This month, we connected with 134 Collaborative to learn more about their space, their mission, and what visitors can expect during Gallery Night.
Can you tell us about your space, mission, and what folks will encounter when visiting?
134 Collaborative is an independent small nonprofit housed at Mathewson Street Church. Our focus has been engaging health, education & the arts focused nonprofit programs & services in a collective shared space. This has created opportunities for sharing of resources, joint programming, reduced costs, mutual support and sustainability.
The Gallery space on the first floor was formerly a small chapel when the church building was erected in 1897. It is considered an historic building registered in the National Register of Historic Places. The Gallery is located close to the main entrance and is handicapped accessible. Guests are greeted by the entrance's Terrazzo tiling installed in the 1950’s, a unique lighting fixture adorned with symbols representing the 12 Apostles and paintings from the church’s art collection. It is the welcoming space for all who enter its front doors.
Do you have a favorite Gallery Night memory or moment that stands out?
One of the exhibits from last season comes to mind: Inception: Emerging Artists highlighting the work ofRISD & Brown college students. That was a highlight for me since it was the first group exhibit that we had done and a way to collaborate with local college students. For many of them, this was their first public art exhibit. I have also enjoyed highlighting a diverse spectrum of artists from all walks of life – seasoned artists, young artists, lesser known artists in our community and different mediums & techniques.
How did you first connect with Gallery Night and decide to become a Partner Gallery?
Mathewson Street Church, where we currently reside, was involved in Gallery Night many years ago. It seemed fitting to re-engage again and to bring the Gallery space back to life. In addition, it gave us an opportunity to welcome community members from all backgrounds into the space and highlight was is happening in the building. Access to the arts for all has been an integral part of our programming at 134 Collaborative. We are grateful to Steven Pennell for supporting our involvement each year!
What are you most excited for visitors to experience this season?
We are celebrating the fifth-year anniversary of our involvement with Gallery Night Providence. Each of our three exhibits this year will include a group of artists who have exhibited with us during the past five years. I am excited to welcome each of them back to the space and to highlight them among a “collaborative” of artists.
Visit 134 Collaborative on our May 21st 2026 5:45PM walking tour! Register here.