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The Marion Institute presents the sixth annual “Connecting for Change: a Bioneers by The Bay Conference” on October 22-24, 2010. Keynote speakers to include Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea, Annie Leonard producer of Story of Stuff, Van Jones, award-winning pioneer in human rights and the clean-energy economy. The Connecting for Change Conference is a three-day, solutions based gathering filled with: educational workshops; family programming; youth initiative program; an exhibition hall featuring sustainable businesses and organizations; a farmers’ market (showcasing heirloom produce); films; live music; an open mic night; art installations; and seasonal, local and organic food.
Desa VanLaarhaven, Executive Director of the Marion Institute states, “When we get in touch with the fact that we are all connected, and that we all have a critical role to create deep love, justice and sustainability in the world as well as in our own lives, we see the urgent need to connect for change. When we build bridges from local leaders – and that’s all of us – to other leaders from around the world, we inspire each other to do just that.”
The schedule for the conference on Friday, October 22 includes keynote speakers Van Jones, Diane Wilson, Alan Khazei, and Adeola Oredola; on Saturday, October 23 Annie Leonard, Seth Goldman, Antwi Akom, and Michael Ben-Eli will speak; and on Sunday, October 24 the speakers are Anya Kamenetz, David de Rothschild, Nikki Henderson and Greg Mortenson. For a full schedule of workshops and many other events and to register for the conference, please visit www.connectingforchange.org or call 508-748-0816.
ABOUT THE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Greg Mortenson is the co-founder of nonprofit Central Asia Institute, founder of Pennies For Peace, co-author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Three Cups of Tea, and author of bestseller Stones Into Schools. In 2009, Mortenson received Pakistan’s highest civil award, Sitara-e-Pakistan (“Star of Pakistan”) for his dedicated and humanitarian effort to promote education and literacy in rural areas for fifteen years. Several bi-partisan U.S. Congressional representatives nominated Mortenson for the Nobel Peace Prize in both 2008 and 2009. The award recipient is chosen by a secret process and announced in October the following year.
Van Jones is a globally recognized, award-winning pioneer in human rights and the clean-energy economy. Van is a co-founder of three successful non-profit organizations: the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Color of Change and Green For All. He is the best-selling author of the definitive book on green jobs: The Green-Collar Economy. He served as the green jobs advisor in the Obama White House in 2009. Van is currently a senior fellow at the Center For American Progress. Additionally, he is a senior policy advisor at Green For All. Van also holds a joint appointment at Princeton University, as a distinguished visiting fellow in both the Center for African American Studies and in the Program in Science, Technology and Environmental Policy at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.
Annie Leonard is the author and host of The Story of Stuff video and author of The Story of Stuff, the book. Annie has spent nearly two decades investigating and organizing on environmental health and justice issues. She has traveled to 40 countries, visiting literally hundreds of factories where our stuff is made and dumps where our stuff is dumped. Annie is fiercely dedicated to reclaiming and transforming our industrial and economic systems so they serve, rather than undermine, ecological sustainability and social equity. Annie is currently on the boards of International Forum for Globalization and GAIA and has previously served on the Boards of the Grassroots Recycling Network, the Environmental Health Fund, Global Greengrants India and Greenpeace India. She did her undergraduate studies at Barnard College, Columbia University and graduate work in City and Regional Planning at Cornell, both in New York.
To read more about these and the other keynote speakers and a full schedule of events at the Connecting for Change conference visit connectingforchange.org. The Connecting for Change conference is presented by The Marion Institute, which is dedicated to identifying, promoting and incubating programs and projects, both on a global and local level, that seek to enhance life for the Earth and its inhabitants. Learn more at marioninstitute.org. The Marion Institute is located at 202 Spring Street, Marion, MA 02738. Phone: 508-748-0816.
High resolution photographs, complete speaker bios, video and full conference schedule are available to forward upon request or for download at www.connectingforchange.org
PRESS CONTACTS:
Beatriz Oliveira
connectingforchange@gmail.com
774-451-4682
Keri Cox
063@mediumstudio.com
508-264-8004
mediumstudio.com
38 Bethel Street, 2nd floor
New Bedford, MA 02740
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[The Viennagram:] are a punk rock cabaret psychedelic band from New Bedford. I chatted up carnival barker A.V Vienna about the group.
When did it start? How did you come up with the name?
I would say the first performance of [The Viennagram:] occurred in the first week of my first year in school. An ambitious kindergartner, I somehow talked my music teacher, Mrs. Correia, into allowing me a “commercial break” in class. I would improvise songs, select volunteers from the audience, and devise bizarre games; anything to amuse and confuse my classmates. Striving to constantly top myself, my eager imagination was set in motion. Clearly, sharing my insanity with the world was my true calling!
As for the name, [The Viennagram:] it was delivered through me by the divine cosmic wind of madness. With a fever of 103, I managed to scrawl a tome of shivering words, ending with the curious tag “END [VIENNAGRAM:].” Days later, upon finding the weird note, I realized it was the first [VIENNAGRAM:]. Long live the great muse! Cure the world through IRRATIONAL SOLUTIONS!
How are the songs written? What are they about?
Writing songs is another way to explore a visual idea. Intrinsic lyrics sometimes found backwards. Songs write themselves through a Ouija Board called “You.” When you force a song, it will haunt you forever. A song will surely outlive you. Run with scissors. Choose your own adventure.
Do you have any recordings available? If so, with who?
#1)[DEATH TO THE CLASSICS:]2006
The “Love is Dead” collection. Featuring the original teaming of A.V. Vienna/Scott Peloquin. Partially through the album, Scott freaked out and locked himself in his Mirror Mansion, vowing never to return. Left with an unfinished epic, I ventured into psychic resonance and strange synth. The outcome is a tender terror hell-ride dreamscape captured in a basement. What joy there is to be found in the sound of the unknown!
#2 [FUTURE IZ DEAD MAGIC:] 2008
One day it will be considered a masterpiece. An uncompromising prediction of impending imagination rot. Phil Spector with rabies vs. Brian Wilson’s LSD Horror Space Sideshow. Made from Popsicle sticks and digital distortion. Recorded in places we weren’t supposed to be in. Surrealist sounds cape through Rock n’ Roll Graveyards. A collage menagerie of samples from Citizen Kane to Adam Ant.
#3 [MADNESS IZ AND MORE/RELEASE THE BEAST-EYES:]
COMING SOON! OUT ON 10-10-10! FREE DOWNLOAD
Behold! The most musically mutated mixtape! A buffet of audio oddities! From failed experiments, outtakes, and demos, to dubs and things I forgot we even recorded! Close your eyes, open your mind. Your mind is open, now look inside…
[NOTE: I recently had a dream wherein Taylor Swift ascended from the sea, surrounded by searing orbs. Sphinx like, she then revealed a panorama of fragmented shapes and repeated the phrase, “RELEASE THE BEAST EYES.” Which, Irrational Solutions applied, could only mean, “Release the B-sides.”]
#4 [LEARN 2 TAME THE PATTERNS:]
We will supposedly begin work on this album in November with acclaimed producer Dave Auchenbach. This will include the highly anticipated version of “Long Way Back to Paradise,” amongst many other Post-Apocalyptic pop anthems. I can’t wait to get these ideas out of my head! It’s starting to really hurt.
Have you done any touring? Any plans to in the future?
We can’t wait to tour but we lost our keys somewhere!
What are your favorite things about the New Bedford area?
The greatest feature of the “Belly of the Whale” would have to be the dilapidated ruins of Lincoln Park. A magical and haunted maze boasting the death of fun. One fateful July 4th, while inside it’s chain-linked bones, Native American spirits communicated with me explaining how that particular plot of land was at an energy convex. They peeled back the layers of time to show many terrible things which have happened there, as it was the site of eternal strife and home of many restless spirits. Later, a figure of a woman in white guided me through the remains of the park and pointed down to a bottomless pit located near the rollercoaster. We filmed part of a video there! It’s a great place to have a scavenger hunt or a first date! We also really love No Problemo!
What are some of the main influences on the band?
Our influences include: THC, Looney Tunes, The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P. Hall, UFO lore, supernatural occurrence, black lights, Lucky Strikes, Strange & Amazing facts, Spike Jones & his City Slickers, RC Cola, Nina Hagen, Tom Waits, Caligula, Salvador Dali, William S. Burroughs, Halloween decorations, Outkast, Screaming Lord Sutch, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, The Ventures, eating glass, Brian Eno, Tarot divination, The Joker, Lon Chaney, Astrology, copy machines, Please Kill Me, Psychic power, The Secret Destination of America by Manly P. Hall, and Tuna melts!
What’s in the near and far future for the (Viennagram)?
Near Future:
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR TRILOGY:
10/29 NEW BEDFORD,MA@GALLERY X
10/30 PROVIDENCE, RI@FIREHOUSE 13-
10/31 NEW YORK City @ Cosmic CAVERN
Far Future:
Upon releasing [LEARN TO TAME THE PATTERNS:], the world will open its heart to the sights and sounds of THE [VIENNAGRAM:] or we will be understood and appreciated only after we are dead. Stay tuned!
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If you live in Massachusetts you have likely received a red pamphlet titled, “Massachusetts Information for Voters: 2010 Ballot Questions” in the mail. While most of the information is straight forward, the details can be too much for most to read. While NewBedfordGuide.com will not back a candidate or state-wide ballot question, we believe it is important to present the facts so voters can make informed voting decisions. There are three state-wide binding ballot questions that Massachusetts voters get to vote on this 2 November (7 AM- 8 PM). You must be a registered voter by 13 October to participate!
Question #1: Sales Tax on Alcoholic Beverages
This is a simple question; do you or don’t you want a sales tax on alcohol in Massachusetts. If passed (a yes vote), the law would remove the Massachusetts sales tax on alcoholic beverages and alcoholic. Last year a 6.25% sales tax was added to beer, wine and liquor.
Proponents say: We already pay an excise tax on alcohol so this is a double tax. This law hurts small business owners, especially those that sell alcohol near New Hampshire where there is no sales tax.
Opponents say: Should alcohol be except like food, clothing and prescriptions? Tax revenue from alcohol sales go towards health care services for 100,000 Massachusetts residents.
Question #2: Comprehensive Permits for Low or Moderate Income housing
This question is a bit more tricky and difficult to understand. This question is to repeal an existing state law that allows organizations building low-to-moderate income housing to get a single permit from a city or town’s zoning board vice separate permits from each local agency or official having jurisdiction over the proposed housing. Confused yet? Currently, If a local agency disagrees with a permit that is approved by the zoning board (i.e. low income housing being built in an area that doesn’t want it) they must go through the courts to overturn the permit to build. A “Yes” vote would repeal the current law of a single permit and would require separate permits from each local agency.
Proponents say: Local cities have lost control of what type of housing is being built in their area. Permits are being issued without regard to local agencies. Local agencies should have control of what type of housing is built in their area. This law allows state agencies to push affordable housing into towns/cities that do not want them.
Opponents say: The Affordable Housing Law has created 58,000 homes across Massachusetts (80% of affordable housing) outside of the larger cities. If this law is repealed less affordable housing will be built across Massachusetts and jobs will be lost.
Question #3: Sales and Use Tax Rates
This question is as simple as it gets; do you want your sales tax to remain at the current 6.25% or lowered to 3%? Last year Governor Deval Patrick raised the sales tax from 3 to 6% and this question repeals that tax hike. The bottom line is do you want more money in your pocket or more money in the state governments coffers for state spending?
Proponents say: On average, each Massachusetts resident would save $688 on taxes. The reduced tax revenue does not reduce spending for cities/towns, police, firefighters, schools, roads or other essential services. It simple trims the government fat and puts money in your pockets.
Opponents say: Cutting the sales tax in half will reduce the state revenue by $2.5 billion. The recession has forced communities to already cut spending and this money is needed for schools, health care and community services.
As always do your own research and get informed on the issues before casting your votes!
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The Committee to Restore the Seamen’s Bethel will host a three-concert series to raise funds for urgently needed repairs to the historic house of worship. The New Bedford Port Society and its Ladies’ Branch are presenting the concerts.
The 1831 building, renowned as the Whalemen’s Chapel in Melville’s “Moby-Dick,” is suffering from water and insect damage, and costly rehabilitation is required. “The Port Society is pleased to be working hand-in-hand with the Ladies’ Branch on this effort to raise funds for this urgent undertaking,” President Phil Mello said. While repairs have been made to the 180-year-old building through the years, Mello said, “Now we need to make a stand and make sure we get the job done right, whatever it costs, to fully restore this building.”
The first concert, “Traditions of the maritime musical world with Dillon & Crooks,” is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 21. Dillon Bustin, former folklorist for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and storyteller extraordinaire, joins with Tom Goux, Dan Lanier and Jacek Sulanowski, known as the Rum-Soaked Crooks, to provide an evening of traditional maritime song, story and tales of the Port of New Bedford.
At 7 p.m. Dec. 21, Robbie O’Connell and Aoife Clancy will present “A Celtic Christmas.” Here’s a chance to celebrate the winter solstice with two renowned Celtic musicians in the intimate setting of the Seamen’s Bethel.
Concluding the series at 3 p.m. April 3 will be a chamber ensemble of New Bedford Symphony Orchestra Musicians performing a concert of baroque works to welcome Spring.
Thanks to the volunteer efforts of Dillon and Crooks, and the sponsorship of Isaksen Fishing Corp. and New Bedford Ship Supply, 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the restoration fund.
Tickets, priced at $25 each, are available online at http://seamensbethel.eventbrite.com, from EURO/Phoenix in Fairhaven, Baker Books in Dartmouth, or from Peter Haley, director of the Seamen’s Bethel and Mariners’ Home, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays by calling (508) 992-3295.
All tax-deductible donations for the project are welcome. Checks can be made out to the Port Society, 15 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740 and marked Building Restoration Fund.
For more information, visit www.portsociety.org or call (508) 992-3295.
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SATURDAY – 2 OCT
I couldn’t go because I had two gigs on Saturday starting at 3 and ending at Midnight…..and, boy, are my arms tired!
SUNDAY – 3 OCT
Started at Sawyer St. and climbed the stairs (huff/puff). I saw lots of incredible art. I was particularly taken by the work of Joseph Moniz. There was a painting of a woman lying on a couch with her back to the viewer. Exquisite detail- right down to the red marks on the backs of her heels left by the shoes on the floor in front of the couch. My eyes were drawn to the shoes for some reason- black pumps.
Visited Shelley Cardoos’ studio and bought a painting- people figures on a bluish background on wood. Very cool. Shelley also created the “Linguica And Coffee Milk” and “02740” t-shirts that I’m sure you’ve seen around town. Shane Mackie at Scrimshaw Screenprinting was incredibly informative about his craft and I scored a free shirt!
Headed down to the Hatch Street Studios next. Climbed the staaaaiiiiirs (huffhuffpuffpuff) before I realized there was an elevator. Much larger venue and eclectic- some standouts: Huguette Despault May and her charcoal drawings; Nicole Monforti at Headcase Press and her cards and other items fashioned on antique printing presses (bought several); Nicole St. Pierre and her hand-dyed fabric hats and scarves, Michael Pietragalla at Floating Stone Woodworks and his inspired furniture; Marc St. Pierre who was working on a collection of photographs made with a handmade pinhole camera- very meticulous and beautiful work; Lori Bradley’s mixed media works (hard to explain but breath-taking) and Michelle Lapointe and her stained glass pieces.
To be honest, I was a bit overwhelmed by the amount of incredible work there was to view. I highly recommend that you check out both these locations- my only regret is that I didn’t have time to visit all the other studios taking part in the weekend’s festivities!
Hatch Street has a Holiday Sale from 26-28 Nov. For more info: hatchstreetstudios.com and newbedfordopenstudios.org.
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Ford Motor Company and Ashley Ford are partnering to help raise money in support of New Bedford High School as part of Ford’s Drive One 4 UR School program. Members of the local community will have the opportunity to raise up to $6,000 for New Bedford High School by test driving a Ford vehicle at the school on Saturday, October 23, from 9 AM – 4 PM.
For every single household (parent/guardian or adult child) who test drives one of the many 2010 and 2011 Ford vehicles that will be on hand, Ashley Ford will donate $20 to New Bedford High School up to $6,000. Funds raised will go to New Bedford High School’s After Prom Committee. In addition, representatives from In Control Crash Prevention Training will be presenting information on keeping teen drivers safe behind the wheel – providing tips on how to avoid common and serious accidents.
“We understand that school budgets are tight and often underfunded. That’s why Drive One 4 UR was developed,” said Bob Bancroft, owner, Ashley Ford. “We are happy to sponsor this fundraiser for our local high school and are especially pleased about the safety component that will be incorporated by the In Control Crash Prevention Training team.”
“Organizing school-sponsored post-prom activities is critical to keeping our students safe,” said Nancy Feeney, event coordinator, New Bedford High School’s After Prom Committee. “It is important to show our youth that celebrating can happen in an alcohol and drug free environment. We are grateful for the opportunity to raise funds to assist with our efforts and appreciate Ashley Ford’s support.”
Since the start of Ford’s Drive One 4 UR School program in 2007, over 125,000 people have helped raise more than $2.6 million for close to 700 high schools across the country. Locally, over $28,000 has been raised for Massachusetts schools by dealerships across the state.
To participate, please visit, New Bedford High School located at 230 Hathaway Boulevard in New Bedford between 9 AM – 4 PM. Participants are limited to one test drive per household address, must be 18 or older and have a valid driver’s license. Food, entertainment and prizes including a Netbook computer will be raffled off to one eligible driver. No purchases are necessary. For more information go to www.AshelyFordSales.com or visit Facebook and check out: New Bedford High After Prom 2010.
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The Judo Heirs is a New Bedford all-star band of sorts. The players have played in such groups as Beyond The Embrace, All Chrome, The Tall, Gaskill, The Hidden, and many more. With members working at No Problemo, The Pour Farm, and The Green Bean, you can barely walk downtown New Bedford without tripping over one of them. I spoke with Adam Gonsalves about the band.
How did the band originate? Who plays what?
Adam Gonsalves: The band is: Kevin Grant on vocals, Adam Gonsalves on guitar, Joel Monty on guitar, Drew Taber on Bass and Martin Johnson on drums. (Craig Burns played bass on our first CD ” Karate Island”). The Judo Heirs started when So Automatic began a hiatus, due to our Guitarist Chris Kelly leaving for graduate school. Martin and I wanted to start a new band and I decided to play guitar this time, having always been a bass player. All of the members of Judo Heirs have been active in the New Bedford music scene for decades, so we all knew each other for years. Craig Burns and I reconnected on Facebook and we all agreed that the only logical vocalist was our friend Kevin Grant. We played as a four piece for a year and recorded a full length CD which we put out ourselves. After about a year we got Joel Monty on second guitar who was at all the shows and selling CDs for us at No Problemo and when Craig decided to leave on an extended break from the band we scored Drew Taber on bass (who I play with in Iron Mustache, an Iron Maiden tribute band).
The Judo Heirs seem a lot more political than the average whaling city punk band. How is that working out?
Adam Gonsalves: Kevin writes all of the lyrics but in my opinion they are all a perfect balance between political and personal. I love that approach. As for the band being political, all I can say is that we are all individuals and that we all have respect for one another, as well as each others respective beliefs. New Bedford is a plus for us. We are proud to represent for New Bedford, and are proud of the fantastic and expansive music scene that the city has had throughout years.
What can we expect to see next?
Adam Gonsalves: We hope to make a new record sometime this winter now that our sound has progressed due to the changes in personnel.
Check the bands myspace for local listings at No Problemo and The Blackwatch Pub, and if you have the wheels, Boston and Providence.
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The South Coast Business Alliance, a nonprofit group of local young professionals and business owners, is gearing up to host the fifth installment of their annual Oktoberfest Celebration, featuring great live music from Inside the Avalanche to Gavin Castleton and the Craig DeMelo Band just to name a few. Of course, there will also be many varieties of tasty local brews from the likes of Mayflower Brewery and Just Beer, as well as Oktoberfest and Pumpkin Ales from some of the world’s finest breweries. Rose Alley Ale House will fire up the grill to satisfy your Bratwurst, Sauerkraut and Soft Pretzel cravings. There will also be candied apples, pizza from Pizan’s Pizzeria and No Problemo will be back once again offering fantastic fresh Mexican food.
New Bedford Oktoberfest Music Schedule:
4-4:45 PM – Inside the Avalanche
5-5:45 PM – J. Kelley Band
6-6:45 PM – Rebecca Correia Band
7-7:45 PM – Lex Land
8-8:45 PM – Happy Body Slow Brain (w/members of Taking Back Sunday)
9-9:45 PM – Craig DeMelo Band
10-11 PM – Gavin Castleton (of Gruvis Malt)
With the help of sponsors like Advanced Eye Centers, The New Bedford Police Union, MiddleHouse Events, SoCo Magazine and Fun107, the SCBA expects this year’s event to be the biggest to date. Join a couple thousand of your closest friends to enjoy some music, beer and food while raising money for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County and the Community Foundation of Southeastern Mass.
“A small group of us sat around a table at Freestone’s five years ago and decided that we’d like to throw a big party in New Bedford to promote fellowship and raise some money for local charities. Since then, Oktoberfest has grown into a huge event and has enabled us to raise a lot of money for the community,” says Tom Rainford CPA, President of the SCBA. “Oktoberfest is our flagship event. In the past it has enabled us to do some pretty unique projects. In 2007 we were able to renovate the basement of the New Bedford Boys and Girls Club and transform it into the Bucky Vincent Memorial boxing gym. Other years we’ve partnered up with the Zeiterion Theater in a program we call “Front and Center,” buying large blocks of tickets for inner city kids and sending them to shows in style by securing limousines and really rolling out the red carpet for kids who wouldn’t ordinarily be exposed to the theater. This year our primary beneficiary is the Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County. We want to raise a lot of money to help them continue their important work with abused children.”
Tickets for Oktoberfest are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Admission includes your first beer! Tickets are available at Rose Alley Ale House, Pizan’s Pizzeria, Cardoza’s Liquors and Thompson Farland Engineers and Land Surveyors. Follow the event on Facebook “NB Oktoberfest” for prize giveaways and the latest information on the event. Visit the SCBA’s website at www.scballiance.org and for information on The Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County go to http://www.cacofbc.org/
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On Sunday, October 17, 2010 from 1-4 p.m. the New Bedford Council on Aging and Recreation Department will host a Senior “Record Hop” at the Fort Taber Community Center, featuring Victor Fonseca & the Senior Twisters. Joy Pereira and special guest, Mr. Ray J will provide the music for a fun filled afternoon of dancing. Complementary refreshments will be provided during the event. Tickets are $5 each and will be on sale from September 20th through October 8th at the following New Bedford Senior/Community Centers:
Downtown Senior Center
560 Pleasant Street
Hours: Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm
Hazelwood Park Senior Center
553 Brock Avenue
Hours: Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm
Buttonwood Senior Center
1 Oneida Street
Hours: Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm
Brooklawn Senior Center
1997 Acushnet Avenue
Hours: Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm
The Fort Taber Community Center is located at 1000 South Rodney French Boulevard. The building is located on the right as you drive into the Fort. No residency restrictions on ticket sales, but tickets are limited and will not be available at the door. For more information, please call (508) 991-6170.
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New Bedford resident Shelley Cardoos is a painter, sculptor, singer, musician, promoter, tinker, tailor, soldier, and spy. I spoke with her about the upcoming New Bedford Open Studios showcase and some of her art.
How did you end up down here?
Shelley: I went to UMass Dartmouth and Graduated with a BFA in Sculpture in 2003. I’ve been living in New Bedford ever since, working full time, playing in bands, drawing and painting when I can and selling t-shirts. I sell shirts with some designs I’ve drawn as well as local favorites such as “02740” the downtown zip code, and a newer hit “Linguica and Coffee Milk” People often buy these shirts and tote bags for relatives from the area that have since moved away so they can show off their South Coast pride. I love hearing people’s stories about shipping Linguica and Coffee Milk to relatives when I sell the shirts.
What made you stick around here after college, rather than heading to a bigger city?
Shelley: The reason I stayed in New Bedford after graduating from college was because of the art and music scene. It was a small scene but I felt like I was part of it. At the time, it was much more underground. Now it is a lot easier to find out what is going on where. There area lot of opportunities to show work in different galleries, retail shops, and restaurants. The New Bedford art scene is very supportive and welcoming. I find it to be a lot more relaxed and less competitive than bigger cities, from what I hear from artist friends.
Tell me about the New Bedford open studios and how you are involved.
Shelley: New Bedford Open Studios is having it’s 6th Annual event this year where artists open up their studios to the public. It’s a great opportunity for people to see what is going on in different mills and art studios throughout the city. This year we have 96 artists showing in 14 locations. Some artists will be working throughout the weekend and there will be some demos and workshops as well, so visitors aren’t just looking at art, but seeing how it’s made. There’s a great variety of art that will be shown: Paintings, Textiles, Sculpture, Furniture, Jewelry, Glass, Printmaking, etc. I have been the Coordinator of NB Open Studios this year. You can contact nbopenstudios@gmail.com with any qustions. The website has a full listing of artists with details of their work as well as a map of the studio. Maps are also available at each studio and at the New Bedford visitors center. Check out www.newbedfordopenstudios.org