Inside Out: The New Bedford Fishing Industry Through Industry Eyes

Bruce Fontes – Fish buyer for North Coast Seafood – by Phil Mello

Inside Out: The New Bedford Fishing Industry Through Industry Eyes, a multi-media exhibit featuring the work of six artists who are all employed in or retired from the local fishing industry will be on display at the main branch of the New Bedford Public Library (613 Pleasant Street) through October 31st. The public is invited to meet the artists at an exhibit opening on September 10th (AHA night) from 6:30-8 pm. The exhibit, which features photographs of Alan Cass, Serina Gundersen, and Phil Mello, illustrations of Bobby Bowers, knot work of Manny Vinagre, boat models of Manuel Silva, is a project of the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center.

While many past exhibits have explored aspects of the working port and the fishing industry through the eyes of artists and photojournalists, this exhibit features the work of those on the inside. From this vantage point, these artists have access to what is often a closed world. Their often intimate work provides viewers a unique opportunity to see the fishing industry from the “inside out”.

The Pilot House – by Bobby Bowers

Each of the artists focuses on a unique aspect of the fishing industry. Serena Gundersen’s photographs industry objects and provides an intimate portrait of a single family business. Phil Mello documents shoreside workers over a forty year period. Alan Cass captures the everyday and extraordinary aspects of life at sea. Bobby Bowers creates detailed drawings of the boats and their gear. Manny Vinagre uses his knot tying skills to create pieces that are both decorative and functional. Manny Silva, who recently passed away, created, in miniature, the workboats on which he spent so much of his life.

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the history and culture of New Bedford’s fishing industry through archives, exhibits, and programs.

For more information contact the Center at 508-993-8894 or nbfishingheritagecenter@gmail.com.