Explore Providence’s Public Art, Meet Jane Jacobs, and Co-Lead a Walking Conversation
Class | Registration opens 2/2/2026 9:00 AM
NOTE: Class members need to be able to walk in an urban setting where sidewalks and pathways may be uneven. Also, a goal of this class is for members to co-lead one public walking conversation in a festival called Jane’s Walk on May 1-3. Before registration, please check your calendar to confirm that you can participate on those dates.
Providence, the Creative Capital, has an abundance of public art. It’s one of the amenities that add to the fabric of great cities as championed by journalist and city activist Jane Jacobs in the 1960’s and 70’s. Since 2007, her work and writing have been celebrated in cities worldwide during the first weekend in May when “walking conversations” take place. Providence is one of those cities. And you can be part of those conversations.
In this class you will explore the murals of Wickenden Street, the memorials and monuments of downtown Providence, and the ornamentation on downtown’s great old buildings. You’ll learn how to facilitate a walking conversation with a team. All of this will lead to facilitating a walking conversation for Jane’s Walk. The walks led by our LLC class last year were great fun and well-attended.
Format: There will be a mix of formats including classroom discussion, guest lectures, and walking conversations on Wickenden Street and in downtown Providence.
Resources/Expenses: Recommended references will be provided by the coordinators. You may need to feed a parking meter in some locations! No other expenses are anticipated.
Coordinators: Gayle Gifford co-coordinated the popular Jane’s Walk class in 2025, is a consultant to nonprofits, and has participated in many Providence Jane’s Walks. Catherine Hurst has been a Providence walking tour guide for 14 years and this will be her 12th LLC course as a coordinator.