The number of college students in Rhode Island has been falling for many years, and the declining birth rate since the Great Recession is about to make that problem worse, with enrollment numbers expected to drop significantly over the next decade. Many colleges and universities are scrambling to figure out how to survive with fewer […]
James Baumgartner
James produces and engineers Political Roundtable, The Weekly Catch and other special programming on The Public’s Radio. He also produces Artscape, the weekly arts & culture segment heard every Thursday. His favorite part of the job is talking with artists, musicians and other creators about their process and what inspires them.
James learned the basics of audio editing while studying music at Missouri State University. He went on to get a Master of Fine Arts in Electronic Art at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he created electronic music, video art and internet-based media art. While at RPI, James went on the air for the first time, hosting an electronic music show on Rensselaer's station, WRPI, but his love of radio came from staying up late so he could hear punk rock on KKFI, the community radio station in Kansas City, Missouri.
Posted inArts And Culture, Education, Politics, The Weekly Catch
RIC program cuts, warning signs about the Washington Bridge, and more
Rhode Island College recently announced it will cut 20 degree programs this fall, mostly in the humanities. We’ll hear from a professor and student at RIC who say the cuts are short-sighted, and were done with little input from faculty or students. And did the Rhode Island Department of Transportation miss the warning signs about the Washington Bridge? Our reporters talked with engineers who say that critical components deserved special attention years before the closure. Also, Newport Art Museum’s latest show features a 28-foot-long painting of a plaid whale. Plus: A look back on the week in Rhode Island politics, and a few tips on what to do this week.
Posted inEducation, Local
What will be the impact of program cuts at Rhode Island College?
Rhode Island College has announced its intention to suspend 20 degree programs as of this fall, including Gender and Women’s Studies, Latin American Studies, and education and masters level degrees in Art, Early Childhood Education and Music. Here to talk more about the potential implications of the cuts is Dr. Leslie Schuster, professor of History […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape
Loyalists, Patriots and a colossal plaid whale in Newport
This week, we’re highlighting two exhibits in Newport: “Sean Landers: Lost at Sea” at the Newport Art Museum, and “Newport 1775: Whose Side Are You On?” at the Newport Historical Society.
Posted inArts And Culture, Health, Immigration, Politics, The Weekly Catch
R.I. Lawmakers consider the value of community healthcare workers
A New Bedford man – who spent weeks in an ICE detention center – is out. He could pursue legal action for wrongful detainment. We’ll get an update on the story. Also,- community health workers provide a unique service that advocates say is vital to keeping healthcare costs down. Rhode Island lawmakers are considering a bill that forces private insurers to cover many of the services provided by these workers. And Leo’s bar was an institution in Providence. For Artscape we look back on how the bar, and its owner John Rector were so important to so many people. That and more on this week’s show..
Posted inArts And Culture, Health, Housing, Politics, The Weekly Catch
Woonsocket moves to fine people who camp on city property
Earlier this week Woonsocket city leaders followed the actions of many communities across the country. They voted to fine people who camp out on city property. . One unhoused advocacy group says the fines that are part of a new city law will make things even harder for those struggling to find shelter. Also, Rhode Island PBS is shining a light on youth mental health. We’ll talk with one of their contributors about the effect violence has on mental health. And, WaterFire Providence has had financial struggles lately. They have a new interim director who says he plans to be a bridge to a brighter future. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inThe Weekly Catch
Rep. Magaziner decries cuts to aid for starving children, and why state Sen. Mack opposes a Providence tax hike
U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner has been taking to the House floor to protest President Trump’s cuts to funding for life-saving food for malnourished children. We talk with him about that, and some of the ways Rhode Island has been impacted by the president’s first few months in office. Also, State Senator Tiara Mack is against Providence Mayor Brett Smiley’s efforts to raise property taxes. She says there are better ways to raise the much-needed revenue for the city. And we talk about a painting at the Statehouse of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment in the Revolutionary War, a rare military group composed almost entirely of Black soldiers. That and more on this week’s episode.
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape
‘Brave Men as Ever Fought’: Painting depicts the story of Black Revolutionary War soldiers in R.I.
There’s a painting on display right now in the Rhode Island Statehouse that tells an important tale of American history: It’s the story of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment — a military regiment composed mostly of Black enlistees. The painting is called “Brave Men as Ever Fought.” It’s by historical military artist Don Troiani. Morning host Luis Hernandez talked with Ray Rickman, the co-founder of the non-profit Stages of Freedom, which addresses racial inequities in Rhode Island, and Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore.
Posted inThe Weekly Catch
Remembering Dominick Ruggerio, the pope’s legacy in Rhode Island, and more
Dominic Ruggerio was a force in Rhode Island politics. His death this week leaves a power vacuum in the senate. Ian Donnis tells us when a new Senate president could be picked. This weekend many will celebrate Arbor Day. The annual celebration of trees takes on new meaning as climate change continues to put pressure on our forests. Also we hear from local Catholic church leadership on the passing of Pope Francis and their hopes for the Vatican’s next leader. And on Artscape, we have a profile of artist Ian Cozzens. All this and more on this week’s episode.
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape
Dissonance, queer culture, and Providence architecture in artist Ian Cozzens’ prints
On this week’s show: A profile of artist Ian Cozzens.
Cozzens moved to Providence in 1999, and quickly started making screen prints for bands, art gallery shows, and community events. He also documented the buildings of Providence, using his architectural training to depict a half-demolished mill in Eagle Square and the three smokestacks of a power station on the Providence River. Since then, he moved on to screen prints depicting a single word, including “dissonance” and “QUEERS!” His latest installation at Angell Street Galleries is called “Reality.”
Also, Barnaby Evans and Emily Gray from WaterFire Providence remember the life and work of Rhode Island painter Gretchen Dow Simpson.
On this week’s show: A profile of artist Ian Cozzens.
Cozzens moved to Providence in 1999, and quickly started making screen prints for bands, art gallery shows, and community events. He also documented the buildings of Providence, using his architectural training to depict a half-demolished mill in Eagle Square and the three smokestacks of a power station on the Providence River. Since then, he moved on to screen prints depicting a single word, including “dissonance” and “QUEERS!” His latest installation at Angell Street Galleries is called “Reality.”
Also, Barnaby Evans and Emily Gray from WaterFire Providence remember the life and work of Rhode Island painter Gretchen Dow Simpson.
