Local Artist Showcase
First Floor
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.
David Guadalupe (b. 1981), also known as D Lupé, is a Puerto Rican and Cape Verdean artist from New Bedford, working in illustration, paint, and sculpture.
David Guadalupe (b. 1981), The Pious, 2020. Acrylic, latex, spray paint, colored pencil on wood panels. Courtesy of the artist.
David Guadalupe (b. 1981), Love & War, 2020. Mixed media on sculpted wood panels. Spray Paint, Acrylic, colored pencil, ballpoint pen, Art Resin. Courtesy of the artist
Artist Statement
 When popular culture seemed almost more gospel than entertainment. We remained transfixed to the altar. If it wasn't about busting ghosts, it was heroes in a half shell. A vigilante dressed as a bat or a teenage biker gang in NeoTokyo.
The moment the camera panned right and revealed Michael Jackson's cold zombie stare. He gazed right thru the TV and into our living rooms. Daily influence defined by a rigid qualitative distinction. Make believe made believers out of a generation already behind the eight ball. Art didn't become my religion, it was always my nature.
