In Memoriam – Jeannine Chartier
Celebrating the life of our friend and collaborator
Jeannine Chartier
It is with heavy hearts we recognize the passing of Jeannine Chartier. Jeannine was the Executive Director of Arts Equity, formerly VSA Arts Rhode Island, an organization dedicated to creating access and inclusion in Rhode Island’s cultural community.
Jeannine was a tireless lifelong advocate for the visibility, rights, and inclusion of people with disabilities in American society. Jeannine partnered with RISCA in various capacities for over three decades to ensure a voice for people with disabilities in our work, and in the Rhode Island arts and culture community broadly. Jeannine was also recognized as a national leader in this space and actively participated in the Kennedy Center’s LEAD Conference.
Jeannine is truly irreplaceable. Beyond being a respected advocate, Jeannine was a wonderful friend to many of us at RISCA. She was humble, hilarious, and spunky. She had an earthy and infectious laugh that we will never forget.
While the RISCA staff grieves with the rest of Jeannine’s many friends and loved ones, we are also already thinking of ways this year we can honor and celebrate Jeannine, and her many years of work.
We will miss Jeannine immensely.
With love,
All the staff and council members, past and present, of RISCA