FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 22, 2024
Contact: Margo Saulnier msaulnier@nbedc.org
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Embark on a Creative Journey: Explore the 2024 ArtWeek SouthCoast Festival May 9-19
SOUTHCOAST, MA – ArtWeek SouthCoast, an annual festival celebrating the vibrant creativity in our communities, invites you to join them from Thursday, May 9 through Sunday, May 19, 2024 for an expansive array of over 50 unique and imaginative experiences. ArtWeek SouthCoast is presented by the cities of Fall River and New Bedford, and towns of Dartmouth, Marion, Westport, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, and Wareham.
From gallery shows to live performances, poetry readings to painting demos, there’s something for everyone to enjoy with family and friends. ArtWeek SouthCoast promises hands-on activities, interactive workshops, and behind-the-scenes access to artists and the creative process. A full line-up of events can be found at artweeksouthcoast.org.
Join poet James Cronin at the Davoll’s General Store and Westport Free Public Library for readings from ‘The Landscape About Us: A SouthCoast Anthology.’ States Cronin, “Thanks to Midori Creativity and Westport Writers Group and ‘The Landscape About Us’ project for grounding me as a poet in the beautiful landscapes of my hometown.”
The Marion Art Center is excited to present six unique programs during ArtWeek. Executive Director Jodi Stevens elaborates, “We have the premiere of an original play, “All the Frozen Ones,” a free community bike-tune up, a solo performance by Mashpee Wampanoag storyteller Annawon Weeden, a demo of the art of tree carving with chainsaw artist Even Verissimo, and two workshops – painting on silk with Lidia Mikhaylova and painting a sailboat scene with Barbara Healy.”
Poet James Cronin expresses gratitude saying, “Thanks go to Midori Evans and The Landscape About Us project for grounding me as a poet in the beautiful landscapes of my hometown.” Join Cronin at the Davoll’s General Store and Westport Free Public Library for readings from ‘The Landscape About Us: A SouthCoast Anthology.’
Hatch Street Spring Open Studios in New Bedford offers a festive weekend where artists open their doors to the public, showcasing handmade textiles, ceramics, furniture, and more. Other events in New Bedford include AHA! (Art, History and Architecture) Night highlighting a Preservation Celebration, a Thump and Soul Session at Gallery X, a USO-themed concert by Seaglass Theater Company, and a Marine Debris weaving workshop at the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.
“We are thrilled to announce that the 4th annual We HeART Fall River festival coincides with ArtWeek SouthCoast,” said Ashley Occhino, executive director of the Fall River Arts and Culture Coalition (FRACC). “We promise engaging activities for families, food trucks, live performances, and a showcase of handmade goods from the Fall River Farmers and Artisans Market.”
Additional ArtWeek SouthCoast highlights include Westport Art Group’s Plein Air painting and Spring Group Show, Rebecca Correia at the Zeiterion’s Stage Door Live, Open Studios at the Greater Fall River Art Association and Narrows Center for the Arts, and so much more.
ArtWeek SouthCoast is supported in part by grants from the Fall River, Marion, New Bedford, Wareham, and Westport local cultural councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, with additional support from Bristol County Savings Bank and SouthCoast Community Foundation.
For more information and event details, visit artweeksouthcoast.org.
About ArtWeek SouthCoast:
ArtWeek SouthCoast is an annual festival celebrating creativity along the South Coast of Massachusetts. Originally launched in May 2021 as SouthCoast SpringArts, the festival continues in the spirit of ArtWeek MA, a statewide creative festival for all. ArtWeek SouthCoast is presented by the cities of Fall River and New Bedford, and towns of Dartmouth, Marion, Westport, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, and Wareham. Members of the Steering Committee include AHA! New Bedford, Dartmouth Cultural Center, Hatch Street Studios, Explore New Bedford, Fall River Arts & Culture Coalition, Marion Art Center, Midori Creativity, New Bedford Creative, South Coast Almanac, South Coast Artists, Viva Fall River, and Westport Art Group. The festival is supported in part by grants from the Fall River, Marion, New Bedford, Wareham, and Westport local cultural councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, with additional support from Bristol County Savings Bank and SouthCoast Community Foundation.
Photo description: Art is displayed at an open studios event at Hatch Street Studios in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
Photo credit: Josh Souza