The Alliance’s guest will be Susie Matthews, founder of Overlap Art Space. Recently reorganized as a non-profit, Overlap is developing new programs and new ways to connect to the arts community. (The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County)

The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County will host Susie Matthews, founder of Overlap Art Space, at its monthly Arts Around the Fire gathering on Wednesday, Nov. 18.

The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sardella’s Restaurant, 30 Memorial Blvd. West. It is free, open to the public, and no reservations are required.

Overlap recently reorganized as a nonprofit and is developing new programs and ways to connect with the local arts community, according to the alliance.

Arts Around the Fire is a monthly chance for artists, writers, performers and audiences to talk about what’s affecting the cultural community and hear about new work, the alliance said. Attendees can also sign up for artist or supporting memberships.

The Arts & Cultural Alliance has promoted arts and culture in Newport County since 1994. More information is at newportarts.org.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...