These artists want to tell Whaling National Historical Park's story. Here's how they'll do it

NEW BEDFORD — New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park will continue in the National Parks' tradition of working with the creative community, and on Wednesday announced four new artists-in-residence.

"We are thrilled to be working with such a talented and diverse group of artists this year,” says Superintendent Jennifer Smith. “Each artist, working through a variety of media, brings a unique perspective and interpretation to the many stories we tell at the park.”

With over 20 applications from nine different states received, four artists were selected to complete their residencies over a three-month period. Each artist will have access to a private 300-square-foot studio overlooking the historic district and waterfront and will receive a $2,500 stipend. The Park provides equipment, materials, and programming insight. The Park and resident artists work together to provide workshops, open studio hours, and events, all free and open to the public.

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"Through in-person and virtual engagement, the park's Artist-in-Residence program offers an immersive experience that helps to deepen the public's understanding and appreciation of park resources," states Lindsay Compton, Arts and Youth Coordinator.

Isabel Mattia

Isabel Mattia, in residence January through March, is a sculptor and educator from Little Compton, R.I. Her practice also explores writing, drawing, video, and "even some shy performances." Isabel will create a “Tiny Museum of Sentimental Objects” — a project that celebrates the diverse histories held by New Bedford residents through exploring personal sentimental objects and the stories they carry.

Kate Sheridan

Kate Sheridan, in residence April through June, is an illustrator and writer from Louisville, KY. During their residency, they will create Whalebones, a comic anthology of interconnected stories set in the New Bedford area and areas abroad related to its history (the Pacific and the Arctic) that combines elements of history, folklore, and horror. It examines love, pain, and grief during the whaling era.

Candida Rose Baptista

Candida Rose Baptista, in residence July through September, is an educator, researcher, and musician from New Bedford, Mass. Her residency will focus on furthering her studies of Cabo Verdean and American music, to deepen her storytelling, and to pursue additions to her Masters Capstone Project entitled, “KabuMerikanus: The Sum of US - Exploring the Cabo Verde/United States Musical Connection and Legacy”. She hopes to present this information to the public during her three-month residency, as well as participate in the city’s celebrations of Cabo Verdean Independence Day, which is on July 5.

Margo Connolly-Masson

Margo Connolly-Masson, in residence October through December, is an oil painter and collage artist from Fairhaven, Mass. She is currently pursuing a Certificate in Natural Science Illustration from RISD, she maintains studio space at Hatch Street Studios, and sells artwork at The Drawing Room. During her residency, she will create a children’s book that highlights the human and natural environments of New Bedford, with a focus on the downtown district and working waterfront.

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Applications for residencies in 2023 will open on April 1, and close on Aug. 30. All applications will be submitted through anyartist.org. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Arts and Youth Coordinator [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park artists-in-residence named