Q&A and Cocktails, a free virtual happy hour featuring talkbacks with experts from Rhode Island’s heritage, arts, culture, and business sectors, continues on Friday, May 15 at 5:30pm with an exploration of the intersection of art and advocacy.
Join Paul Cote, abstract expressionist artist and sculptor, and Donna McGowan, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association – Rhode Island Chapter, as they field questions on their individual work, how Cote has leveraged his talents to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s disease, a cause close to his heart, and the impact of their relationship & work on the greater community. The chat will be moderated by Sarah Carr, Assistant Director of the Museum of Work & Culture, who launched the Museum’s Living Memories Monday program for individuals with memory loss in January.
The public may register to receive an invitation to this Zoom event by emailing mowc@rihs.org.
Coté was born and raised in Woonsocket, R.I. His Atelier and residence is currently in Cumberland, R.I. Coté has exhibited his work in numerous galleries both locally and nationally. His work can be found in a myriad of public and private collections, including The Smithsonian, Grand Rapids Museum, Michigan, Harvard University, Mass. General Hospital, Butler Hospital, NE Baptist Hospital, City of Providence, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund and the Alzheimer’s Association. He uses his art as a catalyst to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association, The Memory and Aging Program at Butler Hospital and Cure Alzhiemer’s. Coté is currently on the board of the Hope Alzheimer’s Center and Riverzedge Arts, a member of the Art and History committee at Butler Hospital and a mentor with Big Brother and Sisters of RI.
McGowan brings over 30 years of experience in both the non-profit and for profit sectors to her position with the Alzheimer’s Association – Rhode Island Chapter as well as a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Bryant University and master level work in Business Education at Johnson and Wales University. Her past responsibilities include Executive Director of the Rhode Island Scholarship Alliance, Division President of Textron Financial Corporation, consultant to non-profit organizations specifically concentrating in Development and Fundraising and for profit organizations. She also has extensive experience in Insurance and Regulation and has delivered numerous presentations to both professional and lay audiences. Donna is active in local organizations. She has chaired the Rhode Island Catholic Parents Federation and had been a board member for 10+ years. She has also been the President and State Director for the National Association of Insurance Women of Rhode Island. Donna and her husband were active with the Hendricken Parents Association. Donna sat on the Tri-Parish School Board for St. Peter School, Warwick, RI and prior to her Board participation she was President of the Parents Guild at St. Peter School for 10+ years. In her spare time, Donna also enjoys mentoring students to achieve organizational and academic success.