There’s nothing more exciting than to see a new public space being brought to life. Public spaces provide the opportunity for community and connection. It’s why the New Bedford TDI District, with its partners, held a series of Love The Ave Wednesdays in the Nye Street Pocket Park during the summer of 2023 – and why we left the contemporary structure “Love Locks” by Keith Francis behind as a permanent reminder that this space belongs to those who embrace it in their hearts. 

It’s also why we expanded the concept during the Love The Ave Block Party this late summer, 2024 – when we took over Acushnet Avenue itself to throw a party that spilled down the steps of St. Anthony of Padua Church into the street and adjoining areas – including Nye Street Pocket Park once more. 

Now, the TDI District and all of New Bedford is on the cusp of gaining a brilliant new public space to hold dear: Island Park by the Cape Verdean Cultural Center. 

The full activation of Island Park took a giant step forward this past month when the Cape Verdean Association in New Bedford welcomed artist Meclina Gomes to the park to execute her commision from the group to beautify the bespoke serpentine stone benches installed in the park with her artwork. 

Meet Meclina Gomes

Meclina Gomes, a native of Carver, MA, returned to the area and now lives in New Bedford after 25 years in Atlanta, GA. She brings a deep personal connection to Cape Verdean heritage to her design for the benches in Island Park. “Both my parents are 3rd generation in the USA. My family is from the island of Fogo,” says Gomes. Her work is featured in both private and public collections, and more information about her art can be found at Meclina Art.

Gomes’ dynamic design for the benches is intended to celebrate the vibrancy of Cape Verde as a place and provide a meaningful, lasting contribution to this public space. The design incorporates key visual elements common in Cape Verdean culture, such as fruit, hibiscus, and cacuhpa – a favorite type of soup.

Island Park: A New Cultural Landmark for New Bedford

Island Park, adjacent to the Cape Verdean Cultural Community Center at the historic Strand Theater, 1157 Acushnet Avenue, is poised to become a key destination for cultural performances and community events in New Bedford’s Near North End. The park is an urban, ecological space designed to inspire and educate both residents and visitors. In collaboration with the CV Cultural Center, it will be New Bedford’s first outdoor cultural performing arts space.

The park will serve as a hub for educational programming and live performances, with the goal of enriching the community and driving economic growth in the surrounding area. Island Park is also envisioned as a starting point for local parades and festivals, providing a gathering space that will attract diverse participants and visitors.

The Cape Verdean Cultural Community Center

Once fully restored, the Cape Verdean Cultural Community Center, housed in the historic Strand Theater, will provide a welcoming space for musical performances, art exhibitions, cultural history preservation, and educational programming focused on Cape Verdean culture. The center will offer programs for all ages and serve as a cornerstone for preserving and celebrating the Cape Verdean heritage in the region. (For more information on CVANB’s initiatives, visit www.cvanb.org.)

On Saturday, October 19, Meclina Gomes began her journey toward completing her work at Island Park. By the time of this writing, it may be largely finished. Now, all it awaits is the warm embrace of people who Love The Ave. 

(Featured image above courtesy Meclina Art)

PARTNER NEWS

New Bedford Creative is set to announce that it’s accepting 2025 grant applications for two city-wide programs, Wicked Cool Places and Art is Everywhere. Look for the online application portal in early November on NewBedfordCreative.org. Additionally, expect a “Call for Art” for the 2025 Seaport Art Walk to be posted on the website soon!

Groundwork Southcoast is holding their Harvest Bash fundraiser on Thursday, November 7 from 5-8:00 p.m. Harvest Bash is Groundwork Southcoast (GWSC)’s premier annual fundraising event and celebration of their work, featuring a cash bar, appetizers and refreshments, music, raffle items, networking, and stories shared by their Green Team members. Harvest Bash 2024 will be held at Hatch Street Studios’ (90 Hatch St, New Bedford) 2nd-floor event space (elevator available on-site). (GWSC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.) GET TICKETS HERE.

Discovery Language Academy launches its American Citizenship Classes on November 12. Nuno Da Silva is the instructor, and the classes are free due to the generosity of the Neto Family Foundation. The class will fill up quickly; email them at [email protected] to register ASAP. Discovery Language Academy is located at 128 Union Street, downtown New Bedford. 

Hatch Street Studios holds its semi-annual Open Studios weekend on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24. They write, “The artists of New Bedford’s Hatch Street Studios will throw open their doors to the public on Saturday, November 23, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sunday, November 24, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm as well. Hatch Street Open Studio Weekend is a joyous community activity that’s entertaining and educational for adults and children of all ages. Taking place twice a year, Hatch Street Open Studio Weekend is a festive event where more than 65 creatives open their workspaces, studios, and gallery doors to the public.” Find out more here. 

IN THE NEWS

South Coast Almanac visited Case Lempira on The Ave – and drank in the delicious flavor: Owner Mary Pineda can serve you up a juice flight that’ll make you feel like you’ve gotten your passport stamped. Originally from Honduras, Mary takes the fruits of her country – many that aren’t familiar to people outside Central America – and she creates delicious housemade juices from them. We tried almost all of them and they are unbelievably delicious.” READ THE STORY HERE.

From SOUTHCOAST TODAY: A big change is coming to the neighborhood on Coffin Avenue in New Bedford’s north end where the long-closed Sunbeam Bread bakery building stands. In the works is a storage warehouse for building contractors, with three bays on the first floor, indoor batting cages and a small retail space.” FULL STORY HERE.

SAVE THE DATE

A very special event and collaboration between Broken Glass Projection Mapping, St. Anthony of Padua Church and New Bedford TDI District will happen on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the church. It involves lights, music, and hot chocolate! But you’ll have to wait until the December newsletter to learn more – unless you follow us on Facebook.com/LoveTheAve …. and, we’ll give you a sneak peak here. 

 

• The New Bedford TDI District team.