Shapiro leaving Firehouse 13

Firehouse 13’s founding director Anna Shapiro is moving on at the end of December. Taking over as co-directors of the Providence art center are Anna Shea, who has been bar director there, and Jarrett McPhee, who as assistant director since June has helped oversee booking and the artist-in-residence program.

The center has been most successful as a performing arts venue, but there are inklings that the new leadership may increase the institution’s emphasis on visual art.

Firehouse 13 opened on Central Street in January 2007, featuring group exhibitions organized by people who rent out the space, as well as music, dance, and other events. The center’s December e-newsletter says, “Let's just say that after three years with Firehouse 13, our founding director, Anna Shapiro, is departing for new adventures in her studio.”

Shapiro will be celebrated as part of the Firehouse’s New Year’s Rockin Eve party on Dec. 21 (begins 8 p.m., $15). She’ll also be exhibiting her work in the Firehouse gallery in February.