Poetry Slammers Wanted for February Coffeehouse

Your Theatre, Inc. is bringing a new poetry experience to its audience in the dead of winter: LOVE TO HATE TO LOVE ~ Poetry of the Soul. On Saturday, February 6, 2016, YTI will become a coffeehouse where poets from New Bedford and surrounding towns will share compositions in a range of voices, styles and approaches. Some will read from their published works and some will perform their creations in a poetry performance competition known as a Poetry Slam.

The coffeehouse will open at 7 pm where the audience may enjoy dessert and coffee or tea. The poetry event will start at 7:30 pm moderated by New Bedford Poet Laureate Patricia Gomes. Local published poets who will read are New Bedford’s first Poet Laureate Everett Hoagland, BJ Nooth, Susan Grace and Catherine McLaughlin.

Poets who would like to participate as slammers must register with Your Theatre Inc. Positions are limited. Call YTI at 508-993-0772 or email to poetry@yourtheatre.org for information.

The presentation is being held at the wheelchair accessible Your Theatre, Inc. Playhouse located at 136 Rivet St. (corner of County St.), New Bedford, at the St. Martin’s Episcopal Church complex. Free parking is available off County Street.




Artist Spotlight: Stryker Jeff

Here’s New Bedford Guide’s first local artist spotlight! I had a chance to meet Stryker Jeff at his artist space at 101 Rodney French Blvd. during New Bedford Open Studios from October 4-5, 2014. Want to get featured? Send us an email to info@newbedfordguide.com.

Stryker’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Art-by-Stryker/212430425510397?ref=br_tf




Zach Meunier unveils latest artwork at Carabiners

Zach Meunier unveiled his latest artwork at the Carabiner’s open house Sunday, September 7th, 2014.




New Bedford Cultural Council Seeks Funding Proposals for Community-Oriented Programming

The New Bedford Cultural Council (NBCC) is now accepting grant proposals for community-oriented arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences programs. Grant applications are due Wednesday, October 15, 2014.

New Bedford Cultural Council (NBCC) funds programs that promote excellence, access, education, and diversity in the Arts, Humanities and Interpretive Sciences to improve the quality of life for city residents.  NBCC ensures that New Bedford’s share of Massachusetts Cultural Council funds are administered fairly and in the best interests of the community.

This year, the New Bedford Cultural Council will distribute $63,590 in grant funding to support community programming.  Previously funded projects include: Dennison Memorial’s “Children’s Art Program,” AHA!, Gallery X’s “Frederick Douglass Dedication & Art Show,” and GROW Education/Marion Institute “Round the Bend Farm.”

New criteria have been established this year for both standard grants and field trip grants. The new criteria are available on the 2014-15 MCC website (https://www.mass-culture.org/New-Bedford#). Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the guidelines as there are changes that will determine award success.

For specific guidelines and complete information the NBCC suggests that individuals and groups that are interested in applying for a NBCC grant this year attend one of the following information sessions:

  • Monday, September 8, 2014 from 6pm-8pm at the New Bedford Free Public Library at 613 Pleasant Street, 3rd floor Meeting Room, New Bedford.
  • Thursday, September 18 from 6pm-8pm at the Zeiterion Center for Performing Arts.  Please use the stage door entrance on Spring Street.

New Bedford Cultural Council grants are open to individual artists, arts organizations, community organizations and municipal agencies.  All projects funded by the NBCC must be based in New Bedford and must benefit the citizens of New Bedford through exhibits, performances, readings, demonstrations, or by other means.

The NBCC is charged with making funding decisions that best meet the particular needs and priorities of the New Bedford community based on the annual Community Input Survey.  Grants are awarded to individuals and organizations, with a maximum amount of $4,000.00 per individual or organization, or $1,500.00 per school for field trip grants.

The 2014 NBCC Community Input Survey suggests that the NBCC support proposals that emphasize the following:  youth and low income groups, public art projects, events that are free or offer reduced fees to low income New Bedford residents, projects that celebrate New Bedford’s cultural diversity and projects that emphasize collaboration with other groups.  In addition, field trip grants have new guidelines and the interpretive sciences will be given priority.

All NBCC 2014-15 grant applications and accompanying materials are due by Wednesday, October 15, 2014. These may be mailed to the NBCC P.O. Box 2027 New Bedford, MA 02741, postmarked no later than, October 15, 2014, or may be hand delivered to the Mayor’s Office on the 3rd floor of City Hall, by 4:00pm on October 15.  No late applications will be accepted.

For more information, and to download an application, visit www.mass-culture.org/New-Bedford or email newbedfordcc@gmail.com. Application forms are also available at all New Bedford library branches and the Mayor’s office.




Art Rocks! Open Call for local artists

By Jeff Costa

Carabiner’s Climbing + Fitness in New Bedford is holding an open call for local artists.  Inspired by the downtown New Bedford art scene, Carabiner’s, New Bedford’s nationally-ranked climbing gym and newly renovated fitness center, is holding its first ever art competition:  ART ROCKS! 

One first place winner will receive a paid-in-full one year membership to Carabiner’s plus a second paid-in-full one year membership for a friend, 2 free one hour massages and $200 in gift cards ~ totaling over $2500 in prizes plus, and perhaps most importantly, NB bragging rights!!

Our First Place ART ROCKS! Winner will be given full freedom of expression in the Carabiner’s ART ROCKS! Hall of Fame; a wall space of over 100 square feet for a canvas.

Entry deadline is midnight on August 15th, 2014. Email your digital portfolio, website, FB, etsy etc to Jeff Costa: jeff@carabiners.com.

*Artist Reception during our Anniversary Open House Party on Sunday, September 7th from 1-4pm!

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“Made in New Bedford” campaign launched by new business, seeks artists, artisans and craftsmen

Local Retailer Seeking to Represent the Work of South Coast Artists & Artisans Under the Made In New Bedford Label

The Landing Gift Shop & Chandlery is one of the newest establishments to open in the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.

One of the first things the shop’s owner Laurie “Elby” Botelho noticed before she decided to open the district’s newest retail shop was that most of the souvenirs available to visitors and tourists did not represent the history, cultural tradition and quality of the area.

Considering, she thought, how the area’s creative economy was on the rise, why not offer a retail outlet for the artisanry and crafts being produced here.

It is with that in mind that she is launching her Made in New Bedford campaign through social media to seek out the best the South Coast has to offer through her new store, The Landing Gift Shop & Chandlery is located at 98 Front Street between the Rose Alley Ale House and Cork Wine & Tapas also in the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.

Interested artists, artisans and craftsmen who are looking for a local retail outlet to sell their creations to local residents, park and city visitors and tourists from far and wide should submit photos of their work with a brief description regarding the items, materials and available quantities to facebook.com/thelanding98.

The Landing Gift Shop & Chandlery is looking for wearables, home goods and decorations, jewelry and mostly anything that represents New Bedford.

Laurie “Elby” Botelho also owns and operates Diamond Marine Supply, a commercial fishing industry outfitter and will also feature marine supplies at The Landing Gift Shop & Chandlery making it a very unique shopping destination for tourists, locals and commercial fishermen.





Uncover artistic skills while having a blast: uPaint Events brings social painting to you!

Find out what the buzz is all about!

New Bedford is known for a lot of things. It’s known as the Whaling City and at one time it was known as the City of Light. Now it could easily be called the City of Art. When it comes to the percentage of population of artists Massachusetts is well above the national average and New Bedford is ranked even higher. In a recent article by the Atlantic Cities publication, New Bedford was named the 7th most artistic city in the nation. Alma DelMar has declared that New Bedford has “the most artists per capita of any place in America”. The sheer number of galleries, art studios, photography shops, design studios, and various other art businesses would certainly suggest it.

Smiles comes easy and are contagious at uPaint social painting!

When it comes to the percentage of population that considers themselves an artist, Massachusetts is well above the national average and New Bedford even higher. In fact, a recent article in the Atlantic Cities publication named New Bedford the 7th most artistic city in the nation and Alma DelMar has declared that New Bedford “…has the most artists per capita of any place in America.” The sheer number of galleries, art studios, photography shops, design studios, graphic art businesses, etc. would certainly suggest it.

So, it would make sense that there are some innovative, creative and progressive ideas circulating in the community. One of those brilliant concepts is artist-led painting classes that bring the art to the people in a casual environment (read friends, fare, and fun.) If you’re like me and struggle drawing stick figures or handwriting that is legible, you have a healthy respect for art and artists, and may even feel that any chance of something resembling art couldn’t possibly be produced.

Well, we’d be wrong!

uPaint! Events is a mobile business that teaches “social” painting classes anywhere. They’ll come to your job, home, office, function hall, local restaurant or anywhere else. In fact, they feature many of their classes at local spots like Joe’s Cafe & Lounge.

But you don’t need a business establishment to enjoy what uPaint offers. Have a birthday or anniversary and want to do something a little out of the ordinary? Want to invite the girls over, order takeout, and bust open some wine? Having a slumber party for the kids? No special reason needed! You get your very own supplies and empty canvas and a talented and very capable artist willing to demonstrate, direct and inspire you to replicate the same piece of work that he or she is creating. All in an unintimidating environment. Each session is photographed digitally, so you can show your friends and keep a memento of the session!

An example of some of the paintings you’ll be taught to create!

Owner, instructor and local Miranda Pellegrino is an illustrator, photographer, artist, and graphic designer who has degrees in Graphic Design and Fine Art and is pursuing her third as an Illustration major at UMass Dartmouth. She was previously teaching classes in Rhode Island before relocating to New Bedford. She is passionate about bringing art and its social, cultural, and mental benefits to the people. She said that in spite of her years of experience she takes great joy, and is continually impressed but what people at the uPaint events create.

Miranda sums up one of the biggest misconceptions about social painting in her own words: “Usually the biggest misconception and/or fear that customers have is that it’s just too difficult to paint something ‘good’. They see the paintings and have anxiety about their abilities and skills or lack thereof. Customers start to relax as they learn step-by-step how to paint, how to mix colors, how to blend, and so on. I let them have enough independence that they don’t feel trapped in a rigorous lesson and give individual attention to all. It’s very important that the customers paint their own works as I don’t draw or paint anything for them. Their sense of accomplishment and happiness drives me. Everyone has an innate sense of design and is a capable of being an artist. I don’t believe that you’re either talented or not.”

What is a class like? A typical class is 2.5 hours long followed by a 30 minutes worth of digital photo taking. After donning your apron and parking your butt, an instructor will introduce themselves, welcome you, before a quick explanation about utilizing the brushes and mixing colors.

Let the creative juices and other “juices” flow!

Then you dig in. The instructor then creates the painting one step at a time, with clear, concise instructions. Before the next step is started, the instructor will field questions and check everyone’s work. Half way through, there is a 15 minute recess before finishing the second half. Then it’s photo time for bragging, boasting, or laughing at your creations!

There are a ton of benefits to tapping into one’s creative side, and when you add fun, social environment, and perhaps a little Lambrusco (or Spätlese), you get an experience that you will fondly remember…and certainly want to repeat. Having it at your home means that you get to avoid heading to the big city and dealing with its traffic and crowds. It’s you, your friends and family only.

Who knows, you may even turn out to pick up a new hobby, uncover a talent you had no idea about, or perhaps….just perhaps, you’ll be one of the new members of the growing art community that New Bedford is known for.


Want more information? Miranda’s website has testimonials, an easy to use calendar, a photo gallery of sessions, and some images of some of the paintings you will create. You can keep updated on promotions, find out about fundraisers, purchase gift certificates, or even book a private event.

The next classes: 

Sunday, May 4th: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/636064

Sunday, May 11th: http://sunflowers.bpt.me/

uPaint! Events

Phone: (508) 685-1329
E-mail:contact@upaintevents.com
Mon – Fri: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sat – Sun: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Website: upaintevents.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/upaintevents
Yelp: yelp.com/biz/upaint-events-new-bedford


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Working Waterfront Festival announces “Fishing Families” theme for 2014 Design Contest

The Working Waterfront Festival is an award winning, family friendly event celebrating the history and culture of New England’s commercial fishing industry. (WWF Facebook)

The Working Waterfront Festival is pleased to announce a design contest. Artists 16 years and older are invited to submit a creative design for the 2014 Festival. Designs will be used for the Festival t-shirt, poster and program guide. Designs should convey festival’s emphasis on the commercial fishing industry, the working port and the 2014 theme, Fishing Families.

The winning entry will receive a $100 cash prize and a Festival t-shirt. Entries must be emailed by or postmarked no later than Monday, March 31st. The winning entry and designer will be announced at Commercial Marine Expo on June 11th! Interested artists/designers are encouraged to visit the festival web site to learn more about the event and to download an application: workingwaterfrontfestival.org. Applications may also be received by contacting the festival office at 508-993-8894 or info@workingwaterfrontfestival.org.

The Working Waterfront Festival is an award winning, family friendly event celebrating the history and culture of New England’s commercial fishing industry. The free festival presents all that goes into bringing seafood from the ocean to the table in a way that is hands-on, educational and fun and features: local seafood, fishermen’s contests, dockside vessel tours, live music, children’s activities, cooking demonstrations, films, and more.

The 2014 Festival theme is Fishing Families highlighting the skills, knowledge, and traditions which are passed from one generation to the next. Programming will explore what it means to grow up in a fishing family; consider the important support role family members play; and pay tribute to the many family businesses which are part of the industry.





‘Open Studio Night’ to feature local craftsmen and artisans during AHA!

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Special art event: Open Studio Night during AHA! Thursday, December 12

The newest art studio to open in the city is having an ‘Open Studio Night’ to show off world class talent, right here in New Bedford and as a way to introduce themselves to the community. Located at 127 Rodney French Blvd, above the Furniture City building where the COLO COLO GALLERY is now are a variety of skilled crafts-folk: a copper artist/smith, a media design artist, a print press artist, a home decor artist, amazingly talented painters, and a photographer/designer.

The special event takes place on Thursday, December 12 while downtown is hustling and bustling during AHA! night. All of the artists are working hours into the night to have amazing work to display and sell.


Flier Front:

Open Studio Night Poster


Flier Back:

Open Studio Night Poster





Two passionate individuals, one community project; South Coast Artist Profiles


South Coast Artist Profiles

Some ideas come out of the blue. Others take a bit more time. The concept behind the South Coast Artist Profiles took several years to percolate and, to extend the metaphor, is still brewing.

It all started around 1980 with an article in the Standard-Times stating, “Researcher seeks clues about these artists.” It was a list containing 127 artists. The author of the article, Mary Jean Blasdale, was trying to find information on them and was asking for, “…a name, a birthday, an exhibition date…”

After ten years of research, the Artists of New Bedford A Biographical Dictionary was published by the Old Dartmouth Historical Society in 1990. The book is now out of print.

Ms. Blasdale’s book and a series of other events eventually led to the creation of the South Coast Artist Profiles website (www.southcoastartistprofiles.com).

The South Coast Artist Profiles is a website project that brought together two individuals. Ron Fortier has an MFA in painting and ended up spending three decades in marketing and advertising. Jeff Wotton wanted to go to art school but opted instead for a business education and operates a marketing agency.

They combined their love for art and their marketing experience and designed a website that incorporates the social relationship aspects found in Facebook, the business networking power of Linked In and the legacy and traceable connectivity of Ancestry.com in order to record the lives and activities of current South Coast Artists.

Fortier began the project as a blog and wrote articles about local artists including his mother who was a Fado singer in the 1950s and 60s. Writing that article made him realize that, other than his childhood experiences and memories of her career, there was nothing physically available to testify to her talent or her existence as an artist.

One thing led to another and the two men joined forces to create the South Coast Artist Profiles. The web project has three core components; the Profiles, a webpage resume for individual artists which is compiled into a directory of artists, the Index; a supportive database built with information from contributing artists, from researchers and readers and, an online Magazine containing articles about the cultural and creative community written by our writers and contributing writers.

Their ultimate goal is the documentation of the lives and activities of the individuals, both past and present, who represent the cultural and creative community and, who drive the local creative economy.  They intend to document the individuals, the institution and the icons which have shaped the creative and cultural community of this area.

To be successful, they need the support of the entire South Coast Massachusetts community. And, although documenting the living can be challenging, as Mary Jean Blasdale can attest to, documenting the dead has its own challenges.

With that in mind, the South Coast Artist Profiles website project is also developing a component called the Luminarium Profiles in order to be successful in spreading the word about the history, the achievements and, the vibrancy and the creative and cultural legacy of the South Coast.

For further information please visit the website at www.southcoastartistprofiles.com, contact the publishers at http://southcoastartistprofiles.com/contact-us or, email them directly at info@southcoastartistprofiles.com