New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
The ArtWorks! gallery in New Bedford, along with Postcards From New Bedford: a Photostory Project partners Beatriz Oliveira and John Hodgson, invite budding photographers ages 8-18 years to take part in a photography exhibition planned at the gallery in October. Junior photographers interested in participating should contact Alicia Moretti at ArtWorks! no later than Friday, August 10 by phone at 508-984-1588, email at aliciam@artworksforyou.org, or in person by appointment at ArtWorks! located at384 Acushnet Avenue,New Bedford,MA 02740.
Postcards From New Bedford: a Photostory Project is a collective body of work by novice and professional photographers that aims to tell a visual story of the modern day whaling city from different points of view, in positive, engaging and thought-provoking ways. The junior photography part of the project, titled “Kids with Cameras – a window into my neighborhood”, is intended to give city youth a voice. Their work will be featured at ArtWorks! throughout the month of October, in conjunction with the main gallery exhibition of Postcards From New Bedford: a Photostory Project, which opens Friday, October 5, 2012 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. A special opening for the junior photography series is scheduled for Thursday, October 11, AHA! night, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The Postcards From New Bedford project brings together individuals with different levels of expertise that have an interest in photography. “The idea is to showcase varied perspectives, regardless of skill level. Ultimately, the hope is that both the observer and the photographer will take away a renewed sense of pride in their subject – the beautiful city of New Bedford…and will want to share that with the world.”, said project Founder & Creative Director Beatriz Oliveira.
Beyond the first exhibition, the vision for this project is for it to evolve into other community building and education opportunities. ArtWorks! will be the central hub for community groups to organize throughout the year, and plans are underway to send Postcards From New Bedford all over the world. “New Bedfordis too special a place to be kept such a well kept secret”, explains John Hodgson, partner in the project. “We feel this is a way to share the beauty and unique nature of our City all around the world, and allow many constituencies throughout the City to be a part of spreading the good word. It’s exciting!”
You can help put a camera into the hands of kids from undeserved communities in the city by participating in the “Sponsor a Camera” program. Donate a new or working used digital camera and you will help the youth ofNew Bedfordrealize their own unique vision of their city. Businesses or individuals can also sponsor a camera. All sponsorships will be acknowledged throughout the duration of the exhibition. Contact Alicia at 508-984-1588 to make arrangements for pick up or to drop off of donated cameras or for more information about camera sponsorship.
ArtWorks! is a non-profit community arts center that develops and supports community through educational partnerships, classes, exhibitions, and outreach programming. For more information visit: artworksforyou.org.
