Fore and Aft by Holly Emidy (2021)

Holly Emidy is a native Rhode Islander who has called Warren home for over 30 years. She is an accomplished surface designer specializing in textile design. "Fore and Aft" is based on Warren's past and present working waterfront, depicting our whaling, fishing and oyster industries. Warren was once active in the whaling industry and ships were built off of Water St. The trawler, first produced in the 1920’s, was used by independent fishermen working inshore waters and is still commonly used today. Warren once had a thriving oyster industry, but the oyster beds were damaged during the hurricane of 1938. Most oyster companies never reopened, however, RI is currently restoring its coastal oyster beds.

The Warren Utility Box Project is a collaboration between The Town of Warren, The Warren Arts & Culture Committee, and The Avenue Concept, a RI-based non-profit that makes public art happen.

Artist IG: @hollyevolved