New Bedford Seaport Art Walk Returns with a Revolutionary Twist

The 2025 Seaport Art Walk is officially open, offering its signature immersive public art experience along New Bedford’s historic working waterfront.

The experience takes you through Tonnessen Park, located between State Pier and Fisherman’s Wharf, and expands throughout the waterfront.

Now in its 12th year, the Seaport Art Walk has become a popular summer tradition. This year’s theme, “Revolution/Evolution,” highlights New Bedford’s powerful legacy of transformation – from its Wampanoag roots to its pivotal role in the abolitionist movement and beyond.

This year’s featured works involve some truly diverse artists from all ages. 

• Changemakers Club by Maya Bird-Murphy and Our Sisters' School students, spotlighting youth voices and leadership.
• Convolution by Brooke Doherty, an abstract take on transformation.
• Dr. Marie Equi by Mandy Fraser, honoring the radical legacy of a queer physician and labor activist.
• Weaving a Community by Ed McAloon, reflecting the strength in connection.
• Mary “Polly” Johnson’s Herb Garden Quilt Mural by Jill Strait, celebrating abolitionist heritage through vibrant design.

Some art pieces from previous years are also making a return and  include Donna Dodson’s Moby Dick (2015) and Eric Lintala’s Memories Carried on a Wing (2023), adding depth and continuity to this year’s theme.

So what’s new for this year? Some large-scale photography panels from five local artists – Beatrice Alder, Ben Berke, Paula Robinson Deare, Adrian Tió, and Zachary White –  all of which capture revolutionary stories through their camera’s lens.

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The Seaport Art Walk is a local effort of New Bedford Creative in partnership with  DATMA and the City of New Bedford, along with several other cultural organizations. It couldn’t happen without the support of  Arts, Culture, and Tourism Fund, New Bedford Cultural Council, Mass Cultural Council, Barr Foundation, and Bristol County Savings Bank.

We have a vibrant art community here so hopefully you get a chance to visit this year's Seaport Art Walk. It’s a great opportunity to learn a thing or two as well.