(6.2) Every square inch of this enormous structure — inside and out — needed scraping, stripping, dipping, sanding, caulking, varnishing, and painting. Lots of painting. I have yet to see the “after” of the interior of this amazing project*, but I took a tour of the “before.” Since this photo — taken a year ago — the Dirt Palace and their crew of volunteers have restored it and transformed it.
This Sunday Xander Marro, Pippi Zornoza, and Taylor Polites will be hosting “Ruffles, Repair, and Ritual: The Fine Art of Fixing” at the RISD Museum, and any time those three get together to discuss anything, just go.
Explore the fine art of fixing with Xander Marro and Pippi Zornoza, Co-Directors of the Dirt Palace at the Wedding Cake House in conversation with Taylor Polites, author and lecturer in RISD’s Literary Studies Department. Learn about the ambitious restoration project of this iconic three-story historic house located at 514 Broadway Street, Providence, Rhode Island through its phases of construction to its commissioned artwork celebrating history, community and repair culture with installation, exhibition and time-based performances. Saved from the wrecking ball the House begins a new chapter offering artist residencies, public programs and guest lodging.
This program is planned in conjunction with the RISD Museum exhibit, “Repair and Design Futures,” the Wedding Cake House exhibit, “Ruffles, Repair & Ritual: The Fine Art of Fixing.”
I first met Taylor Polites in 2016 when he mounted “Flocked, Blocked, and Stenciled,” a showcase of fabulous, original screenprinted wallpaper, executed by local artists. (Attention homeowners, designers, and decorators: Go to Polites’ slideshow where you can see each individual artist and their work. Commission a unique, custom wallpaper for your project and put an artist to work.)
No admission charged to the museum on Sundays.
*A demonstration across the street conflicted with the Providence Preservation Society’s recent reception; otherwise I would have had a better picture here. I have to think that this extraordinary project will garner national attention sometime soon.
Free, 11am to 1pm, Sunday, June 2, RISD Museum, 20 North Main Street, (directions)