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Writing with AI
We asked our editor and assistant editor to share their opposing viewpoints on what AI brings to the writing table. Humans only, please: by Mara HagenBring on the bots: by The post Writing wit...
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The (One-Act) Play That Goes Wrong: What could possibly go afoul?
Burbage Theatre Co. presents The (One-Act) Play That Goes Wrong by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields of Mischief Theatre. “We are thrilled to kick off Season 13 with The post Th...
42nd Street: A Toe Tapping Extravaganza
Theatre By The Sea proudly closes out their summer season with the Tony Award-winning celebration of Broadway, 42nd Street. To say this production is great fun would be a total The post 42nd S...
Growers Grow, Part 2: Hydroponics for home growers
Hydroponics is the art and science of growing plants without soil. Instead of soil, some inert substrate, such as vermiculite, a naturally occurring mineral made of magnesium, aluminum, and iron ...
How One Cultural Moment Inspired a Musical: The story behind One Providence Place: A Mall Musical
Great art often imitates life. It forces us to peel back the layers of our society and finally experience the raw emotions left out of the history books. When done The post How One Cultural Mo...
Poetry Review: Residence Time by Sarah Kersey
“I never believed something, / or somebody, could hold me,” writes Sarah Kersey in the title poem of their debut collection, Residence Time (Newfound, Oct 2024). They hope the biblical The...
Double Sonnet For S04E13: Poetry
You shipped them: Mulder and Scully. Some spooky guy hot for aliens, hair flopping tantrums at a bald FBI father figure. Too punk rock for paperwork, he rendezvoused in soft The post Double So...
The Baker’s Kiss: Fiction
It was just a kiss. That’s what he kept telling himself. Didn’t mean anything. Lips brushing against cheek, lightly dusting like a bee and pollen… There you go, getting all The post The ...
Life at Night
Illustration by Mickey Zacchilli / @shelobfan on Instagram If you’re new to little Rhody, you’ll find there’s an abundance of local nightlife – but around here, it’s sometimes hard to ...
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Cocktail of the Month: The Duke of Earl
Brendan Maddock is no stranger to winning Motif’s Mixology competitions. The bartender, who works primarily at the Square Peg in Warren, has attended many of our Monthly Mixology Madness compet...
Stop, Rock & Roll
Welcome to Autumn – and – welcome to another edition of Stop, Rock n Roll! Here are five local releases to carry some summer into your fall: GEORGE RICHTER – The post Stop, Rock & Roll ...
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Museaum Concerts: A commitment to music education
Music is universal. It transcends age, culture, religion, and nationalistic borders. At any moment, the right piece can cut through ages of political, social, and dogmatic segregation. It can cre...
Old Girlfriends, Pink Floyd & Chris Capaldi
On August 1, I sat at the bar in a sold-out Blue Room (Cranston live music venue) and noticed the comfort, joy, and heartache Chris Capaldi’s music can bring to The post Old Girlfriends, Pin...
Ants in the City: Swarms and Sex
Over the last few weeks, as communities across New England witnessed a meteor shower and a rare aurora borealis, one more auspicious event was overhead – swarms of ants took The post Ants in...
Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night: Goodbye, old friend
We here at Motif have some sad news to report: The eight-legged arachnid who stood (crawled) careful guard over the patrons of Warwick Library has finally curled into her final The post Do Not...
When The Kids Leave Home
When kids leave home, it is a significant transition not only for the ones who are going – but also for the ones left behind. Since I have seen several The post When The Kids Leave Home app...
Should People Use AI When They Write?: Yes
Writing is a deeply personal act. It’s not passive. At the same time, writing does not exist in a vacuum. Even fiction draws from shared experiences, pop culture, and literary The post Shoul...
Major Issues: What was your major? How has it influenced your life?
Bobby Forand: I never had a career path in mind. I guess I’ve never been all that organized. I didn’t plan ahead, even though I always told myself I should. The post Major Issues: What was...
Should People Use AI When They Write?: No
The power of imagining depends upon something distinct from me. – Rene Descartes There is nothing more magic and beautiful than lines forming across paper. It’s all there is. It’s The po...
Learning Never Retires: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Rhode Island is part of a network of 125 OLLIs that span all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The post Learning Never R...
Roots Report
Okee dokee folks … Before I do anything, I want to send a shout-out and a BIG THANK YOU to all who attended, performed at – and helped run the The post Roots Report appeared first on Moti...
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Go Without Your Phone: Perspectives on life from a full-time fish-mongerer
I’m not old, but I’m also not young. I look 18 sometimes but feel 62. I’m 31. For half my life, I didn’t have a phone. I never thought I The post Go Without Your Phone: Perspectives on...
Lenses: A lesson on perception
Students take on many different lenses. After I graduated, I found this to be true in life. Sitting in class, students can become consumed by questions: Does my professor like The post Lenses:...
Are Libraries a Dying Breed?: A conversation with Rhode Island’s oldest library, and RI’s young students
Between paper-bound streets, a young man sits at a small desk. Around him are amassed towers of books, each title like a glowing yellow window in an elusive night. The The post Are Libraries a...
On the Cover: Jack X. Zhou
To meet cover artist Jack Xuandong Zhou is to rub elbows with an up-and-coming, celebrity-status, multifaceted professional. Zhou’s demeanor is as bright and shiny as his product; his humor and...
Wizard of Dune: September 2024
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STStationary: September 2024
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Friends with Jelly: September 2024
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FEST: September B 2024
The post FEST: September B 2024 appeared first on Motif .
So Funkdafied: September B 2024
The post So Funkdafied: September B 2024 appeared first on Motif .
Small State, Big Experiences: September 2024
The post Small State, Big Experiences: September 2024 appeared first on Motif .
Transosaurus Rex: September 2024
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Sour Grapes: September B 2024
The post Sour Grapes: September B 2024 appeared first on Motif .
Mugging It: Microwaved meals with just one mug
During COVID, we all had grand aspirations of becoming a personal chef or an elite baker. Then the world started again, and now we’re so busy that it’s hard to The post Mugging It: Microwa...
Empire Review: The Escape Show!
Rhode Island’s longest-running premiere sketch-comedy showcase, the Empire Revue, is a curation of original sketches and songs, with the music of the Empire Revue House Band featuring special g...
Annals from the Literary Salon: Laura van den Berg reads from her new book State of Paradise
It starts as not a particularly outlandish night. The sun has escaped behind thick clouds, a few raindrops hit the windows, and the wind moving through the leaves is louder The post Annals fro...
Unicorns in Providence
Have you found any unicorns? When I spotted my first last February, I’ll admit, I didn’t think much of it — I collect treasures and trash alike while out and The post Unicorns in Provide...
Roots Report
Okee dokee folks … Music venues seem to be an ever changing landscape in Rhode Island. They come and they go. Some open with big promises of support and shows, The post Roots Report appeare...
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Fall Flicks: Cozy up with these fall favorites
The changing seasons means different things to different people. The segue from luscious green, warm summer days, to the fiery red fall chill, doesn’t sit well for everyone. I always The pos...
Fall Recipes: Cannabis
As the crisp autumn air sets in, it’s time to embrace the cozy comforts of the season – think warm sweaters, vibrant foliage, and the mouthwatering flavors that define fall. The post Fall ...
Where are my Glasses: Optics of aging documentary peers into ageist stereotypes in American
Throughout most of human history, elders have occupied an esteemed place in most local cultures, handing down the wisdom gained over their years to younger people trying to figure life The pos...
Ants in the City: Looking down to see what’s up
There was a swarm of interest this week buzzing about the ManhattANT, a little black and red ant unexpectedly showing across New York City. There is awe and intrigue in The post Ants in the Ci...
Crack Down on Cranston Encampments: Mayor Hopkins issues executive order allowing police to displace encampments
Cranston Mayor Kenneth Hopkins recently issued an executive order granting immediate authority to the Cranston Police Department to enter and clear the encampments of unhoused people. This comes ...
The Existentialist’s Season: The philosophy of fall
When I’m sad, I get up and go around the world — Tomaž Šalamun Why should I feel lonely? — Henry David Thoreau The streets are covered in shadows. The The post The Existentialist’s S...
Autumn Blues: Rhode islanders’ bi-annual tradition of voting for the democratic party has origins almost a century old
Politically speaking, Rhode Island has always been a difficult place to pin down. Founded by Roger Williams, a radical Christian who was thrown out of the more respectable colony of The post A...
Animals of Fall: Fall’s favorite critters
Fall in New England is an incredible season, full of beauty and wonder. Even the most mundane highways become scenic routes due to the gorgeous foliage patterns each tree presents. The post An...
Gourds, Ghosts, and Goodies: Fall Guide
APPLE PICKING 1. Barden Family Orchard 56 Elmdale Road, North Scituate 401-934-1413 2. Jaswell’s Farm 50 Swan Road, Smithfield 401-231-9043 3. Leach Farm and Orchard 147 Austin Avenue, Greenvil...
Motif 20th Anniversary Party Recap
The parking lot was hot. As hot as hell, or as hot as a parking lot in the middle of Rhode Island at 12pm on a summer afternoon can be The post Motif 20th Anniversary Party Recap appeared fir...
Award Winners: Bartenders
FAVORITE CUSTOMER- BOBBY/ROBBY THE PAINTER Bobby/Robby, if you see this, reach out to us. We’d love to know more about you. This was a write-in, folks! We’ve not had a The post Award Winne...
Award Winners: Drinks
OVERALL FAVORITE BREWERY, FAVORITE DRINK NAME (“SUMMER WHEAT MAKES ME FEEL FINE”), FAVORITE CAN ART (“FLOCK TOGETHER”) – LOPS BREWING The story behind Lops Brewing goes a little like th...
Award Winners: Food Trucks
This year’s food truck awards were as filled with drama and close races as ever. These truck races concluded at a race track – R1 Indoor Karting hosted the unveiling The post Award Winners...
On the Cover: Jinghong Chen
COVER ARTIST Jinghong Chen’s favorite season is autumn, conjuring up fond memories of jewel-toned foliage, apples and pumpkins, colonial brick homes, and cozy nights by a fireplace hearth. “A...
Monster of the Month: September 2024
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FEST: September A 2024
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Thoughts from the Fort: September A 2024
The post Thoughts from the Fort: September A 2024 appeared first on Motif .
Just Visiting: September 2024
The post Just Visiting: September 2024 appeared first on Motif .
So Funkdafied: September 2024
The post So Funkdafied: September 2024 appeared first on Motif .
S-Box: September 2024
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MEEK: September 2024
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Turret Room: September 2024
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Tower Comix: September 2024
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Sour Grapes: September A 2024
The post Sour Grapes: September A 2024 appeared first on Motif .
FEST True Tales of Rhode Islanders: September 2024
The post FEST True Tales of Rhode Islanders: September 2024 appeared first on Motif .
Bighead McIron: September A 2024
The post Bighead McIron: September A 2024 appeared first on Motif .
Cthulu Zoo: September 2024
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Subterranean Jungle: Providence Music Scene’s Deep Karma Canyon
It’s sad news that Wes’ Rib House and The Boiler Room will be closing after only seven months of operations. I’ve heard some say, as they always do when a The post Subterranean Jungle: P...
What Makes a Farmer: The virtues of following the seasons
To get to Exeter’s Little River Farm you take the lovely country lane, William Reynolds Road. About a quarter mile past The Queen River, you turn up a long dirt The post What Makes a Farmer:...
Feeling the Fall Funk: Fall’s relation to mood and change
The light is dim in the sky now. The sounds of the last crickets are fading away in the tall, dry reeds. It feels too early, too soon – we’re The post Feeling the Fall Funk: Fall’s relat...
Join our newsletter!
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The Genius of Mash-Up Art: Two Thangs
We’ve all heard of mash-up songs. Maybe you were once a fan of “Glee” or grew up listening to rap music. At some point, we’ve all been introduced to the The post The Genius of Mash-Up ...
Cheers to the Most Informed Cannabis Event to Reach Rhode I...ng Time: An anti-monopoly crash course and leadership training
The Parabola Center is a nonpartisan think tank of legal professionals and drug policy experts coming together to protect people, not corporations. The organization’s mission is to provide ever...
Stop, Rock and Roll
Say hello to a new edition of Stop, Rock n Roll! Here are five fire tunes to match the late summer weather: THE BITTER JOY – “WALLOWS” Joyously crunchy guitars The post Stop, Rock and Ro...
Roots Report
Okee dokee folks… I am a Boomer. When I was young, I was taught the proper response to “thank you,” was “you’re welcome.” I always try to be as polite The post Roots Report appear...
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Air & Anchor Makes Custom Jewelry With Meaning
“I love your necklace, where did you get it?!” A question all girl’s-girls revere. This time I was the one asking. “Air & Anchor!” was the reply. The new pop-up The post Air & Anchor...
Annals of Fashion: Amanda Downing Carney talks shop…costume shop
A woman walks in with her sketchbooks, fabric samples, photos, a few iconic costumes, and reams of official forms. “What most people don’t know about costume designing is the amount The po...
Two Feet, Two Bucks: Just take me to the beach, Uncle RIPTA!
Two Feet Two Bucks loves places where a scenic walk from the bus stop is a feature, not a bug, and takes pride in field-checking every excursion before publishing. But The post Two Feet, Two B...
The Great Elephant Migration: More than just an art installation
On July 3rd, 2024, The New York Times ran an article: “A Ban on Elephant Hunting Has Collapsed. Or Maybe It Never Existed.” It goes on to report, “Since September, The post The Great Ele...
Can You Separate an Artist’s Beliefs From Their Art?
Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic. – Oscar Wilde We let our eyes linger on a page. We brush across the strokes of a canvas. We The post Can You Separate a...
Can You Separate an Artist’s Beliefs From Their Art?
Can artists separate their beliefs from their art? At first glance, it would be easy to dismiss this question. After all, art is subjective. Art often reflects the artist’s worldview, The po...
Mystified by the Macabre: The human fascination with demise
We are bombarded daily with images of violence and death whether it’s the nightly news, movies, or scrolling through social media. As uncomfortable as we claim it makes us, we The post Mysti...
Do the Right Thing: Lessons from the side of the road
On the side of the road in Pawtucket, in the front yard of artist Gage Prentiss’s studio, stands a larger-than-life statue of H.P. Lovecraft. It is an arresting work of The post Do the Right...
Bartender Award Winners!: Motif’s 20th Anniversary Party
Hey everyone! Listed below are our winners for annual Bartender Awards! We want to thank everyone who came out to support our 20th anniversary party, the amazing brewers, and the The post Bart...
Drink Awards Winners!: Motif’s 20th Anniversary Party
Hey everyone! Listed below are our winners for annual Drink Awards! We want to thank everyone who came out to support our 20th anniversary party, the amazing brewers, and the The post Drink Aw...
Food Truck Award Winners!: Motif’s 20th Anniversary Party
Hey everyone! Listed below are our winners for our annual Food Truck Awards! We want to thank everyone who came out to support our 20th anniversary party, the amazing food The post Food Truck ...
Fast(er) Fashion: Is AI the answer to creating the magic?
Fashion can go deeper than we give it credit for, allowing us to express our unique identities, enhance our persona, break norms, and adapt to changing attitudes and gender dynamics. The post ...
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Two Sides of the Same Rack: Thrifting & Consignment
Picture this: you walk by a storefront with mannequins donning stylish skirts, tops, and accessories, creating a masterpiece of an outfit. Walking inside feels like walking into a curated clothin...
Everything Isn’t What It Seems: Providence opens up its Weird portals for another year of Necronomicon
In the dark room near the bottom of the ocean a myriad of shadows float by. Strange, undulating fauna grow from an endless floor. Particles of flesh hang suspended between The post Everything ...
Necronomicon Unearthed in Damascus: Fiction- Extinction level events imminent
Ladies and gentlemen, I don’t know when or if anyone will read this. I suppose I’m leaving this as a record in the hope that someday – somewhere – someone The post Necronomicon Unearth...
El Viejo: Fiction
Omar was a custodian. He worked in a prominent downtown highrise, overnights, from ten to six. With most of the office personnel working from home these days, his workload was The post El Viej...
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The Lost City: Fiction
After three days of rain from oppressively low clouds, the sun came out. I decided to fly for the pure joy of it. The sky was a brilliant teal. I The post The Lost City: Fiction appeared firs...
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On the Cover: Bob Eggleton
How Bob Eggleton Saved Earth from Annihilation: Whenever there was a decision to annihilate an inhabited world, there were bound to be few naysayers. However, the plan to destroy the The post ...
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Thoughts from the Fort: August 2024
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Transosaurus Rex: August 2024
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STStationary: August 2024
The post STStationary: August 2024 appeared first on Motif .
Small State, Big Experiences: August 2024
The post Small State, Big Experiences: August 2024 appeared first on Motif .
Friends with Jelly: August 2024
The post Friends with Jelly: August 2024 appeared first on Motif .
FEST: August B 2024
The post FEST: August B 2024 appeared first on Motif .
Bleeding Heart: August 2024
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Bighead McIron: August B 2024
The post Bighead McIron: August B 2024 appeared first on Motif .
Sour Grapes: August B 2024
The post Sour Grapes: August B 2024 appeared first on Motif .