AHA!, Trustees of Reservations, to Host The Picnic:
A Special Community Gathering in Support of Public Art and Gardens
Who: The Picnic, a special community gathering in support of public art and gardens presented by The Trustees of Reservations and AHA! (Arts, History, Architecture) New Bedford. Sponsored by Howe Allen Realty, SERVPRO, and Dominoes.
What: On Thursday, August 17, join AHA! and the Trustees at the Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens for The Picnic. The event is a joint fundraiser, with proceeds going to help both organizations provide free experiences for the local community. “Haskell Public Gardens is the undiscovered premiere picnic location. We hope everyone gathers family and friends, grabs a picnic basket full of goodies, and joins us for a magical evening at one of New Bedford’s best kept secrets,” said Maura O’Gara, Engagement Site Manager, Southeast Gardens of The Trustees. The Picnic provides the setting for some stunning al fresco dining, including tables and chairs with vintage table cloths and flowers, music from Slow Boat Home — a great blue-grass band, plus lawn games, a small silent auction, and lights in the trees under the early evening sky. Guests are asked to BYOPicnic. Looking for last minute picnic treats? The Baker from New Bedford will be on site selling wonderful desserts, Sid Wainer’s team will have a selection of amazing foods to purchase along with a tasting table of small samples, and Cuttyhunk Oysters will be selling local oysters on the half-shell. While guests mingle, local artists will be on-hand to talk about “Maps & Legends Two: If By Sea,” an art exhibit installed in three historic greenhouses on the Haskell property. The exhibit features the maps of Zachary M. White of Spinner Publications, the sculpture of Kelly Zelen of Kilburn Mills Studios, and the paintings of Steven Froias of Groundwork! Guests can also enjoy a guided tour of the property’s gardens by Haskell Horticulturalist Kristin McCullin. "The Community Picnic will be a fun celebration — an end-of-the-summer, totally affordable way to enjoy a new garden greenspace in New Bedford while supporting two great institutions — The Trustees and AHA! Join us with your friends and family; it is the final night of the outdoor arts exhibition with talks from the artists and a fabulous blue grass band." said Lee Heald, Director of AHA! When: Thursday, August 17; 6:00 – 8:00pm
Where: Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens, 787 Shawmut Avenue, New Bedford. On street parking.
How: Tickets are $100/table (6 seats) or $20/person, and can be purchased on-line at www.ahanewbedford.org/picnic.php. For more information, please contact Lee Heald, 508-965-4816, ahacoordinator@cfsema.org
About AHA!
AHA! a project of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts, has held monthly arts and culture nights in downtown New Bedford since July 1999. Drawing thousands of people to the city on the second Thursday of every month, AHA! invites people to experience the arts in the heart of New Bedford through its cooperative network of over 60 businesses and cultural institutions. Visit www.ahanewbedford.org for more about AHA!
About The Trustees
Founded by landscape architect Charles Eliot in 1891, The Trustees has, for more than 125 years, been a catalyst for important ideas, endeavors, and progress in Massachusetts. As a steward of distinctive and dynamic places of both historic and cultural value, The Trustees is the nation’s first preservation and conservation organization, and its landscapes and landmarks continue to inspire discussion, innovation, and action today as they did in the past. We are a nonprofit supported by members, friends and donors and our more than 115 sites are destinations for residents, members, and visitors alike, welcoming millions of guests annually. www.thetrustees.org
