As the warmer weather compels us to leave our homes and hovels, springtime proves the perfect time to visit local museums. Check out some of our top picks for New Bedford!
Anyone interested in classic art will enjoy the exhibition opening of "The Azorean Spirit: The Art of Domingos Rebelo" at the Whaling Museum on April 7 from 6-7 p.m., followed by a roundtable discussion about the artist and his work from 7-8 p.m.
The museum website notes that in a career spanning more than 60-years, Domingos Rebelo (1891-1975) belongs to the first generation of Portuguese modernist painters. He created thousands of works of art that reflected his Portuguese identity and culture and honored his Azorean roots. Because his dream of exhibiting his works for Portuguese emigrant audiences abroad in the United States never came true during his lifetime, "The Azorean Spirit: The Art of Domingos Rebelo" is the first international exhibition of his work to be presented in America. Organized by his grandson and researcher, Jorge Rebelo, this seminal exhibition brings together over 50 paintings and works on paper from collections in continental Portugal and the Azores.
On April 21, the museum will also delight art aficionados with IGNITE 2022: A Youth Showcase of Art Inspired by the Historic Women of South Coast, an art show inspired by the Historic Women of South Coast workshop the museum conducted in January and February.
Museum marketing consultant Jakub Lis said he is proud to note that the 2020 showcase had featured 25 talented young artists, and the 2022 show will feature a similar number of them. “Anyone between the ages 12 and 22 was welcome to submit their work,” he said, “and the results were amazing.”
He also noted that from April 18 to April 22, parents and children alike should take advantage of April vacation week activities at the museum each day starting at 6 p.m. Activity details have not been finalized, but the museum promises each family-friendly activity will be both fun and educational.
History buffs should attend the Local History Guild’s presentation at the museum on AHA Night, scheduled for April 14. The topic has not yet been set, but it always centers around moderated conversations with experts on local history.
For more on all of the above, visit whalingmuseum.org.
Rooms with Views
The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum (RJD) at 396 County Street has offerings for kids and adults alike during April vacation week.
Executive Director Dawn E. Salerno explained in a press release that the second floor of the museum invites visitors to sit on the furniture, handle period toys, and even make their own thaumatrope – a Victorian “fool-the-eye” toy. “Children will also have an opportunity to read books from the late 19th and early 20th centuries while sitting in a bean bag chair in this cozy nook,” Salerno said. “As a complement to the hands-on activities, toys from the museum's collection will be on display nearby.”
For adults seeking activities for elementary school-aged children, a museum visit is the perfect hands-on, minds-on activity. A scavenger hunt and prizes for participation will be featured. Children under 18 are admitted for free during museum hours that correspond with April school vacation week (April 16, and April 20 through 23). Only the accompanying adult will be charged admission.
For adults seeking their own recreation during school vacation week, Salerno noted, the Rotch-Jones-Duff House museum is also presenting the second in a series of live online talks from makers of local arts and crafts. On April 14 at 5:30 p.m, RJD's own Rick Finneran will weave together the topics of poetry, repurposed wood, and woodworking in his distinct, storytelling manner. Specifically, Finneran has been building wooden rocking chairs. While this project started as a hobby two years ago, he has now received special orders and made six chairs. Finneran's title at the RJD is Facilities Manager and Lead Gardener, but many also know him as a local poet. This event is free as a part of New Bedford's AHA Night.
The highlight of the RJD museum's spring season for adults is all about the music. Salerno noted that two local cultural organizations, RJD and the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra, are teaming up for a concert on April 3 at 2 p.m. in the double parlors of the historic mansion, with NBSO Principal Oboist, Laura Shamu, and Principal Bassoonist, Michael Mechanic.
The museum notes the parlors of the RJD mansion were used for musical performances by both Jones and Duff families when it was their private home. Beatrice Duff would have regular Thursday “musicales” as she called them, either playing the piano herself, or inviting guest musicians to play.
Seating in this intimate setting is limited, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. For more information, visit the museum website at rjdmuseum.org.
Finest Arts
Meanwhile, the UMass downtown New Bedford College of Visual and Performing Arts gallery at 715 Purchase Street is gearing up for its MFA art show, under the direction of Gallery Director Viera Levitt.
Organizers said the nine students who are graduating from this year’s UMass Dartmouth MFA program have submitted and installed their final project work for an exhibit opening on April 3 from 3-5 p.m. This will be followed by an opening during AHA Night on April 14, when the artists will give talks on their work from 7-9 p.m. They note a variety of art media will be represented, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and mixed-media.
For more information, go to umassd.edu/cvpa/gallery.
