ONLINE HIGHLIGHTS
Boston Spirit website. Updated several times each week. © 2023.
“A Narrative of Africa Outside the Western Gaze,” Tufts Now © February 28, 2023.
“Healing Trauma Through Art,” Tufts Now © September 19, 2022.
“When Artists Are Activists,” Tufts Now © February 17, 2022.
“Connecting the Stories of the Past in Art: An exhibition of Armenian liturgical textiles at Tufts University Art Galleries highlights what’s preserved—and lost—in a civilization under fire,” Tufts Now © October 12, 2021.
“Bringing the Incarcerated Millions into View: A new exhibition of work by more than thirty artists at Tufts University Art Galleries sheds light on those imprisoned and their families,” Tufts Now © February 6, 2020.
“Visions of the Future Present: Tufts exhibition by conceptual and visual artist Harry Dodge shows the intersection of our raw and messy humanity with technology,” Tufts Now © March 11, 2019.
“Bringing Outside Artists to Light: They lived outside the arts world, but created works—now on view at Tufts—that are standing the test of time,” Tufts Now © September 17, 2018.
“We Are Not Your Subjects Now: Artists from the Americas challenge notions of who is indigenous and what that means in exhibition at Tufts Art Gallery,” Tufts Now © March 2, 2018.
“Bringing Art into View: Dina Deitsch is relishing her new role as director and chief curator for Tufts University Art Galleries,” Tufts Now © November 1, 2017.
“Overcoming Adversities to Make His Art: Chinese artist Yuan Yunsheng struggled against political constraints in his homeland before creating his monumental mural at Tufts,” Tufts Now © October 2017.
“Art in the Round: Graduating M.F.A. students learn the art of creating exhibitions and put it to use for a show at the Cyclorama in Boston,” Tufts Now © May 2017.
“Beyond the Sea: Tufts exhibitions compel audiences to think about oceans in new ways,” Tufts Now © February 2017.
“With Works by Both Students and Established Artists, Tufts Arts Sale Offers Treasures for All,” Tufts Now © November 2016.
“The Power of Art: Work by renowned African-American painter Sam Gilliam joins permanent collection at Tufts Art Gallery,” Tufts Now © October 2016. Tufts Now © February 2016.
“A Way In for Outside Artists: An exhibition in Somerville curated by a Tufts alum highlights the role of street art,” Tufts Now © October 2016. Tufts Now © October 2016.
“Making the Iconic Mysterious: Tufts Art Gallery hosts first major retrospective of photographer Tseng Kwong Chi,” Tufts Now © February 2016.
“Art Without Borders: Tufts gallery hosts a show by a Pakistani artist that challenges viewers’ sense of political and cultural boundaries,” Tufts Now © November 2015.
“Brain Power on the Battlefield,” Tufts Now © October 2015.
“A Memoir of Faith and Activism: Interfaith leader Eboo Patel, the author of this year's Common Reading Book, offers prescription for peace in a world of division,” Tufts Now © September 2015.
MAGAZINE ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS
“Keeping the Faith with Rufus Gifford, deputy campaign manager for President Joe Biden’s 2020 win,” (interview with Ambassador Gifford) Boston Spirit magazine, © March / April 2021.
“To Tell the Truth: How Mary L. Trump, the gay niece of President Trump, escaped a family entangled in self-deceit to live as her own true self,” (interview with Ms. Trump) Boston Spirit magazine, © November / December 2020.
“A Question for Susan Collins: How does the Maine senator square her recent votes with her record of LGBTQ support?” Boston Spirit magazine, © March / April 2020.
“Victory for Bay State Youth: Massachusetts legislation bans anti-LGBT conversion therapy,” Boston Spirit magazine, © May / June 2019.
“The Changing Nature of Corporate Diversity,” Boston Spirit magazine, © March / April 2019.
“Lesbians Who Tech: Promoting visibility and inclusion of women, LGBT people, everyone underrepresented in technology,” Boston Spirit magazine, © Jan. / Feb. 2019.
“Keeping Her Word: Bay State Attorney General Maura Healey is seeking a second successful term,” (interview with Massachusetts AG) Boston Spirit magazine, © September / October 2018.
“Race to Watch: New England LGBT candidates we’re keeping our eye on Nov. 6,” Boston Spirit magazine, © September / October 2018.
“Battleground State: On November 6, Massachusetts becomes the first state where voters uphold—or repeal—public accommodations rights for transgender people,” Boston Spirit magazine, © July / August 2018.
“Politically Anxious: Mental health care professionals stand up to spike in Trump-induced stress,” Boston Spirit magazine, © March / April 2018.
“Economics of Inclusion: Newly formed Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce is open for business and positioned to empower enterprises small and large,” Boston Spirit magazine, © January / February 2018.
“Diversity Matters: How can we make LGBT events more inclusive to reflect, connect and celebrate our entire community?” Boston Spirit magazine, © January / February 2018.
“Making Our Own Communities: On Greater Boston's LGBT Meetup sites, real-time, unplugged social networking is just a click away,” Boston Spirit magazine, © November / December 2017.
“Working from Within: Log Cabin Republicans launch first New Hampshire chapter in national organization's 40-year history,” Boston Spirit magazine, © September / October 2017.
“Vying for the LGBT Vote: Salem's long-time gay-friendly mayor challenged by city's first openly gay city councilor,” Boston Spirit magazine, © September / October 2017.
“Boston's Bio-Techies: At the epicenter of a worldwide industry, LGBT life science professionals network to achieve greater breakthroughs,” Boston Spirit magazine, © July / August 2017.
“A Quiet Cardinal Compassion: How Boston's Archbishop O'Malley approaches key LGBT concerns,” Boston Spirit magazine, © May / June 2017.
“Patriotism, Pride and the Court of Public Opinion: How Outvets' victory over the old guard made Irish eyes smile again in Southie,” Boston Spirit magazine, © May / June 2017.
“The New Activism: Grassroots leaders' tips for staying progressive in regressive times,” Boston Spirit magazine, © March / April 2017.
“Show Us the Money: LGBT financial specialists weigh in on benefits and challenges in the post-marriage-equality-ruling era,” Boston Spirit magazine, © March / April 2017.
“United They Stand: Business coalition proves supporting transgender anti-discrimination protections is very good business,” Boston Spirit magazine, © January / February 2017.
“Hate Crimes Update: Local stats match national numbers showing spike in violent incidents against LGBTQ people,” Boston Spirit magazine, © September / October 2016.
“Aging Together: Inclusive elder care book interweaves LGBT concerns with practical advice for all,” Boston Spirit magazine, © July / August 2016.
“What's Next for MassEquality: State-wide advocacy organization focuses on hot-button issues,” Boston Spirit magazine, © July / August 2016.
“Electronic Attaché: Digital guide provides essential resources for LGBT business traveler,” Boston Spirit magazine, © July / August 2016.
Book review/author interview: Honey from the Lion and Allegheny Front, by Matthew Neill Null (Rome Prize in Literature 2016 –2017), Provincetown Arts magazine, © July 2016.
“A Time to Band Together: Business leaders brainstorm what's next after Greater Boston Business Council closes its doors,” Boston Spirit magazine, © May / June 2016.
“Building a Kinder, Braver World: Greater Boston PFLAG celebrates Mother's Day Weekend honoring Cynthia Bissett Germanotta, Lady Gaga's Mom,” Boston Spirit magazine, © March / April 2016.
“Paternal Parenting: Double Daddies provides peer support for parents and kids,” Boston Spirit magazine, © March / April 2016.
“Heroic Hedonist: Retrospective of queer photographer Tseng Kwong Chi is a blast from the past,” Boston Spirit magazine, © March / April 2016.
“Building a Bridge Year: First 15 fellows are out in the world on Tisch College’s 1+4 global community service learning program,” Blueprint for Tufts University © Winter 2015/2016.
“A Marriage of Civil & Religious Rights: Barrett v Fontbonne sets Constitutional precedent against firing LGBT church workers,” Boston Spirit magazine, © January / February 2016.
“Roadmap to Social Justice: ‘Winning Marriage’ is a people’s history of the fight for marriage equality” Boston Spirit magazine, © September / October 2015.
“Is Provincetown in Political Freefall? Lack of affordable housing creates vacuum in top leadership spots” Boston Spirit magazine, © July / August 2015
“From P’town to Uganda and — thankfully — back” Boston Spirit magazine, © July / August 2014.
“The Magnetic Couple: Partners share commitment in NIH study” Boston Spirit magazine, forthcoming, © November / December 2013.
“Portrait of a Confessed Killer: How a life of trauma bred a double tragedy” Boston Spirit magazine, © October / November 2005 and December / January 2006. Two-issue cover story based on 11 jailhouse interviews with man on trial for murder.
“An In-Between Flights Chat with John Waters” Cape Air / Nantucket Airlines in-flight magazine, © Spring 2006.
“Where Boardwalk Meets Park Place: Provincetown rolls the dice in the big real estate game” Boston Spirit magazine, © April / May 2006. From five-article series I wrote and photographed for a special issue on Boston-area real-estate.
“Island Hopping with Jerry Stiller & Ann Meara” Cape Air / Nantucket Airlines in-flight magazine, © Summer 2006.
“Let Us Introduce You” (interviews with prominent Bostonians) Boston Spirit magazine, © August / September 2006.
“Fellow Travelers” POZ magazine, © 2002–2004. An essay I wrote for POZ magazine, a national magazine for people living with AIDS, their caregivers and families.
“Literature at Land’s End: Provincetown’s World-Class Retreat for Writers” Boston Spirit magazine, © August / September 2005. From four-articles series I wrote and photographed for a special issue on the Boston-area literary scene.
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS
“HIV ‘miracle’ drug is slow to catch on: Experts cite shame and fear of risky behavior,” Provincetown Banner, © January 18, 2018.
“Bouquets, vows and other hetero-normative mandates to reconsider: Having someone believe in you is something worth celebrating” (editorial), Provincetown Banner, © June 22, 2017.
“Provincetown has made its mark on World AIDS Day” (editorial), Provincetown Banner, © December 1, 2016.
“In Praise of Friendship: With wit and passion, characters brave loneliness and despair” (book review: ‘Pretend I'm Your Friend,’ by MB Caschetta), Provincetown Banner, © November 3, 2016.
“‘Souvenir,’ showing in Provincetown, is a play to take home,” Provincetown Banner, © August 4, 2016.
“Pennies from Heaven: FAWC writer wins fellowship in Rome for chronicling struggles to live in West Virginia,” Provincetown Banner, © May 19, 2016.
“Radical page-turner: Thriller novel takes on what makes terrorists tick,” Provincetown Banner, © January 21, 2016.
“Hollywood takes on ‘Moby Dick’: ‘Heart of the Sea’ author recounts tale that inspired Melville” (interview with author Nathaniel Philbrick), Provincetown Banner, © November 26, 2015.
“Bravery and sacrifice under the sea: Action-filled narrative honors heroes of Long Point submarine disaster,” Provincetown Banner, © November 12, 2015.
“An American Shadow Story: With first novel, FAWC writing coordinator mines lost history of forgotten souls, Provincetown Banner, © October 22, 2015.
“Down-to-earth diva: Opera superstar Deborah Voigt to perform witty, poignant, live musical memoir” (interview), Provincetown Banner, © July 30, 2015.
“A generous voice: Work Center honors two-time writing fellow Elizabeth McCracken” (interview with Elizabeth McCracken), Provincetown Banner, © July 9, 2015.
“Oldest Living Confederate Widow author tells all” (interview with Alan Gurganus), Provincetown Banner, © February 19, 2015.
“Iconic artist Selina Trieff dies at 81” (front page obituary), Provincetown Banner, © January 22, 2015.
“Lady pirates and lighthouse keepers” (book review), Provincetown Banner, © Sept. 11, 2014.
“Modernist strokes from antiquity’s palette” (visual arts review), Provincetown Banner, © Sept. 11, 2014.
“‘One Slight Hitch’ is one extremely funny play” (theater review), Provincetown Banner, © August 1, 2013.
“Hysterical ‘Hysteria’ arrives just in time for vacationing therapists” (theater review), Provincetown Banner, © August 2, 2012.
“Manso decries Cape justice system” (author interview), Provincetown Banner, © July 7, 2011.
“‘Reasonable Doubt’ leaves exactly that” (book review), Provincetown Banner, © July 7, 2011. Book review of Reasonable Doubt: The Fashion Writer, Cape Cod, and the Trial of Chris McCowen, by Peter Manso.
“All the world’s his stage: Broadway set designer builds two for WHAT,” Provincetown Banner, © March 26, 2009. Interview with Eugene Lee, three-time Tony Award winner and Emmy-winning set designer for “Saturday Night Live.”
“Dirty Waters” (interview with filmmaker John Waters), Provincetown Banner, © September 16, 2004.
“Sympathy for the ‘Devil’” (interview with Gore Vidal), Provincetown Banner, © October 3, 2002.
Bel Canto Column
“‘Salome’ opens Met screen series with dark brilliance” Provincetown Banner, © October 23, 2008.
“‘Doctor Atomic’ explodes moral complexity with lyrical ecstasy” Provincetown Banner, © November 13, 2008.
“Cirque du Soleil staging celebrates Berlioz’s ‘Faust’” Provincetown Banner, © November 27, 2008.
“Celebrate the holidays with a Renée Fleming tour de force” Provincetown Banner, © December 25, 2008.
“Coquette commands the comedy in Puccini’s ‘La Rondine’” Provincetown Banner, © January 15, 2009.
“Blythe’s ‘Orfeo’ is one hell of a hero” Provincetown Banner, © January 29, 2009
“Donizetti’s bloody valentine transcends tragedy to touch the heart” Provincetown Banner, © February 12, 2009.
“‘Butterfly,’ in-person vs. high-definition” Provincetown Banner, © March 12, 2009
“Staging confuses story in otherwise strong, sweet ‘Sonnambula’,” Provincetown Banner, © March 27, 2009.
“‘La Cenerentola’ ends WHAT’s first opera season happily ever after,” Provincetown Banner, © May 14, 2009.
“‘Tosca’ leaps into 21st century with first Met restaging in 25 years” Provincetown Banner, © October 15, 2009
“The lover’s dilemma: When your beloved wants your head on a pike” Provincetown Banner, © November 12, 2009
“Opera’s eternal flame rages on in ‘Carmen’” Provincetown Banner, © January 21, 2010
“Plácido prevails over convoluted, seldom-performed Verdi opera” Provincetown Banner, © February 11, 2010
“Fresh production of a sentimental ‘Hamlet’ surprisingly beguiling” Provincetown Banner, © April 1, 2010
“Fleming and bel canto: A heavenly match made in Rossini’s ‘Armida’” Provincetown Banner, © May 6, 2010
BOOKS FOR WHICH I WAS THE DEVELOPMENT EDITOR
StyleWise: A Practical Guide to Becoming a Fashion Stylist by Shannon Burns (International Academy of Art & Design, Tampa), © 2013 Fairchild Books.
“Thank you to Robert Phelps, who was an amazing editor and coach. Your hard work and positive encouragement kept me going!”
— Shannon Burns
Environmental Psychology for Design, 2nd edition, by DAK Kopec (New School of Architecture and Design, Radford University), © 2012 Fairchild Books.
Sustainable Design for Interior Environments by Susan M. Winchip (Missouri State University), © 2012 Fairchild Books.
Fashion Marketing: A Global Perspective by Patricia Mink Rath (marketing consultant), Richard Petrizzi (Illinois Institute of Art, Chicago) and Penny, Gill (PWG Communications) © 2012 Fairchild Books.
The Rise of Fashion and Lessons Learned at Bergdorf Goodman by Ira Neimark (former CEO, Bergdorf Goodman), © 2011 Fairchild Books.
“With Rob’s magic touch, the rest is history.”
— Ira Neimark
Inclusive Design: A Universal Need by Linda L. Nussbaumer (South Dakota State University), © 2011 Fairchild Books.
“A special thanks goes to Rob for his great work as a reviewer and editor.”
— Linda L. Nussbaumer
Fundamentals of Lighting, 2nd edition, by Susan M. Winchip (Illinois State University), © 2011 Fairchild Books.
The Interior Design Intern by Linda L. Nussbaumer (South Dakota State University), © 2011 Fairchild Books.
“A special thanks goes to Rob Phelps for his great work as a reviewer and editor.”
— Linda L. Nussbaumer
Diversity in Design: Perspectives from Non-Western Cultures by Vibhavari Jani (Kansas State University), with contributing writers from seven non- Western countries, including India, China, Turkey, Nigeria, Algeria, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, © 2011 Fairchild Books. Awarded the 2012 IDEC Book Award.
“This book would not have been possible without Development Editor Robert Phelps, who became a very dear friend during the process, and who placed his heart and soul in developing this book. Rob has worked tirelessly to make this project the best it can be, and spent countless hours reading, editing and revising the manuscript. We have gone through many ups and downs during this time, laughed and cried together, and endured many challenges. Rob, you have always been there for me through thick and thin, and personify the definition of a true friend and editor. I truly appreciate your support, assistance, encouragement, great advice and the nights and days you spent on this project.”
— Vibhavari Jani
Fashion Public Relations by Gerald J. Sherman and Sar S. Perlman (Sherman and Perlman, LLC), © 2010 Fairchild Books.
“A special thanks goes to Robert Phelps, our development editor, who has done a superb job editing our work while maintaining the integrity of our message. His guidance was instrumental to the creation of this textbook while his assistance was invaluable to its completion. He was always available for advice, and we could depend upon his sound judgment in the decisions we had to make to bring the textbook to fruition.”
— Gerald J. Sherman and Sar S. Perlman
Fashion by Design by Janice Greenberg Ellinwood (Marymount University), © 2010 Fairchild Books.
“My gratitude goes to Robert Phelps, development editor, my mentor and a gifted writer.”
— Janice Greenberg Ellinwood
Tailored Fashion Design (including men’s and women’s jacket pattern book) by Pamela Powell (College of DuPage), © 2010 Fairchild Books.
“Rob Phelps, my development editor, with his invaluable enthusiasm, guidance, and skill, pushed me further than I thought I could every go with this project.”
— Pamela Powell
Fashion Marketing: Theory, Principles, and Practice by Marianne C. Bickle (University of South Carolina), © 2010 Fairchild Books.
Evidence-Based Design for Interior Designers by Linda L. Nussbaumer (University of South Dakota), © 2010 Fairchild Books.
“A special thanks goes to Rob Phelps for his great work as a reviewer and editor.”
— Linda L. Nussbaumer
Careers in Interior Design by Nancy Asay (Missouri State University) and Marcianne Patton (Missouri State University), © 2009 Fairchild Books.
Tailoring Techniques for Fashion (including companion DVD) by Milva Fiorella di Lorenzo(Miami International University of Art & Design), © 2009 Fairchild Books.
“A very special thanks to Development Editor Rob Phelps. I love working with you. Meeting you is one of the gorgeous things that this book brought to my life. You are a friend.”
— Milva Fiorella di Lorenzo
Programming Research for Interior Designer by Rose Mary Botti-Salitsky (Mount Ida College), © 2009 Fairchild Books.
“Special appreciation to Rob Phelps for his ongoing support, words of encouragement, and the editorial magic that he performed.”
— Rose Mary Botti-Salitsky
Uncovering Fashion by Marian Frances Wolbers (Albright College), © 2009 Fairchild Books.
“I extend my gratitude to Fairchild Books’ Development Editor Rob Phelps, my ‘editorial right hand.’ ”
— Marian Frances Wolbers
The History of Interior Design by Jeannie Ireland (Missouri State University), © 2009 Fairchild Books.
“Rob Phelps has made the entire process fun, engaging, and so very encouraging. He can turn a phrase into an absolute delight, stir immovable authors with his humor, and appreciate concepts and experiences in new ways.”
— Jeannie Ireland
Your Personal Style by Nancy Plummer (Illinois Institute of Art, Chicago), © 2008 Fairchild Books.
Interior Design Materials and Specifications (assistant development editor) by Lisa Godsey (International Academy of Design and Technology, Chicago), © 2007 Fairchild Books.
The Visible Self by Joanne B. Eicher (Michigan State University), Sandra Lee Evenson (University of Idaho), and Hazel A. Lutz, © 2007 Fairchild Books.
“We could not have accomplished this task without the steady support of Robert Phelps, who carried our edits through with gentle probes for clarity.”
— Joanne B. Eicher, Sandra Lee Evenson, and Hazel A. Lutz
Sustainable Fashion: Why Now? by Janet Hethorn (University of Delaware) and Connie Ulasewicz (San Franciso State University), © 2008 Fairchild Books.
“We thank Rob Phelps, development editor, for his timely and professional guidance. His continued joy at times of uncertainty clearly kept us moving forward, not to mention his technical competence, which is extraordinary.”
— Janet Hethorn and Connie Ulasewicz
Wear Your Chair (developed ancillary CD) by J. Griffin (California State University) and P. Collins (Woodbury University), © 2007 Fairchild Books.
GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PRODUCTION PROJECTS
Provincetown Banner, graphic designer and copy editor for regional weekly newspaper, © 1998–2007.
Harvard University Gazette, graphic designer and copy editor for official weekly newspaper of Harvard University, © 1990–1998.
Chain of Events: Marcel Breuer to Charles Jencks, Modernist Architecture on the Outer Cape, copy editor, Architectural exhibition catalog, Provincetown Art Association & Museum, © 2006.
Fine Arts Work Center “Summer Events,” graphic designer and editor, Provincetown Fine Arts Work Center brochure, © 2004. Brochure promoting seasonal exhibitions, readings, workshops and instructor biographies, including Norman Mailer, Grace Paley and Robert Pinsky.
The Far Side of the Vortex, copy editor, Bennington Graduate Writing Seminars Alumni Publication, © 2003 - 2006
Provincetown Portuguese Festival 2000, graphic designer, Festival guidebook for 53rd Annual Blessing of the Fleet and Portuguese Festival, © 2000
Great Music on Sundays at 5, Graphic designer, Provincetown Summer Concert Series, © 1999.
Reflections from Our Lives, editor, Harvard AIDS Support Group journal, © 1997
Research Report, copy editor and graphic designer, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, © 1997–1998.
Annual Report on Diversity, copy editor, Harvard Law School, Harvard University, © 1997–1998.