"Is Abstract Art Alive and Well in New England Today?"

On Saturday, February 6, NBAM hosted "Is Abstract Art Alive and Well in New England Today?"

Over 50 people were in attendance for the slide show and panel discussion with Maya Allison, Director of 5 Traverse Gallery in Providence, R.I., Neal Walsh, artist and Director of alternative art space AS220 and Elizabeth Keithline, artist, curator, and Manager of Project Grants For Rhode Island State Council On the Arts ("RISCA"). Roger Kizik joined in the active discussion which he related to several of his works currently on exhibit at NBAM.

Neal Walsh, Maya Allison and Elizabeth Keithline

Roger Kizik participating in the discussion

The Museum has conducted after school art programs sponsored by the City of New Bedford’s initiative “Invest-In-Kids” since 1998.

NBAM partners with the City's Office off Human Services to offer after school art activities to a youth population, filling a critical need during a high teen crime time — after school from 3 to 6 p.m.

Current exhibits at the Museum provide the theme for the after school art activities, incorporating a “museum educational” experience with actual art-making.

artMUSed! activities are offered to approximately 75 fourth and fifth grade students during three semesters (25 students per semester) from October to June from schools in New Bedford.

Transportation is arranged to pick up students at their schools at 2:30 p.m., bring them to the Museum to participate in the program until 5 p.m. and then transported home.

More than 500 youths have participated in this much-acclaimed after school collaboration since its inception.