project; and CCRI for giving it a home. 

Congratulations to all participants, especially our award winners:
 
Best in Show
Wave
Shane Richards, NEA Middletown
Reclaimed Wood

First Place
Crowned with Confidence
Sarah Malek, BWEA
Digital Photo

Honorable Mention
Home vs Home
Ruchika Nambiar, RISD Part Time Faculty
Mixed Media

Cold Moon 
Lauren W. Scotto, Cumberland Teachers

Queen of Diamonds
Tonya Curt-Hoard, NEA Barrington

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A labor union and professional organization.

Our Association is a remarkable blend of union and professional organization, with a proud history of serving Rhode Island. Since its inception in 1845, our members have been at the center of every struggle to advance the finest of American dreams: the promise of a quality public education for every child. One in every 100 Rhode Islanders is a member - chances are, you know us already!
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