World-Class Art On Permanent Exhibition At Surfside Narragansett

Business Wire,  June 15, 2008  

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Gilbane Development Collaborates With Renown and Award Winning Artists to Bring the History of Narragansett to Life

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Gilbane Development Company, a privately owned real estate development firm, is introducing the latest elements of its Narragansett Pier redevelopment - including the luxury waterfront community Surfside Narragansett - this month. In addition to its energy-efficient Green Building design, Surfside features unique works of art - including bronze sculpture by renowned British artist Hamish Mackie, and a one-of-kind, handmade, 80-foot stoneware and porcelain mural created and installed under commission, by recent Pell Award winner Peter Gessier, and noted Rhode Island artist Mika Seeger.

The mural, which took over a year to complete and has become known as "The Waves of Narragansett," articulates the history of Narragansett using six distinct vignettes. The artists did exhaustive research on the origins and history of the area, including months of interviews with local historians and Native American tribal leaders, and reviews of archived info at South County Museum. Scenes depict the evolution of Narragansett, from imagined pre-history, to the life of early inhabitants, to the heyday of ocean commerce, and, finally, modern day Narragansett - restoring its harmony with nature. The work is permanently installed in the stonewall made of native Narragansett stones and amongst the lush landscaping which highlights the beauty of the scenes and distinguishes the Surfside property.

"We believe we have captured the essence of Narragansett with this installation," said Mika Seeger, well known for her contributions to the arts in Rhode Island - both as artist and patron. "No one can completely capture the history of such an abundantly rich place. Our work only passionately tells a story of a place and its people," Seeger added.

"Narragansett captures one's imagination, from its rugged shoreline to its historic buildings, and natural beauty," said Peter Gessier, 2008 Pell Award Winner for Distinguished Achievement in the Arts. "This work was inspired by the unique beauty and history of Narragansett, and is now a unique part of that history," said Gessier.

Gilbane Development will host several events in the coming weeks, to inaugurate the entire Narragansett Pier Village, and to invite all to see the art and splendor of Surfside Narragansett. A model unit is currently open, featuring furnishing by Restoration Hardware, and decorated throughout with unique artwork created by local Narragansett area artists.

Narragansett Pier Village and Surfside Narragansett are designed to create a better sense of community, and to bring building exteriors into harmony with traditional Narragansett seaside architecture. It incorporates Victorian shingle-style architectural elements, and landscaping that includes private hedges and stonewalls that highlight the seaside look and feel of the community. A gourmet market, cafe, wine and spirits shop, and a casual fine-dining restaurant, have already opened their doors.

In addition to Surfside Narragansett, Hamish Mackie's work is on exhibit, extensively, throughout the United Kingdom. Hamish, a member of the Royal British Sculptural Society, has installed for major solo shows in Europe - and has completed commissioned works for major corporate organizations, and members of the British Knighthood, as well as Rock & Roll legends. His preferred medium, and most famous work is sculpture in bronze - like the work installed at Surfside.

Everyone wanting to know more about Surfside Narragansett, and upcoming events, should visit www.liveatsurfside.com, often for updates, announcements, and contact information.

About Gilbane Development Company

Surfside and the Narragansett Pier Village are being developed by Gilbane Development Company, a nationally recognized, privately owned real estate development firm and a subsidiary of Gilbane, Inc. At Gilbane Development Company, you have an experienced, passionate, and involved developer. We take pride in every community we build. Gilbane Development is well experienced in developing waterfront communities with traditional shingle style architecture and unparalleled amenities. Wickford Point, a former 80-acre U.S. Navy facility on Narragansett Bay in North Kingstown, exemplifies the waterfront community and design principles we're known for. We take pride in the many awards that Wickford Point has received. As a family-run operation for more than 135 years, Gilbane brings a family flavor to all of its business, with core values that were established by their founders. These values serve as the foundation of how we do business today.

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