St. Ann's Church and Cultural Center in Woonsocket is not only a national treasure, but
perhaps one of global significance as its frescoes and stained glass windows are
almost unparalleled. The Roman Catholic Diocese closed it as a place of worship
about a decade ago. Since then, it has been used as a bingo hall and arts and
cultural center on a limited basis, but that will not support the $1.2 million
needed to make it water tight or the $5 million necessary for renovation. The
$50,000 dollar annual maintenance costs is the least of its worries but this is
America's treasure that cannot afford to be lost.St. Ann Arts and Cultural
Center is a non- profit corporation dedicated to the preservation of this former
Roman Catholic Church. The Center's mission is to develop multiple venues of
adaptive reuse for this endangered and irreplaceable, artistic and historical
asset, thereby ensuring its preservation and producing a resource for the
community.
The building, contrasted between 1913-1917 features over 40 exquisite stained
glass windows made in France and installed 1923-1925, along with over 175
magnificent frescos hand painted in the 1940’s by Canadian artist Professor
Guido Nincheri, who learned his craft in Florence, Italy.
For more about the talent show, upcoming happenings and the history of the
facility, call 401-767-3777 or go to their website at www.stannartctr.org
A charette was recently held with many interested stakeholders - former
parishioners, preservationists, cultural and artistic proponents and others
merely in love with the many others. The task ahead is huge - how to support and
properly utilize an absolutely magnificent and significant part of our past and
artistic national treasure. The frescoes will become even more vivid, according
to "Wolf", the Northeast Director of Fresco Artistry in Maryland, who
made an impromptu visit and fell in love with the grandeur and artwork so
compelling. What shall happen with this lovely building, a connection to a noble
yet humble past sacrificing to create a magnificent tribute as God's home for
generations to come? As the months bring discussion, debate and options,
Blackstone Daily will follow the collaboration of many whose passion for
preserving building will surely create some positive venues. Currently, thoughts
of joining with RISD (RI School of Design), and other colleges and historical
preservationist sopcieties or use as a dinner theatre are but a few of the
possibilities under discussion. But the building and its artwork is undeniably
glorious in every aspect.
The photos do not even bring a small percentage of its magnificence to light
as one is surrounded at all sides by these frescoes and stained glass and
marble. It's a gem!
