As you stroll through downtown Providence, you’re likely to notice beautiful works of art in the most unexpected places! Colorful textiles will catch your eye with intricate beading, threading, embroidery and shredding. These surprising exhibits are part of the juried Providence Art Windows program, an effort to activate empty and underutilized storefront spaces. Shows change three times a year and feature local and nationally known artists.

Find all of the installations on the map, and set out on your own self-guided tour. Look out for Corey Grayhorse’s Imaginary Reality at Two Brothers Beauty Supply on Eddy Street (between Fulton and Westminster), which illustrates ‘nail culture’ through a multimedia photo installation. Around the corner at 191 Westminster, check out Rick Katowicz’s large stitched portraits depicting lottery winners’ highs and lows, called Windfalls or What Passes Through the Needle’s Eye.  In May, you’ll see Triptych with 206,720 beads by Samantha Fields, a disassembled rainbow afghan threaded with 206,720 beads. (Until its installation, enjoy Peter Green’s work from last season).

These installations are expected to stay in place through September, and others will be announced soon. For more details about the artists, visit the blog.