On Sunday afternoon, June 22, I greeted close to 100 visitors in ArtWorks! galleries. This was just a sample of all those who came to downtown New Bedford to share in the Taste Our SouthCoast food tasting or to watch artists at work at easels around the downtown area. A creative partnership between Downtown New Bedford Inc. and ArtWorks! brought crowds to Custom House Square and emphasized again that New Bedford is a creative city.

A creative place is where people experience the true pleasures of life. A young couple with their 18-month-old in a stroller drove from Rhode Island to enjoy our sunshine and get their taste of the city. They were very excited with the ideas and activities they discovered.

Two senior couples came on their first visit from the Cape to explore downtown and talked to me with enthusiasm about their day's adventure. Local residents walked into the gallery for the first time and came away with a new connection to what their own city has to offer.

Under the big tent, working chefs were recognized, and on each corner artists engaged in conversation with the public about their work.

I enjoy participating in the excitement of a creative city, and I appreciate that so many people work week after week to organize and make possible all the New Bedford festivals and events and in doing so make this city a rewarding, interesting and exciting place for us all.

I want to applaud the city workers, the volunteers, the artists, the chefs and musicians — all the creative people who give their time so freely. I also want to acknowledge the volunteer leadership at Downtown New Bedford Inc. and ArtWorks! whose vision produced a delicious and creative 2nd Annual Taste Our SouthCoast event.

I encourage everyone in New Bedford and surrounding towns to attend the wonderful city events that fill New Bedford's summer and fall calendar. Take a fresh look at what New Bedford has to offer. Discover great music and art at Summerfest, and share the pride of the Cape Verdean Recognition Day Parade on July 5 and 6.

There are so many festivals and celebrations, open studios and gallery openings, a new AHA! Night each month and always the working waterfront to explore. The creative people and energy of this city will inspire you.

July 01, 2008

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