New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Inside Out: The New Bedford Fishing Industry Through Industry Eyes, is a multi-media exhibit featuring the work of six artists who are all employed in or retired from the local fishing industry. The exhibit which is on display at the main branch of the New Bedford Public Library (613 Pleasant Street) has been extended through November 30th. The public is invited to a gallery talk on November 12th (AHA night) from 7:00-8:00 pm. The exhibit, which features photographs of Alan Cass, Serina Gundersen, and Phil Mello, illustrations of Bob Bowers, knot work of Manny Vinagre, and boat models of Manuel Silva, is a project of the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center.
At the gallery talk on November 12th, each of the artists will talk about the relationship between their work and their art. 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”.
Serina Gundersen’s photographs industry objects and provides an intimate portrait of a single family business. Phillip Mello documents shoreside workers over a forty year period. Alan Cass captures the everyday and extraordinary aspects of life at sea. Bob 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. Manuel Silva, who passed away in June, created, in miniature, the workboats on which he spent so much of his life. His son Joao DaSilva will talk about his work.
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.
