Nate Risteen, Alanna Schull and Deb Smook
ArtWorks! Partners for the Arts and Community, Inc.
State of Massachusetts ornaments were designed and created by two groups of youth participating in ArtWorks! Partners for the Arts and Community, Inc., a non-profit community arts organization that provides in-school and out-of -school arts education programming and exhibitions to support the residents and artists of Southeastern Massachusetts. The ornaments containing suspended clay objects are created by 7th -12th grade art students from Whaling City Alternative Junior/ Senior High School who participate in clay classes twice weekly at ArtWorks! ceramic studio. The watercolor painting ornaments are the creations from an after-school program, “Artistic Traditions of the World” for children ages 6-10. Both groups learn about the New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park and experience the rich historical and cultural resources first hand. ArtWorks! is located within the national park. Students learn about the National Park and the history, architecture, art, cultures and significant contributions of people of note of New Bedford through tours and lectures by the Whaling National Historic Park Rangers, park volunteers and ArtWorks! art educators and staff.