Rhode Island Arts Community Mourns Death Of Iona Dobbins

The Rhode Island arts community was profoundly saddened by news of the death of Iona Dobbins, former director of the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) and past president of the Art League of Rhode Island. Iona, 82, died Friday at Rhode Island Hospital after a long illness.

Iona was a significant presence in the Rhode Island arts community. During her tenure at the State Arts Council, Iona helped to establish the state's public art program, and was instrumental in the formation of the Very Special Arts chapter in Rhode Island (now VSA arts of Rhode Island) and Business Volunteers for the Arts. Her early work in supporting arts education continues to benefit students in classrooms throughout the Ocean State.

Current RISCA Executive Director Randall Rosenbaum remembers Iona as someone who was deeply committed to the well-being of the Rhode Island arts community. "Iona understood the important role the arts play in our state's cultural life and economy, but her real joy was helping to grow and nurture artists and arts organizations at the earliest stages of their existence," Rosenbaum said. "The State Arts Council's first investments in AS220, for example, helped it to grow into the institution it is today. The same can be said of countless artists and arts organizations who now have national and international reputations thanks, in no small measure, to the early support they received from the State Arts Council under Iona's leadership."

"Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Dick Dobbins and the entire family on this loss."

RISCA encourages members of the arts community to post remembrances of Iona Dobbins life and work on the RISCA Facebook page or Twitter site.

According to an obituary in today's Providence Journal, the family will be receiving friends at the Monahan Drabble Sherman Funeral Home, 230 Waterman Street, Providence on Monday, July 16 from 5-7pm. Notice of a memorial service will be announced soon.