Rhode Island School of Design

Block Island Arts Council is proud to support the partnership between RISD and the Thomas McAleer Visual Arts Endowed Scholarship.

Create your own dream. Registration for classes is open now through January 17th, 2026.

  • Dream it.

    Interested in taking an art class at RISD? In Tom McAleer’s memory, his family and friends have established an artist endowment to foster a connection between Block Island and Rhode Island School of Design Continuing Education. 

    The Rhode Island School of Design Continuing Education program is now accepting applications for the Thomas McAleer Visual Arts Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship enables people to receive FREE CLASSES through RISD's Continuing Ed programs, and is open to anyone with a connection to Block Island, of any age, and no financial disclosures are required.

    The registration deadline for winter classes is January 17. Apply today! Please email Sue at islandfiberarts@gmail.com for more info and how to apply. To see the catalog of available classes please visit this link here : RISD CONTINUING ED

    While the McAleer Scholarship is not intended for RISD college-level classes, it is available for pre-college programs, which offer students a wonderful opportunity to experience what art school is like. These programs also help RISD get to know emerging artists and their talents.

    The Block Island Arts Council manages a pass-through fund for the McAleer Scholarship. This fund was created to help support students beyond what RISD covers, as they cover tuition for the classes only. The BI Arts Council fund can assist with additional expenses such as: art supplies, transportation, mainland accommodations for students and families of young students, food, advertising, and other unforeseen costs.

  • Create it.

    Tom McAleer was a plein air painter who painted on a daily basis, despite any inclement weather. He concentrated on the process, which he described as a quick therapy session that helped refocus him on the daily rhythm of life. Created with quick, deliberate strokes, passion and dance, his daily devotion and dedication is an inspiration to all artists.

    Tom’s paintings are as energetic and colorful as his outstanding personality. He passed away on August 12, 2014.  Although he is gone, he continues to inspire creativity with the legacy he left behind.

    Please consider supporting this effort with a tax-deductible donation to the BI Arts Council. Contributions can be made by check, payable to:

    BI Arts Council
    PO Box 515

    or through this PayPal link:
    https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=L9D2DMZN8AZKY

    For all contributions, please note for McAleer Fund in the memo.