It is always worth stopping in at any of New Bedford’s exhibition spaces, particularly so when the artists and galleries are trying something new.  See these intriguing new exhibitions…

In honor of Independence Day, the ArtWorks! gallery has on view through July 28 the work of local and national artists exploring the idea of immigration and what it means to be an American with "HERE AND THERE: Stories on Immigration".  Exhibiting Artists are Lasse Antonsen, Margarita Cabrera, Gil Corral, Nancy Crasco, Nicolaus Czarnecki, Jennifer Datchuk, Kenta Furusho, Quintin Gonzalez, Leeah Joo, Yoon Soo Lee, Milenka Lion-Kahn, Thelma Mathias, Karen Meninno, Allen Palmer, Antonio Carlos da Veiga Rocha, Beata Wehr, Marsha Wiggins, Dennis Yermoshin.

Gallery X, a contemporary art gallery located in a unique and interesting space—a restored historic church; First Universalist Church built in 1855—is featuring their annual summer member's exhibition, showcasing an eclectic blend of oil paintings, water colors and sculptures. Next on view at Gallery X is “Walking on Water”, the ARTS of Hancock County. This Mississippi Benefit exhibition, for artists displaced by Hurricane Katrina, opens July 25.

“Made In Poland – Contemporary Pinhole Photography Exhibition” is on view now at the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) art gallery.  This exhibit features the dynamic work of Polish photographers Andrzej Bogacz, Tomasz Dobiszewski, Danuta Gibka, Jaroslaw Klups, Georgia Krawiec, Marek Noniewicz, and Edyta Wypierowska.  The exhibit runs through September 15th.

Now on view at the New Bedford Art Museum (NBAM) is “Charles Henry Gifford: An Artist's Journey”, an exhibition of the revered local artist (1839-1904) examining his art, his life, and his times and the vibrant art scene of 19th century New Bedford. This exhibit features over sixty works, including oil painting, watercolors, India ink drawings, studies and sketches. Guest curated by Diane Gilbert.

The New Bedford Art Museum, founded in April 1996, is located in New Bedford's historic district and is housed in the Anthony J. Catojo Building, formerly a bank.

The Museum consists of five galleries. On the first level are the Skylight Gallery, Heritage Gallery and the Upper Vault. On the lower level is the Community Gallery and Lower Vault, with its distinctive circular safe door. Exhibitions change three times each year and vary in subject matter and artistic medium.

For additional exhibit on view throughout the city of New Bedford, take a look at the calendar section of this website and select "arts & culture" from the "search" list.

AHA! (Art, History & Architecture)

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.

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