Inside the Frame: May 13
Showing up for Community, Mental Health, and Visual Politics
Hi friends,
Recently, I’ve been thinking about community and how we show up for each other. This past weekend, I hosted a mental health workshop for artists and entrepreneurs that reminded me of how we can unite and take care of each other. I also had a good chat with some fellow photographers at the opening at Worlds Fair Gallery and their co-exhibit with House of Waves Gallery (from Newport). It was a good reminder of how, even in a small state, we can create avenues to connect with people outside of our normal circle. I know in RI, we don’t like to drive anywhere beyond 15 minutes, but I think it is a good time to expand your reach with warmer weather coming around!
My challenge to you all this week: get out there and expand your horizons! Go to that event you’ve been hearing about! Attend that opening! Email/DM that artist you’ve been wanting to meet! Meet someone new. You never know who could be your next big collaboration, mentor, or supporter.
~ Caterina
What’s been going on…
This past Saturday, I hosted a mental health workshop in collaboration with “Willy” (aka Willeen Capehart) and Black Leaf Tea, and it was truly special. The conversations were honest, grounding, and a beautiful reminder to hold patience and compassion for yourself, especially when navigating your creative journey. Mental health can so easily take a back seat when you’re trying to build something or stay inspired, but spaces like this help bring it back to the center, where it belongs. I’m so grateful to everyone who showed up and shared. I hope you’ll stay connected with us at Contatto Arts and join us at a future event. We’ve got more coming, and these moments really do make a difference.
Upcoming Workshops:
Nothing right now! Check back in soon!
Current & Upcoming Exhibits
Nothing right now! Check back in soon!
Events This Week! (5/12 - 5/18)
TODAY, May 13th: I’m unable to attend, but you all should go to
’s Drinks with Artists meetup taking place at House of Waves in Newport tonight from 6:30-9pm! They’re very casual and a fun time.Friday, May 16th: Your World/Our House 2nd opening at House of Waves in Newport, RI! Opening is from 5-9pm.
Art Book of the Week
Art on My Mind: Visual Politics
![Art on My Mind: Visual Politics [Book]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!j_Z5!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb45c28e9-9c54-4835-955c-adde9b9f445a_1698x2560.jpeg "Art on My Mind: Visual Politics [Book]")
About halfway through this book (finally)! Bell Hooks offers such sharp insight into how we engage with art, especially when it comes to the visual politics that shape how Black artists are seen and understood. From Basquiat to Carrie Mae Weems, I’m learning to look at their work in ways that feel richer and more nuanced. I’ve always been a fan, but Art on My Mind is giving me language and perspective that deepen my appreciation and help push the conversation around Black art forward. You can grab this book here.
Thanks for Reading!
Thanks for experiencing this edition of Inside the Frame. Please email me at caterinamainaphotography@gmail.com with ideas, tips, feedback, etc. You can also follow me on Instagram at _4x5junkie & caterinamaina.studio, LinkedIn at Caterina Maina, TikTok at 4x5junkie, and YouTube at The Emerging Eye. You can share and subscribe using the links below: