This weekend, October 23 and 24, Kilburn Mill Artists are opening their New Bedford art galleries and working studios to the public and invite visitors to explore and view the creative process each day from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. In addition to seeing a wide variety of art works, including fine art painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, ceramics, textiles and jewelry, the Kilburn Mill, a city within a city, contains three popular well known art galleries offering a collection of individually curated exhibitions.
Situated on Clark’s Cove in the South End of New Bedford, Massachusetts, Kilburn Mill is surrounded by the waterfront for which New Bedford is famous (most notably, through Melville’s “Moby Dick”). The Kilburn is an artists’ destination, home to art galleries and studios, as well as an event center. It has become the region’s most versatile space with a rooftop deck providing gorgeous ocean views and a seaside walkway.
Kilburn Open Studios events will include live music in the Artisan Center and demonstrations in several studio spaces throughout the mill complex. A self-guided map will be offered upon arrival. There is plenty of free visitors’ parking.
October is a perfect time to purchase handmade one-of-a-kind artworks for the holiday season from paintings to textiles. Within the Kilburn Mill, you will find the unexpected in the fine and contemporary arts as well as the intersection of ocean, history, heritage and fantastic food for any and all palettes.
New Bedford has a history of celebrating the arts, and October’s cooler temperatures are welcoming for those wishing a scenic and affordable getaway. You will find public art throughout the city celebrating the city’s music, history and connection to the water.
For those who are looking to cycle, there are several paths that extend for miles. A favorite is the New Bedford Covewalk (Saulnier Memorial Bike Trail) which connects to both West and East Beaches and winds through Fort Rodman where ocean views are the finest.
On a clear day, the Elizabethan Islands are visible as is Butler Flats Lighthouse. For antique collectors, the Kilburn Mill is home to two antique centers, offering rare collector’s items as well as antique furniture. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park filled with stories of the whaling industry, the working waterfront, Underground Railroad and those who fascinate, such as Melville’s fictional Captain Ahab and the very real persons of Frederick Douglass, Paul Cuffee and Henrietta Green (the witch of Wall Street) to name just a few who have lived here.
Rich in history and tradition other weekend visits might include Buttonwood Park & Zoo, New Bedford Art Museum, The New Bedford Whaling Museum, Fort Taber Military Museum, The Seamen’s Bethel and Schooner Ernestina Morrissey. All locations offer an educational experience for family visitors and are handicap accessible.
Food! For those who like diverse and excellent cuisine, the list of available dining options is long, from breakfast to dinner by the water you will find the finest, especially in fresh seafood, at New Bedford’s taverns and cafes, many offering outdoor dining with entertainment.
Several of our Kilburn Artists have created artwork in a collective effort to entertain and inform visitors of New Bedford’s important personages at Cultivator Shoals on Union Street. Here you can enjoy the best cocktails and menu as well as view historical steampunk inspired portraits including Herman Melville. The Kilburn hosts an exceptional cafe and eatery Dough Company (DoCo) cafe that never disappoints.
For more information, visit kilburnmill.com for details on scheduled entertainment at the Night Stage Performance Center, where tickets are always affordable.
For information on lodging, available at several city locations, visit destinationnewbedford.org.
We’re looking forward to seeing you this weekend at our first Kilburn Open Studio event.
(Kilburn Mill Open Studios take place this Saturday and Sunday, October 23 and 24, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Kilburn Mill, 127 West Rodney French Boulevard, New Bedford, Massachusetts. Covid safety measures are in place and the venue is handicap accessible. For more information, call (508) 990-3500 or visit kilburnmill.com.)