New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Ten new digital cameras were donated this past week to ArtWorks! by the Photographic Historical Society of New England, in support of the Kids with Cameras side of the ‘Postcards From New Bedford: a Photostory Project’. Project organizers have extended the registration deadline to Friday, August 17th and encourage city youth ages 8-18 to participate. The donated cameras are available for city youth to use, but the project is open to all Southcoast youth interested in New Bedfordas a photography subject.
The Photographic Historical Society of New England is an organization of people interested in the collection and history of photographic equipment, processes and images. Its goal is to promote a wider understanding and appreciation of the full legacy of photography and its relevance today.
“On behalf of ArtWorks! I want to thank the Photographic Historical Society of New England for their generous donation to support the project and invest in the artistic and educational growth of New Bedford’s youth,” said Deb Smook, Education and Outreach Director at ArtWorks! “We look forward to the glimpses and the inaudible stories brought to life through the photographs. The Kids with Cameras event and exhibit is a tremendous opportunity for youth to see their city with fresh eyes. Composing objects through a viewfinder might be the easiest part of this project!” added Smook.
This photography project has sparked the interest of eight-year-old Charlotte Jope, and her mother Jennifer Chyten Jope, a professional photographer. Charlotte is excited to pick up the camera for the first time to participate in this project. Charlotte’s mom stated, “I have thoroughly enjoyed viewing the world through her photographs and seeing the things that she finds compelling. We are both looking forward to experiencing the different stories and striking images that are captured by others participating in the postcards project.” The Jopes, transplants from Boston to the Southcoast, are delighted to embrace the city ofNew Bedford and its thriving art community.
All Southcoast area youth, 8-18 years-of-age, who are interested in participating should contact Alicia Moretti at ArtWorks! no later than Friday, August 17 by phone at 508-984-1588, email at aliciam@artworksforyou.org, or in person by appointment at ArtWorks! located at 384 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02740. Additional camera donations wanted in order to allow a greater number of youth to participate.
The Postcards From New Bedford: a Photostory Project is the brainchild of Beatriz Oliveira who has partnered with fellow photographer John Hodgson and the ArtWorks! organization to bring this project concept to life. Oliveira is a local Marketing/Events Planning professional and Hodgson is a retired CPA and former partner at Hodgson Pratt, Pratt & Saunders; both share a passion for photography and a love for the city of New Bedford. ArtWorks! is a non-profit community arts center that develops and supports community through educational partnerships, classes, exhibitions, and outreach programming.
This photography project exhibition is planned for the month of October in the ArtWorks! gallery. The opening is scheduled for Friday, October 5, 2012 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. A special opening for the Kids with Cameras side of the project is scheduled for Thursday, October 11, AHA! night, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
