New Bedford’s Waterfront Art Walk Tackles ‘Good Trouble’ and America’s 250th Anniversary

I like public art. When it has a message for the viewer, I like it even more.

The theme of the 2026 Seaport Art Walk in New Bedford is "Good Trouble," drawing inspiration from the late U.S. Congressman John Lewis, a Civil Rights leader, and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Art Walk founder Jessica Bregoli-Sparling and contributing artists Mandy Fraser and Paula Robinson Deare stopped by Townsquare Sunday to discuss the waterfront exhibit, which is open for viewing now through October.

Inspired by John Lewis and the Spirit of 'Good Trouble'

This is the 14th Seaport Art Walk in New Bedford, and according to Bregoli-Sparling, this year's theme "Good Trouble" feels incredibly urgent. "The artists have met the call to action with profound, challenging works that prove that art is not just decorative, it's a catalyst for conversation, justice, and community resilience," she said.

Lady Liberty, Immigrant Women, and Local Historical Legends

Courtesy Josh Souza/New Bedford Creative

Artist Mandy Fraser's work reminds us of the message to newcomers arriving here. "My piece is titled 'The New Colossus,' which is the title of the poem on the Statue of Liberty," she said. "The crack in Lady Liberty in my sculpture is supposed to represent the decay of our present day liberties, and the lack of asylum for those seeking a new life in this land of opportunity."

Other Powerful Messages in This Year's Seaport Art Walk in New Bedford

Paula Robinson Deare is one of five artists that used photography to question and reflect the spirit of revolutionary change, advocacy and storytelling. "I did three pieces of artwork, and each of them focuses on immigrants and women," she said.

Courtesy Josh Souza/New Bedford Creative

"One of the women I highlighted was Elizabeth Carter Brooks of New Bedford, a national leader who brought together the National Association of Colored Women's Club in the 1800s," Deare said. "It is still one of the largest organizations for women of color, organizing and protecting the rights of women, children, and families."

Other works of art include Timothy Goldkin's sculpture of labor activist Eulalia Mendes, a leader in the 1928 Textile Workers Strike in New Bedford. Also, Eric Lintala's creation 'Good Trouble: Protest and Poetry' highlights the life and work of New Bedford's first poet laureate Everett Hoagland, who died last year.

"New Bedford is really exploring, through New Bedford Creative, a variety of ways that artists can showcase their artwork," said Deare, a Boston native. "You can see art in all different kinds of venues, and the Art Walk is just one of the ways to do that."

Where and When to Experience the Seaport Art Walk

The Seaport Art Walk is located on New Bedford's waterfront, from the Black Whale restaurant to Coast Guard Park. Get more information at NewBedfordCreative.org.

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