New Bedford Art Museum Celebrating 30th Anniversary with June Gala

The New Bedford Art Museum is 30 years old this year, and director Suzanne de Vegh and her team are planning a Gala celebration to mark the occasion. She stopped by Townsquare Sunday to discuss future plans for the museum and the Gala coming up on June 10.

De Vegh has served as director for almost three years, and said New Bedford continues to grow as an arts community.

"It's explosively creative," de Vegh said. "There is a great richness here that I'm so grateful for."

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De Vegh is especially proud of a new exhibit "Best of the SouthCoast" that will be unveiled on June 10 during the Gala, and officially open to the public on June 12.

"Best of SouthCoast is a celebration of this community's artistic production over more than 200 years," she said. "Our exhibit will introduce the work of more than 75 local artists."

The Gala serves as a major fundraiser for the museum. Tickets are available on the New Bedford Art Museum website.

In addition to the Best of SouthCoast exhibit, the Gala will include live music, "breathtaking aerial performances," a mysterious painting reveal, awards and refreshments.

"It's the funds that we raise from events like this that enable us to offer so many free programs throughout the year to young people, to families and the elders," de Vegh said. "It's a party, and its going to be magnificent, but its also essential to the business we do year-round."

One of those free programs is the New Bedford Art Mobile that's on the road throughout the year visiting summer lunch sites at local parks, senior centers and cultural events, spreading the joy of art. The Art Museum also offers "KidZone," a drop-in art class for families every Sunday, starting at 2 p.m. Also coming this summer will be Art Camp 2025.

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