Raimondo nominates four to arts council

PROVIDENCE – Gov. Gina M. Raimondo plans to nominate Kate Blacklock, Carmen Diaz-Jusino, Michelle Kwan and Lorén Spears to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts.

The names will be submitted to the state Senate for confirmation.

“The arts are a big part of our tourism and economic development strategy,” Raimondo said in a statement. “I am pleased to have the commitment of these diverse individuals who are dedicated to creating opportunities for Rhode Islanders through our arts culture and creative economy.”

Established in 1967, the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts provides grants, technical assistance and support to artists, arts organizations, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments.

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“I am honored to be nominated by Gov. Raimondo to the RISCA,” Kwan, in prepared remarks, said. “The arts influence Rhode Island’s rich culture and I look forward to collaborating with members of the council on ways to promote and enhance our cultural footprint.”

Kwan, a figure skater, is a two-time Olympic medalist. She serves as senior adviser for public diplomacy and public sffairs at the U.S. Department of State. In June 2010, President Obama appointed her to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.

Blacklock, an adjunct professor at the Rhode Island School of Design, has taught in the Industrial Design Department since 2002.

Diaz-Jusino is director of New Enterprise & Women Business Centers at the Center for Women & Enterprise. Prior to her time at the Center for Women & Enterprise, she worked at Goodwill Industries of Rhode Island as a bilingual employment specialist.

Spears is executive director of the Tomaquag Indian Memorial Museum and an adjunct professor at the University of Rhode Island. Previously, she served on the Narragansett Tribal Council and Tribal Tribunal.

The four members replace outgoing members Jean Rondeau, Francis Parra, James Riley and Deming Sherman.

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