Maxwell Emcays: “New Bedford: Our Woven Story”
As part of DATMA’s Shelter 2023 public art season, artist Maxwell Emcays will produce a temporary public art installation in downtown New Bedford in June 2023. Emcays seeks to explore the role that textiles play in not only identity, but the economy and social fabric of our community past and present. Emcay’s forthcoming work uses visual inspiration from the forms of the African Baobab tree and Wampanoag Wetu structures, and will be created using over 300 pieces of recycled textiles collected among New Bedford’s community.
GET INVOLVED!
Identify & contribute a piece of fabric or textile to be included in this public art installation. Explore your personal and/or family history through clothing and textiles. Think about how fabric and fashion can represent a story to you and your community. The artist is collecting 8” x 8” fabric or textile pieces (or similar size) to be used to create his final artwork. We need community members to donate these pieces that ultimately will become a piece of public art seen at the corner of RT18 & Union Street in New Bedford, MA this summer.
GUIDING QUESTIONS:
What fabric is important to you or your family? How is it used? How might it represent your culture and/or identity?
FABRIC DROPOFF LOCATIONS:
Drop off your fabrics by May 7th at:
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
33 William St, New Bedford, MA 02740
Thursday — Sunday from 10:00AM – 4:00PM
(Dropbox located in the lobby).
– OR-
UMass Dartmouth CVPA Star Store Campus
715 Purchase St, New Bedford, MA 02740
(Dropbox located in the lobby).
– OR –
Mail to directly to DATMA at 336 ACUSHNET AVE. SUITE C, NEW BEDFORD, MA 02740
Our Woven Story will be on display free and open to the public at the intersection of Route 18 and Union Street in New Bedford and is intended for visitors to walk around, through the three entrances and explore as well as using the space underneath for small gatherings or pop ups. Join us for the artworks debut on June 22, 2023 at 5pm at our public opening celebration.
MEDIA INQUIRIES
For media inquiries, please contact: Edwina A. Kluender, KLÜNDER Communications [email protected] & PH 1.617.888.5859. Here is our downloadable press release: DATMA Press Release SHELTER2022 Announcement FINAL, 03.22.22
Events
New Bedford Symphony Orchestra Pop-up Performance
Music is both a doorway and a shelter. Musicians of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra will perform a concert at our Custom House Square installation with a program of music that embodies the spirit of both these enduring values.