“Echoes of Liberty” Brings Rhode Island’s Icons to Life at Roger Williams Park Botanical Center for America250

“Echoes of Liberty” Brings Rhode Island’s Icons to Life at Roger Williams Park Botanical Center for America250  PROVIDENCE, RI – As the nation begins its journey toward the America250 centennial, a singular, immersive experience will bridge the gap between our storied past and our living present. On Saturday, March 7, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, TEN31 Productions will present “Echoes of Liberty,” a poignant one-day performance art installation hosted within the lush, glass-enclosed sanctuary of the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center.  This performance is made possible by grant funding of the Providence Tourism Council and support from the City of Providence and the Providence Parks Department.  In a striking juxtaposition of frozen time and fluid motion, five pivotal figures from Rhode Island’s history will emerge among the exotic flora. These are not static monuments, but Living Statues—performers transformed through meticulous costuming and makeup to embody the state’s enduring spirit of independence, innovation, and legacy.  A Convergence of Stillness and Soul  "Echoes of Liberty" invites visitors of all ages to wander through the Botanical Center’s tropical warmth, where the stillness of historical representation meets the vibrancy of contemporary performance. As guests move through the gardens, they will encounter figures representing the pillars of the Rhode Island narrative:  Religious Freedom & Independent Thought  Pursuit of Happiness & Immigration  The Birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution  The Early Calls for American Independence   While these figures appear as statues, they are imbued with a quiet vitality. A subtle shift in posture, a lingering gaze, or a non-verbal interaction will bridge the centuries, offering a deeply personal connection to our collective heritage.  "The work of our foremothers and forefathers lives on; it is a living, breathing foundation, echoing the fight for freedom and equality," says Joe Pari of TEN31 Productions. "By placing these iconic Rhode Islanders within the vibrant, living environment of the Botanical Center in a place created by the people of Rhode Island, we are representing our ancestors as living architects of the freedom we still navigate today in this enduring 'lively experiment' in the pursuit of liberty as it is engraved on the Rhode Island Statehouse."  A Cultural Winter Escape  Thanks to the support of the Providence Tourism Council, this event is a premier tourist attraction and a "winter warm-up," inviting Rhode Islanders and visitors alike to trade the March chill for the invigorated atmosphere of the gardens. It is a rare opportunity to celebrate the America250 milestone through a lens that is uniquely Rhode Island—provocative, artistic, and fiercely independent.  Event Details:  What: Echoes of Liberty: A Living Art Installation  When: Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM  Where: Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, 1 Floral Ave, Providence, RI 02905 Admission: General Admission: $5  Child (6-12), Seniors (65+), & Military (w/ ID): $2  Child (under 6): FREE  Members and Providence Residents: FREE