Trump as art? New pop-up exhibit opens

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Yulie Lee was just walking down Westminster Street and stumbled upon a new exhibit from Craftland, excited to finally experience art in person again.

She wasn’t expecting to see art that interprets the Trump administration in new ways.

“It’s so real, it’s so right now,” said the Providence resident. “It’s actually documentation of what’s going on right now, and it’s in an artistic form. I guess that’s why we make art, right? To document, and also to comment, and keep this alive.”

You’ve probably read President Trump’s tweets, but have you seen them embroidered?

“There’s a permanence to things that are said, especially by people who hold power,” Lee said. “There’s a weight to that. And we’re noticing. Kids are seeing this, and our artists are seeing this and creating things from it.”

Local artists like Jacques Bidon are also showcasing wisdom from historical figures like Langston Hughes and Ida B. Wells to help understand the Black Lives Matter movement.

“I just hope it leaves people thinking that you can do better,” he said. “Put out those fears, say what you want to say, and maybe we can figure out what the problem is.”

Organizer Margaret Carleton says those conversations are more crucial than ever this election season.

“Maybe it just helps you understand people who don’t share your views,” she said. “I don’t think there’s anything we can’t have a dialogue about. And I think inspiring people to talk with each other, when we’re more divided than we’ve ever been as a country, can’t hurt.”

The exhibit is open at 233 Westminster Street, Wednesdays through Sundays until October 31.