The moment has finally arrived! After reviewing several impressive submissions, a group of seven undergraduate students from Bristol Community College and University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, College for Visual & Performing Arts, have been selected to create sculptures for the Seaport Art Walk, along the pedestrian entrance to New Bedford’s Seastreak Ferry Terminal. Until the big reveal, you will find the following emerging talent busy in their studios, some making their first piece of public art; Libby Bell, David Cardenas, Laura Franco , Aleisea Guzman, Bianca Laslo, Melony Poirier, and Paige Smiley. Each of the projects have received a stipend to get artwork underway, but we’re excited to say that one outstanding project will receive a special award at the opening reception, held at the Pride AHA! night this June 13th. So join us opening night to celebrate the incredible talents from two exceptional South Coast institutions and see for yourself who will be the final winner!
This project was made possible thanks to the many partners including: New Bedford Economic Development Council (NBEDC), the City of New Bedford’s Tourism Department, New Bedford Harbor Development Commission, UMASS Dartmouth’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), and Bristol Community College (BCC) Visual and Performing Arts Department and Massachusetts Design Art & Technology Institute (DATMA). We’d like to add that DATMA was pleased to join in the collaborative efforts for the first time this year, having the lucky opportunity to score proposals and determine the six final projects. And finally, a special thanks to curator, Jessica Bregoli who has worked tirelessly for eight years establishing the Seaport Art Walk, now officially recognized by Destination New Bedford, the City’s tourism department who generously provides an Art Walk exhibition webpage with a site map for anyone wanting a self-guided tour.
Big shout out too all who helped launch the 2019 Seaport Art Walk exhibit! Public art takes a village and all members involved were enthusiastic and more than willing to roll up their sleeves.