2022 Honorary Degree Recipient

Barnaby M. Evans

Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters

Creator, artist, and visionary, Barnaby Evans’ impact on the state of Rhode Island and its capital city has been immeasurable. Originally trained as an environmental scientist, the artist behind WaterFire had an early career in photography, exhibiting his work worldwide before exploring more site-specific sculpture installations, landscape, architectural, and design projects, and conceptual works.

Evans began WaterFire in 1994 in an act of creative problem-solving. Frustrated by the negativity he encountered from local residents, he recognized an opportunity to reinvent Providence’s image by bringing people together to experience community engagement through an artwork that included the city and audience as part of the canvas. He succeeded and, in the process, provided a needed boost for the city’s just-finished river relocation plan.

Since its inception, WaterFire is estimated to have drawn 15 million visitors, had an economic impact of $1 billion, and created thousands of jobs. In 2017, with the opening of the WaterFire Arts Center, Evans’ vision and dedication helped transform a former brownfield (hazardous waste) site into a vibrant arts headquarters regularly showcasing the works of Rhode Island and national artists. His work has touched lives, broken down barriers, opened art to everyone, and inspired and connected communities.

Evans earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and environmental science from Brown University in 1975. He has received numerous honorary degrees as well as Providence’s Renaissance Award in 1997 and the 2003 Kevin Lynch Award from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in 2011.