Do you have a passion for the arts? Would you like to work for the Z?

The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center seeks part-time teaching artists for the following courses:

Songwriting
Beginner Guitar (group)
Early Childhood Dance/Movement
Theatre/Arts Integration (This position requires availability during the school day and a 6 to 8 week commitment. Multiple Positions Available)

Instructors must be passionate about working with learners of all ages and abilities. Both a strong background in the subject area and prior teaching experience are required. A Bachelor’s degree is a plus.
Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Application Deadline: December 31st

Please send a resume and cover letter to The Z’s Director of Education and Community Engagement at acubellis@zeiterion.org

www.zeiterion.org/employment

ZEITERION PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
www.zeiterion.org

New Bedford has selected area native Margo Saulnier to serve as the Cultural Coordinator for the city’s arts and culture community, overseeing the development and implementation of New Bedford’s Cultural Plan.

In recent years, New Bedford’s reputation has grown as the center for arts in the region and as a creative and inviting place for all types of artists to live and work. New Bedford was named the “Seventh Most Artistic City” by Atlantic Monthly, ranked Ninth on Matador Network’s list of Most Creative Towns, and sixth on Bustle’s Best Cities for Young Artists.

The Arts, Culture and Tourism Fund was proposed by Mayor Jon Mitchell in the spring of 2016 and approved by the City Council last year, and consists of half the revenue from the city’s lodging tax, capped at a total of $100,000. Creation of the fund also required the passage of a home rule petition by the state legislature. The petition’s passage in 2017 was led by state Sen. Mark Montigny.

Using monies from the Arts, Culture and Tourism Fund, the City selected the New Bedford Economic Development Council (NBEDC) to manage the search for the Cultural Coordinator. Over the summer, the NBEDC conducted a search for a Cultural Coordinator, and after receiving and reviewing applications and conducting interviews, area native Margo Saulnier was selected.

An Acushnet native and New Bedford High School graduate, Margo Saulnier is an experienced creative professional and educator with more than two decades of performing arts and entertainment industry experience. She has consulted on a number of projects in Boston with Celebrity Series of Boston, including three large-scale public outdoor projects: Street Pianos Boston “Play Me I’m Yours” (2013 and 2016), “Le Grand Continental” dance performance in Copley Square (2014), and “Let’s Dance/Bailemos Boston!” (2015) on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. She has managed production and programming for more than 4,000 live shows at the Boston Pops and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

Ms. Saulnier is currently a lecturer in the Music Department at Northeastern University’s College of Arts, Media, and Design, focusing primarily on management of music organizations, performing arts administration, and a course she created, Artistic Planning for Venues and Festivals. In 2016, she moderated the panel on women in music management, booking, negotiations and technology for Northeastern’s “Changing the Conversation: Women’s Equality in the Music Industry” Symposium. In 2014, she moderated the arts economics panel for Northeastern’s CREATE Initiative’s Value of Presenting Symposium. She has also participated on panels at the Future of Music Summit, Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP), and Boston University.

For more than a decade, Ms. Saulnier was involved in artistic planning for the Boston Pops, where she produced the orchestral debuts of Steve Martin, Oleta Adams, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, Cowboy Junkies, Melinda Doolittle, Guster, Aimee Mann, Natalie Merchant, My Morning Jacket, Amanda Palmer, Ozomatli, and many others.

She holds a degree in music from Boston University and a master of fine arts degree from Brooklyn College.

“The arts have been an important part of New Bedford’s story, dating back to its whaling days. The Cultural Plan will add to our cultural scene, attracting creativity and investment to the City and improving marketing, programming, and public art,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “I’m pleased that a highly qualified, driven professional, Margo Saulnier, will oversee the plan with both vision and passion to see the best results for New Bedford’s respected arts and culture community.”

“Margo is committed to innovative and interdisciplinary programming, new audience development, community engagement, and making arts accessible to all,” said Derek Santos, executive director of the New Bedford Economic Development Council.

THIS WEEKEND!

Hatch Street Studios, New Bedford’s largest artist community, is pleased to announce their annual Open Studios / Holiday Sale 2017.

This three-day celebration, popular with art lovers from the Southcoast and the entire New England region for more than 10 years running, offers a look into the professional spaces of 60+ artists working in a restored 19th-century textile mill. Visitors are invited to view the studios, discover their creative processes, and purchase original works of art in a wide variety of media including ceramics, jewelry, photography, wood, glass, painting, and textiles.

The festivities begin on Friday, November 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. We continue throughout the weekend from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with live music on Saturday by steel drum ensemble El Caribe and on Sunday by guitarist Butch McCarthy. Food service will be available all weekend by Destination Soups. The event is free and open to the public, with plenty of free parking and handicapped accessibility.

Check out their event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/301052790371346/
Visit their website: https://www.hatchstreetstudios.com/

Hatch Street Studios
88 Hatch Street
New Bedford, MA 02745

One of the great challenges of summer — especially for parents — is figuring out what to do to keep the family happy and entertained. Visiting a museum is a great way to fill up those weekend hours.

There are dozens of museums in the Cape Cod area, offering experiences to interest virtually anyone. Here are six reasons you should check out a museum or two this weekend: 

Checking out art decreases stress
Many studies have shown interacting with nature reduces stress. Now researchers are finding involvement with visual art might have a similar effect. According to an article in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, researchers studied adults ages 18 to 59 who provided saliva samples to assess cortisol levels as a measurement of stress. The individuals were sampled before and after 45 minutes of art involvement. Cortisol levels decreased after art involvement for 75 percent of participants, indicating a physical reduction in their stress.

You’ll learn something
Most museums are designed to educate and to engage their visitors by providing an interactive learning environment. Although the educational process is informal, museum guests typically experience attitude changes, learn about values, acquire knowledge and even develop skills just from walking through a museum and sampling the exhibits.

Some people value experiences over things
Would you rather spend money on stuff, or making memories? Many people choose experiences over things — perfect for a day at a museum. Research data published in The Journal of Positive Psychology examining three studies found people enjoy greater well-being from life experiences and consider them to be a better use of money than buying material goods.

It’s a great way to connect with children
Museums can “provide memorable, immersive learning experiences, provoke imagination, introduce unknown worlds and subject matter, and offer unique environments for quality time with family,” according to the National Endowment for the Arts. Museums provide an opportunity for dialogue in a fun environment. Simply asking a child what he or she likes and comparing ideas can prompt free-flowing communication.

There is something for everyone
No matter how unusual or quirky people’s hobbies, chances are there is a museum that will peak their interest and spark their imagination. The Cape Cod area has museums dedicated to farming history, art, railroading, gardens, maritime history and life, wildlife, historical figures, glass, sports cars and more. Many museums are also regularly updating displays and exhibits so there are always new things to see and experience.

It’s a bargain
While many museums charge entrances fees, the costs are often comparable to other activities like going to a movie or attending a minor league ballgame. Unlike those options, a museum experience is open-ended — once you’ve paid your admission you can generally spend the whole day or just a couple hours. Many also offer seasonal passes or family memberships that allow you to visit regularly. And in a world where costs for everything seem to be going up, there are quite a few museums you can visit for free.

Interested in checking out some of the museums the Cape has to offer? The Cape Cod Museum Trail has all the information you need to get started. Plan a visit for this weekend!

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Cape Cod Museum Trail

Website:capecodmuseumtrail.org
Facebook: facebook.com/capecodmuseumtrail/
EMail: info@capecodmuseumtrail.org

First Citizen’s Credit Union

200 Mill Road, Suite 100
Fairhaven, Massachusetts
Phone: (800) 642-7515
Website:firstcitizens.org/
Facebook: facebook.com/FirstCitizensFCU/
EMail: info@firstcitizens.org

On Saturday, June 3 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at State Pier, city officials, artists, organizers, and sponsors officially opened the third annual Seaport Art Walk.

Sustainable Oceans is a collaborative project of the Seaport Art Walk Committee, which includes City and Port officials as well as members of community groups such as NBbeautiful, the Working Waterfront Festival, Buzzards Bay Coalition, UMass Dartmouth, and Seastreak. The project, curated by Jessica Bregoli, includes nineteen sculptures and murals temporarily installed in the Seaport Cultural District, along MacArthur Blvd, and City and State Piers. This year’s theme aims to bring awareness to the problems and solutions, globally, in our oceans and waterways.

New this year is the addition of a lecture series that will pair scholars and artists to discuss topics that inspired the pieces. The lecture schedule can be found at http://destinationnewbedford.org/seaport-art-walk/.

The event is open to the public and will feature the first lecturer, live entertainment, a raffle, face painting, chalk art and games for kids, food and more. The opening will also include a guided tour of the exhibit, which will be in place until October 2017.

During Thursday’s AHA several people took part in the ‘To See and Be Seen’ art project right on the corner of Purchase and Union streets.

From the organizer: “It’s a collaborative drawing performance that investigates the relationships between the artist, the model, and the audience. Simultaneously stepping into the role of both the observer and the observed, the artist, the subject, the documentarian, and the audience take part in the act seeing on multiple levels.”

Video by Michael Silvia

By Jonathan Comey

Ever wonder about the people behind the paintings you see on SouthCoast walls?

One of the things that makes our region special is our sense of history and our embrace of the sea, which mix naturally to create a culture rich with maritime art. Many public buildings are adorned with wonderful art in different styles, from historic structures to new buildings.

The Southcoast Health location in Fairhaven has some nice selections of art to complement the newly built center, but in a stroll through the facility the header image really stood out. The picture doesn’t do it justice; the details are crisp and dramatic and pop off the canvas.

Looking at the lower left corner, the artist was identified as Louis Sylvia. Who was he?

Sylvia was a Dartmouth-based painter who specialized in marine scenes and painted for most of his life before passing away in 1987.

We found this clip from the 1975 from “Community,” a local New Bedford show hosted by Bob Bassett from 1960-1980.

Louis (pronounced Louie) sketched boats from a young age, studied in New York, taught art in New Bedford and his work lives on 30 years after his death.

“I’ve always wanted to paint ships,” he said in the interview, and for most of his adult life he did so in his studio on Fisher Road North Dartmouth. He shows off some of his work, including a portrait of the Charles W. Morgan whaleship and one from Westport Harbor.

The interviewer, Bob Bassett, was well known in the area before moving onto Baltimore in 1980. He died at 71 in 2000 from complications from ALS.

There are a number of organizations, landmarks and businesses that are quintessential New Bedford. Nothing says “New Bedford” more than these establishments and no one who has grown up in the city is unaware of their presence. It’s hard to think of our city without them and simply saying New Bedford is enough to evoke their images.

One of these institutes that has been around since the 80s is the artist owned and operated community art center, Gallery X, originally started as the 2nd St. Art Exchange. The idea of a few students from the Swain School of Design and a bunch of local artists in the late 80s, they have been showcasing local talent ever since.

Initially, they rented a storefront on Spring Street sandwiched between the former YWCA and the Zeiterion, thus the “X” in their moniker. This small spot was a popular spot and before long attracted more than artists, but local poets, actors, musicians, even playwrights. These folks were deeply connected with the community so offered a number of children’s art programs and workshops. Gallery X became incorporated in 1990, and began to grow at a rapid rate. One of the contributing factor to their growth was that they made the artistry easily accessible by charging the low, low price of free. Art collectors rejoice!

To accommodate this growth, the gallery relocated to the 150 seat former 1855 First Universalist Church in 1995, where they still are today. In 1998, they purchased the building and began renovations including painting the structure, restoring the steeple, painting and west side and facade. They’ve done such a spectacular job that in 2003, they were given WHALE’s honorary Sarah H. Delano award.

What attracts so many artists to have their creations featured at the site, is the passion behind the current owners and also artists, Charles A. and Sue Hauck.

They are dedicated to the promotion of all the arts in the community the grew up in and love so dearly. They offer a unique space to display one’s work and even for a wedding, reception or other special occasion for that matter. Whether you have paintings or sculpture to show off, want to use the stage for your music or band, play, comedy act, musical, or theater group there’s no better, more affordable way with a venue of this size. All mediums and genres are embraced.

In addition, rubbing shoulders with your peers and mentors means you are not only learning to refine your technical ability, curate a show, or hang the artwork, but you are perpetually being inspired and motivated.

For the fan of the arts or collector, the constant and consistent display of an astounding variety of new artists and their work, means you are always stimulated and sated. Supporting Gallery X with visits or membership is supporting the area’s artists – a large number of residents considering that the city has an above the state average of them.

If you have a public or private event and want to rent the gallery you will find all the information <a href="http://galleryx.jimdo.com/rentals/"here including rates, information on discounts for non-profit organizations or community group, the service kitchen, images of what the spots look like, and any other bits.

Are you an artist or an art collector interested in membership? How to become a member, what is needed as well as what is required, the fees and more can be found here

The best way to see what Gallery X offers is to stop in when they are hosting or any other time. Start to mingle with other artists, meet Sue or Charles and have all your questions answered. Another fantastic opportunity will their celebration with music, the arts, history and the culture of the New Bedford area, the Upper William Street Festival. This annual festival will take place on Saturday, September 24, from 12:00pm-4:00pm.

The festival will not only give a glimpse inside the gallery but there will be performers in the streets, a farmer’s market, activities for kids, music provided by the Toe Jam Puppet Band, New Bedford Symphony, New Bedford Harbor Sea Chantey Chorus, the Jethros, and the Harpoon Harmonizers. Furthermore, present will be craft makers and a book mobile.

Stop in and see what makes Gallery X, the directors, and the members, so special. It will be infectious, inspiring, and motivational.

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Gallery X
169 William Street
New Bedford, MA

Hours: Wednesday through Sunday 11 am – 3 pm

Phone: (508) 992-2675
Email: GalleryXNB@gmail.com
Website: galleryx.org/
Facebook: facebook.com/GalleryXNewBedford/

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nbbeautiful, a public-private effort dedicated to enhancing the beauty of New Bedford by encouraging and facilitating community participation in beautification projects throughout the city has created an award to recognize citizens who have beautified a space or building in New Bedford. The first annual New Bedford Beautification Awards will publically honor and commend homeowners, individuals and business owners who showcase civic pride in the outward presentation and appearance of their property. nbbeautiful invites the public to nominate beautification projects they believe are worthy of recognition.

“Our goal is to present an award annually in the month of September, which recognizes efforts on the part of New Bedford residents, homeowners and business owners who have beautified their home or business, either through landscaping, or building renovation. It is important that we acknowledge the significant of their beautification efforts not only for their own property, but also for contribution they have made to elevate the quality of life in their neighborhood and in turn in this beautiful city,” said nbbeautiful committee member Joan Halter.

nbbeautiful is accepting award nominations in three categories including: 1) RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE; 2) NON-RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE; 3) SPECIAL AWARD (Project by Boy Scout, Girl Scout Troop, non-profit organization, etc.) Nominations should include landscapes that are visually appealing, inviting, and use materials creatively. Overall enhancement to the neighborhood will also be considered as well as whether plants are drought tolerant and native or locally adapted. One winner from reach category will be selected. Each winner will receive an award created by local artist, Jess Bregoli.

Each nominated property will be visited and judged by the Beautification Awards Committee.

Presentation of the Beautification Awards will be made at ceremony on Saturday, September 24, 2016 following the Lower William Street Festival at 6PM at the First Unitarian Church at 81 Eighth St.

Applications are now being accepted for the Beautification Awards, and will be accepted until August 22. 2016 Application forms may be found at City Hall and the main library downtown.

The mission of nbbeautiful is to enhance the livability of New Bedford by championing public art, providing consulting on horticulture and tree plantings, developing collaboration between volunteer groups, and developing informational guides for citizens and businesses.

The group, known as nbbeautiful, consists of volunteers organized by the Mayor and co-chaired by Lynn Coish and Jess Bregoli. The group is an all-volunteer committee privately funded by grants and donations. It works closely with the Mayor’s Office and other City departments.