Pat Bigelow Foundation For
the Arts
“Starving artists should not exist because art is rich and
adds so much value to our society”
- Patricia Bigelow
Who we are
The Pat Bigelow Foundation for the Arts is dedicated to removing financial barriers and making the arts accessible to all. We believe that every individual, regardless of age or background, deserves the chance to explore their artistic passions. Through scholarships and sponsorships, we help aspiring dancers afford the costs of competitive group routines, provide opportunities for children to participate in enriching art classes, and enable both adults and children to experience the inspiration of professional dance training. Our foundation is committed to nurturing creativity, fostering talent, and building a vibrant community where the arts flourish.
What we do
Sponsorships for
the Arts
We collaborate with local
dance studios, art schools,
and community
organizations to expand our
reach and impact.
Through our dance booster,
we provide scholarships and
sponsorships for competitive
group dance routines, art
classes, and professional
dance training.
Engaging
Youth
Partnerships to support Art exhibitions, dance performances, and workshops open to the public.
Community
Engagment
About Patricia Bigelow
Patricia Ann Bigelow was a wife, daughter, sister, grandmother, friend, and dear mother. Her relationships
knew no bounds. Pat worked several jobs during her career, but she will be remembered for the 38 years she
spent as a vocalist. During that time, she had the honor of performing with her band, Anythin’ Goes, for
President Bill Clinton in Fall River, MA, in front of 20,000 people. She had a passion for singing and was a
member of the St. Theresa’s Church Choir. Pat loved life and was always the life of the party. She was truly
born to entertain, putting all those around her at ease with her quick sense of humor—lightening and
brightening any mood. She was bold, vivacious, and larger than life, composing herself every day with style
and grace. She also enjoyed dancing and painting, taking classes at her daughter's studio only a few months
before being diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a disease that would take her life only six years later. Her
legacy is one of love, compassion, strength, and advocacy for the arts. She taught us the importance of
staying true to ourselves and standing up for what we believe in. Pursue your dreams, put in the work, and
they will be yours. According to Pat, starving artists should not exist because art is rich and adds so much
value to our society. The true value of supporting the arts is much more than monetary. The arts are a
peculiarly human phenomenon. For as long as we have existed, we have expressed ourselves creatively—
through the visual arts, music, dance, theater, physical performance, architecture, fashion, and design—
touching the hearts and pricking the consciousness of those around us. We are surrounded by artistic
creativity in all its manifestations, and it influences our lives in ways that we perhaps don’t fully appreciate.
We watch it, listen to it, wear it, touch it, use it, and go inside it. Far from the notion that art is in some way
elitist, we all have the right to enjoy it. May Pat’s loving memory always resonate in our hearts, continuing on
in The Pat Bigelow Foundation for the Arts, inspiring us to demand excellence, fueled by creativity, enormous
compassion, and love.
2024-2025
Dance Booster Team at Studio Life
Performing Arts
Past Events
Holiday Wreath Making Class
Saturday, Nov 30th at 6PM
Caberet Dance & Dinner Show
Monday, Dec 16th
$45 pp
Doors open 5:30
Fall River Country Club
Brunch & Bingo
Sunday, March 9th at
10am
Summer Dance & Performance
June 28th
Details to follow
Upcoming Events
Community Outreach
Spring Spot Light on 2Live2Cure.org
**The Origami Heart Project: Spreading Love and Kindness**
This Valentine's week, let's come together to share love and kindness with those who need it
most! Join the **Origami Heart Project** and help us support cancer patients through heartfelt,
handcrafted origami hearts.
**How to Get Involved:**
1. **Gather Your Supplies:** Need paper? Swing by our studio to pick some up!
2. **Fold with Love:** Follow our easy instructions and create your origami hearts.
3. **Add a Personal Touch:** Write a message of encouragement to make your heart even more
special.
4. **Return Your Creations:** Drop off your finished hearts at our collection point in the studio.
Let's make a difference together! Each origami heart is a symbol of hope that can truly brighten
someone's day. Thank you for your compassion and generosity!
For detailed instructions, follow this link.
There are many ways to support Pat Bigelow Foundation for the Arts. As a 501(c)
(3) charitable organization, we gladly accept tax-deductible contributions from
corporations, patrons, supporters, and dance fans. Donate via PayPal or Venmo by
clicking below. We also host several events throughout the year, to celebrate the art
of dance and to raise money for PBFA. Please visit our site often for up-to-the-
minute information and join the conversation by providing us with your email
address below.
Donate Now
@PatBigelowFoundation
Mail your checks to:
Pat Bigelow Foundation for the Arts
111 Ash Street
Tiverton, RI 02878
Contact us