CELEBRATING ART, HISTORY, AND ARCHITECTURE: NEXT AHA! NEW BEDFORD SCHEDULED FOR JULY 13

New Bedford’s AHA! (Art, history, and architecture) Night is a monthly community event that highlights the rich community of New Bedford with an emphasis on the arts. In honor of pride month, June’s theme was Pride. The city was buzzing and Artscope was there to check it out!

June’s AHA featured three new exhibitions. Jane O’Hara’s “State of the Union” had its opening night at the New Bedford Art Museum. With a focus on animal advocacy, each state was represented in an acrylic painting highlighting animal rights within that state. Fifty-one thought-provoking paintings now hang on the walls and encourage museumgoers to think about animal rights in their state. This exhibit runs through August 20, 2023.

“Ira: 30 Years of Standing Still” is a retrospective exhibition honoring Ira Cohen, who recently passed was a live model for art students at UMass Dartmouth for over 30 years. Cohen inspired nearly 8,500 art students during his time as a model for which he was highly regarded. This beautiful show highlights some of the work he modeled for and acts as a tribute to his years at UMass Dartmouth. This exhibit runs through September 3. 2023.

Gallery X hosted the South Coast LBGTA+ Network and its “Kaleidoscope, A Pride 2023 Exhibition,” that closed on June 25. Its main gallery displayed art by local LBGTQ+ artists that reflected on the experiences and creative minds of local artists.

June’s block party was a beautiful Pride celebration. There were rows of local vendors as well as a drag show, poetry readings, and dance performances. Walking through the square was the perfect glimpse into LGBTQIA+ and ally community of New Bedford and it emphasized the love for the arts bestowed in this community. AHA! nights fill the streets of New Bedford with a lively energy that is refreshing to witness after years in a pandemic. The local community is brought together through art, music, food, and creativity.

Check out the next AHA! Night, which will have the theme of “Kids Rule!” on July 13.

(For more information on AHA! New Bedford and a rundown of each month’s events and exhibitions, visit https://ahanewbedford.org/.)