Local Artist Showcase
First Floor
Banner Image: (L-R) Works by artists Susan Mendyn, Roy Rossow, Milton Brighton, David Formanek, Hannah Robidoux
The New Bedford Whaling Museum proudly celebrates and showcases some of the talented artists of the region. The exhibition rotates regularly and is located on the first floor of the Museum. This is an area that is accessible for free, no admission required.
The New Bedford Whaling Museum supports Local Artists by exhibiting work in a large wall vitrine in Jacobs Family Gallery, a prominent location that is highly visible and free for visitors. The Museum promotes these exhibitions on its website and through our social media.
Now Accepting Local Artist Submissions
The New Bedford Whaling Museum now invites local artists to apply to have their work featured in our Local Artists Case!
We accept submissions on a rolling basis for three exhibition time frames:
- January-April
- May-August
- September-December
Please refer to the FAQ below for more information and application requirements.
On View Now
In 2025, communities across the world celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cape Verdean independence from Portugal. New Bedford and the greater South Coast area of New England are home to one of the largest and longest-standing Cape Verdean communities outside of Cabo Verde. To mark this occasion, the New Bedford Whaling Museum highlights the Cape Verdean experience through art and storytelling.
Eden Soares, Amilcar Cabral, 2016. Acrylic on Canvas, loan courtesy of the artist
Eden Soares is a Cape Verdean American artist, graphic designer, illustrator, and muralist whose work brings cultural identity and community stories to life through bold visual expression. Born in Rotterdam and raised in the United States, Eden’s creative journey began with graffiti and evolved into a career that blends fine art, street art, and design. He is widely recognized for his vibrant murals across New Bedford and his work in branding and illustration that reflects both his heritage and his deep connection to community. As the founder of Trigrfx and CVEDEN, Eden uses his platforms to empower others through design, mentorship, and cultural storytelling. His art is not only seen—it’s a meaningful part of the spaces it inhabits.
Carl Lopes (b.1952), Dance of the Titans, 2025. Acrylics, holographic papers, beads, and high gloss resin on wood panels, 36 x 156 x 2 ¼ in., loan courtesy of the artist
Cape Cod artist Carl Lopes (b.1952) is highly regarded and recognized for his artistic contributions, community engagement, and uplifting the importance of cultural heritages. He has received awards from Pratt Institute, the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod, the Cape Cod NAACP, and the United States Embassy of Cape Verde. For Cape Verdean Contemporary Lopes took inspiration from underwater photographs of different species of whales when designing the mural Dance of the Titans, 2025. He combines geometric designs and motifs influenced by African design and tradition with his signature materials — holographic papers, glass beads, and high gloss poly-resin — to create a stunning, playful, and colorful scene that feels illuminated from within.
