Sixty 7th and 8th grade students at Narragansett Pier Middle School participated in introductory Maculelê workshops with a Grupo Ondas instructor. After a quick history lesson, the students were up on their feet and moving to the beat! They learned some basic steps and rhythms, accompanied by instructor Palvo on the Atabaque, a tall, wooden, Afro-Brazilian hand drum. While Maculelê is traditionally a stick fighting dance, we assure you that there were no sticks involved in this lively FirstWorks arts education engagement! 🌴 Students clapped on the beats where traditionally, the sticks would come into play for a fun infusion of movement, culture and energy into their school day.

Learn about Grupo Ondas and our 2026 artist educators
Video by Leah Silva, March 12, 2026

We had a “hoppy” time celebrating Read Across America week at Narragansett Elementary School 📚🐇

FirstWorks Artist Educator Silvermoon Mars LaRose (Narragansett Tribal Nation / Tomaquag Museum) led 140 Pre-K and Kindergarten students in a lively, interactive storytelling session. Silvermoon introduced traditional stories as a way to learn and have fun, especially when it’s cold outside! She told the story of how the rabbit got its short tail, long ears, big feet, and brown coat. From patting their legs in a rhythm to help Rabbit dance to learning the importance of kindness and respect, these young learners were all smiles. Through traditional Narragansett stories, Silvermoon showed us how history and humor help us build stronger communities.

Learn about some of our 2026 artist educators
Video by Leah Silva, March 4, 2026

“I believe FirstWorks has had a profound impact. To offer these students direct connections with international artists is amazing. These are diverse artists; these are artists that they wouldn’t normally get a chance to be exposed to.” – Scott Beauregard, Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Arts

We cannot reach 2,000+ students each year through Arts Education without your support!

Learn how your gift makes a difference.

The most exciting moment a teacher can witness is seeing the lightbulbs in their students’ minds turn on! Mary McMurtery, an art teacher in Providence, applauds FirstWorks’ education programs for uplifting her students and bringing them one-of-a-kind arts experiences. Hear Mary’s thoughts on FirstWorks’ role in bettering arts-integrated education.

Find out more about FirstWorks education programs

Interested in how FirstWorks fosters belonging in local youth? Listen to Director of Education Jamil Jorge share a captivating moment between artist Daniel Bernard Roumain and a group of students! Jamil’s dedication to helping young students express themselves through art is a great reflection of FirstWorks’ goal to foster connections between artists and audiences.

Find out more about FirstWorks education programs

At this FirstWorks Arts Learning workshop, students at Providence’s Robert L. Bailey Elementary School Music heard sounds from the violin that they’ve never heard before, and got to add their voices to the mix with FirstWorks Artistic Ambassador Daniel Bernard Roumain.

For more info on DBR’s, visit: Our Team

3.19.18: “The Voice of Venezuela” Betsayda Machado brings her dynamic Afro-Soul music tambor to a sold-out crowd at RISD auditorium of students from schools in Central Falls, Providence, Pawtucket, and Newport. Betsayda’s vibrant and joyful music brings audiences to their feet, turning the show into an all-out dance party. 600 students jamming to the boisterous parranda (party) sound! Part of FirstWorks’ Frontier Series in partnership with the Rhode Island School of Design Provost’s Office.

Providence Journal Video by David DelPoio

2.22.2018: Charlie Silva plays bass on Gershwin’s “Slap That Bass” as The Gershwin Big Band led by Michael Andrew plays a matinee for 1400 Rhode Island students at The VETS as part of FirstWorks Artistic Icon Series.

Providence Journal video by Sandor Bodo

1.22.2015: Mummenschanz, the Swiss performance troupe who combine mime and creative puppetry, performed at the Vets Auditorium for over 1000 Rhode Island school children. Several characters interacted directly with their audience.

Providence Journal video by Sandor Bodo