AHA! presents 2nd Thursday year-round FREE nights of Art, History & Architecture programs in Downtown New Bedford with 37-venue partners.
Call us at 508-264-8859 or visit us at www.ahanewbedford.org.
The AHA! Project was formed in 1999 by a dedicated circle of cultural leaders, downtown businesses and individual artists. Since July of that year, the project has continuously presented its 2nd Thursday events. What originally included 14 venues now numbers 37 and spans eight galleries, three museums, The National Historical Park, City Hall and The Library, many of the downtown’s unique stores, restaurants and cafes as well as individual artist studios, a meditation center, several churches, The Bristol Building, The New Bedford Preservation Society and The UMass Dartmouth CVPA Star Store. AHA!’s mission is to collectively promote downtown culture and work towards greater sustainability of the downtown cultural scene and partner organizations.
AHA!’s articles on http://newbedford360.com are part of an expanding effort to bring more attention to the wealth of cultural events and experiences happening in downtown New Bedford.
The April 10th AHA! night presents a medley of New Bedford's emerging artists including the budding talents of New Bedford Public School students and the highly regarded year-end UMass Dartmouth design, artisanry and fine art exhibitions. This evening is also the annual Earth Eve Procession comprised of people-powered floats created in collaboration with community partners and highlighting current environmental issues.
Complete schedules available at all listed partners or online at www.ahanewbedford.org. All activities are free and held rain or shine.
New Bedford Public Schools Annual Spring Arts Festival
This special event celebrates the artistic and musical talents of NBPS youth. Over 2,000 pieces of student artwork from all grade levels will be on display at 8 downtown locations (see the AHA! flyer at partner locations or check www.ahanewbedford.org for details). Performances at the Zeiterion Theatre will feature the NBHS Show Choirs, Jazz Band, All-City Middle and Elementary School ensembles. There will also be an "Instrument Petting Zoo", an opportunity for children to experiment and interact with musical instruments at Gallery X presented by the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra and the Symphony Shop. All from 5-9 p.m.
UMassD CVPA Graduating Exhibitions
The UMD CPVA 2008 MFA Thesis Exhibition (715 Purchase Street) presents the works by 16 graduate students in artisanry, design and fine arts. The UMD Fine Arts BFA Exhibition features works by graduating seniors at ArtWorks! (384 Acushnet Ave) Students will give an informal artist talk at 6 p.m. at Artworks! All from 5-9 p.m.
Earth Eve Procession
The Annual Earth Eve Eco-Float steps off from Custom House Square at 5:30 p.m. proceeding through historic Downtown New Bedford with "people powered" floats and moving to the beat of Jamie Eckert's MD Brazilian Rhythms, New Bedford High School Marching Band, and the All-City Middle School Band. The parade will stop at the New Bedford Public Library on Pleasant Street for the crowning of Mother Earth and Father Ocean at approximately 6 p.m. The New Bedford High School Indoor Percussion Group will finished the festivities drumming at Custom House Square Vinny Lovegrove will emcee the evening. Floats should be pre-registered (contact: Deirdre Healy, Community Service Coordinator, UMass Dartmouth 508-999-8641).
Complete schedules available at all listed partners or online at www.ahanewbedford.org. All activities are free and held rain or shine.
View April AHA! graphics by Mediumstudio at http://www.ahanewbedford.org
Complete venues listings attached or can be found HERE.
GENERAL INFORMATION
All activities are FREE and open to the public. Year-round AHA! programming is funded in part by the Mass Cultural Council's John and Abigail Adams Arts Program, The Island Foundation, The City of New Bedford, the AHA! partners, individual supporters and in-kind marketing support from the Standard-Times and WBSM. For more information call 508-264-8859
First time visitors may want to start AHA! Night at the National Park Visitor Center (33 William Street). Complete program flyers with maps are also available at all AHA! venues starting the Tuesday prior to each event.
Directions: From I-195 E or W. Take Exit 15 (Rte. 18). Follow Rte 18 to 2nd traffic signal; take a right onto Union St. At the first traffic signal take a right onto Second Street and take your first left for parking in Custom House Square or continue on two blocks to the Elm Street garage. On-street parking also available for free after 6 pm.