Letter: Bristol's Byfield efforts are very appreciated

Posted 12/6/18

Having read the recent front-page article about construction at the Byfield School , I felt it necessary to lend my voice to this discussion.

I have proudly served as adjunct faculty in the …

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Letter: Bristol's Byfield efforts are very appreciated

Posted

Having read the recent front-page article about construction at the Byfield School, I felt it necessary to lend my voice to this discussion.

I have proudly served as adjunct faculty in the Visual Arts program at Roger Williams University for nearly 20 years and have been a tenant at the Byfield School since 2015. I am a working artist and am extremely grateful to have the opportunity for much-needed studio space in Byfield.

Being on the faculty at RWU, to have a space at Byfield and so close to the university has indeed been a Godsend; this opportunity has enabled for me a convenient and affordable place to work that I would otherwise not have, and for that I am exceptionally thankful.

Moreover, it is as a result of Walter Burke’s vision and the flexibility and understanding of the Town of Bristol’s leadership, not only by Town Administrator Steven Contente but also by his predecessor, Tony Teixeira, that has made it possible for RWU to provide much-needed studio space for our students in areas the university leases at both the Byfield and Reynolds schools.

The single most-important need an arts program has is facilities; space is paramount. And it is through the Town of Bristol’s cooperation with RWU that this has been made possible.

Regarding the construction now underway at Byfield, I for one could not be more pleased. That the Town of Bristol is taking the time and spending the resources to restore this beautiful, old and magnificent building is tremendous. I want to amplify Bradley Wester’s statement: “The majority of us never had expectations beyond the gift of this space. ... We just hope it lasts as long as it can.”

I without question stand firmly in that majority. That the Town of Bristol can transition to this space being an Adult Learning Program, early learning classroom space, and at some point perhaps a vocational training center for local trades by, for now, providing working artists and craftspeople precious workspace — benefiting both the artists and the Town of Bristol — is a wondrous thing.

So it is my hope that more reasoned voices will prevail in this discussion, tempering and seeing beyond those surely in the minority in this situation who cannot look beyond the pains of growth and see the eventual gifts this period of transition hold — that cannot simply be thankful for both the gift of good working space and a Town that cherishes and preserves it’s heritage — and work in unison toward those very worthy and important eventual goals that will undoubtedly end in a much richer and unified community.

Bristol is a lovely town full of fine people. I enjoy the time I spend here very much. As one artist among many at Byfield who appreciate greatly our relationship with the Town of Bristol, I am proud to be a part of this overall effort.

Robert Rustermier
Providence

Mr. Rustermier is Adjunct Faculty in the Visual Arts program at Roger Williams University.

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