New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
by Joyce Rowley
What could be more elegant than a garden party? A garden party by New Bedford Art Museum, of course! The New Bedford Art Museum (NBAM) is holding its Annual Garden Party this Friday, July 22ndfrom 6 – 9 p.m.
This year’s theme complements the current exhibit at NBAM, “New Bedford, Through the Lens, A Walk Through History,” an exhibit of historic and iconic New Bedford photographs. Hosts Max and Karen Isaksen at 14 Fort Street, Fairhaven are generously sharing their lawn with panoramic views of historic downtown New Bedford and the New Bedford skyline.
Phoebe Perry, NBAM’s Director of Development, said they expect over 200 people. Last year 230 people attended the annual garden party at Ms. Perry’s home in Marion. “The party draws from all over the area,” said Ms. Perry.
El Caribe, a steel drum band, will provide music. An open bar and a silent auction will be held in the stone barn on the Isaksen’s property. 43 local artists have submitted their work for the auction focusing on a photographic theme.
A print by the late Herb Ritts, “Two Giraffes Crossed,” and his book “Africa” will be auctioned with a minimum bid of $7,000. The 16” x 21” black and white silver gelatin print was donated by the Herb Ritts Foundation based in Los Angeles. Proceeds from the sale of the print will fund a photography and journaling program for a dozen 7th and 8th grade New Bedford girls.
“Our Point of View,” as the program is called, will provide lessons in all phases of photography from how cameras work to different styles of photography to printing. Canon digital cameras have been provided by Lifetouch, a student portrait photography firm.
Photographer Neil Alexander, who recently opened 65 William Street, a gallery at that location, will be teaching photography. Sheila Duarte-Andrade, NBAM’s head of Youth Education, and NBAM member Gina Gomes will mentor girls in the program.
“We wanted to give the girls another avenue to find their voices and build self-esteem…another avenue for expression,” said Ms. Perry who designed the program’s curriculum with photographer Arthur Rainchild. Ms. Perry will be teaching the journaling classes.
At the end of the course, the girls will have their own show at NBAM. Each student will exhibit two photographs of their own choosing and two journal entries to accompany it. The students will print and mount their photographs with the help of mentors from the New England Association of Photographers.
Friday’s weather is supposed to be just right for a spectacular sunset over New Bedford. Be sure to bring your camera.
If you go: Tickets are only $100 per person, $175 per couple. Reservations can be made by phone (508.961.3072) or online at www.newbedfordartmuseum.org or purchased at the door the night of the event.
Information for this event provided by Joyce Rowley and the New Bedford art Museum.
