Stuart Wilson: Activism and Art

Nearly ten years ago, my wife Nicky and I moved to Warwick after having our first child. We soon fell in love with our neighborhood. It’s beautiful, walkable, and full of wonderful people. I’ve taken some time away from my career as an artist to raise our wonderful children, Henry (9) and Calvin (6). They now both attend public school at E. T. Wyman Elementary, leaving me with more time for my work (I design Chemistry International) and activism.

I’m an enthusiastic member of the PTO at Wyman, and I love volunteering at the many wonderful events they’ve been able to offer for students. I’ve also started teaching comedy in the afterschool program they offer. Schools are a reflection of the community: teachers, students, parents, administrators, and neighbors. If we don’t put in effort, the institution will crumble. Closing a school has dire consequences on a community that no spreadsheet can reflect.

I love our life here, and I know that we must stay active to ensure the continued success for our city. It would be all too easy to assume that schools, streets, and our environment will continue along without any help, but that is not the case.

I was born in Providence. My father started his own small metal-casting shop in Pawtucket; my mom was a hospice nurse. I grew up in Rehoboth, MA, and attended UMass Dartmouth where I earned a BFA in visual design. After a stint in newspaper production and journalism, I left the cubicle life for the performing arts.

I worked for many years with a local puppet company, where I discovered my love of teaching. I’ve worked in education throughout the state, teaching with organizations like ¡Providence CityArts!, The Gamm Theater, Ella Risk Elementary School in Central Falls, and now E.T. Wyman. I’ve seen the challenges facing schools, and I’m passionate about doing the work to ensure a quality education for the children of all families in Rhode Island.

I’ve taken less acting roles since having kids, but I still perform regularly in the Empire Revue variety show at AS220, and I will be appearing in Small Mouth Sounds at The Wilbury Theatre Group in 2026.

To my neighbors, I’m a handy person who can be relied on to fix a fan, build some shelves, or watch their kids in a pinch. This is the energy I want to bring to City Council.