Public art comes in all shapes and sizes and that's certainly the case in New Bedford, where the 2022 Seaport Art Walk kicked off this week.

The summer Seaport Art Walk began in 2013 and its founder, local artist Jessica Bregoli, is still involved today. She joined Townsquare Sunday this week to discuss the annual event and its importance to local artists and the community.

The theme for this year's Art Walk is "Open Spaces." Bregoli's exhibit, created with her partner-in-art Jessica England, is titled "Reconnecting," and represents our need to reconnect with nature.

"During the past few years, we have been isolated from nature and absent in our own communities," Bregoli said. "Now we are at a time when we are relearning to reconnect with others again."

Other exhibits were created by artists Erin Meade, Jacob Ginga, Colin Wetzel, and Keith Francis. Most of the art work will be in place until the end of October, so you have plenty of time to walk by and enjoy.

Bregoli, as you might imagine, is a strong believer in the importance of public art in communities.

"Art helps in rejuvenating a city and helps lift people's spirits," she said. "The Art Walk is free and open to the public and for everyone to enjoy."

Photo contributed by New Bedford Creative
Photo contributed by New Bedford Creative
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Bregoli said her group is talking with two other organizations about offering organized walking tours to view the art work. Look for updates on the New Bedford Creative website.

She also praised the work of Margo Saulnier, Creative Strategist at New Bedford Creative. Saulnier helped create a plan to raise awareness of New Bedford as an arts community, and then sought funding to support public art projects, like the Seaport Art Walk.

Bregoli's Townsquare Sunday interview can be heard here:

Townsquare Sunday is a public affairs program heard each Sunday morning at 6 and 11 on 1420 AM and 99.5 FM.

The program spotlights individuals and organizations seeking to make Greater New Bedford a better place to live and work.

If you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please e-mail the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.

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