The Blooming Art Scene in Fall River

 I was at the bar, Canned Heat, in Fall River on a cold Saturday night in January this year.  A few friends and I were standing around, drinking some beer, and chatting as the local band Aftersound rocked the house. It was loud and the place was packed. We got into a conversation about the Fall River community and how cool it would be if there was more of an art scene. Fall River is known for its plentiful history, diverse communities, and the surrounding Freetown Forest. There are some negative things that I’ll let you check the news to see. Yet unbeknownst to me, under the surface there has been a burgeoning art scene that was readying itself to be the face of what Fall River has to offer. Fast forward to now, through the initiative of some intelligent and enterprising artistic people, what my friends and I talked about at the bar became something we could actively participate in. The Fall River – New Bedford Artist Collaborative has been an incredible artistic space to be a part of. The group meets on the first Monday of every month! I’ve only been to a handful of meetings but joining the group has really inspired me to center my creativity in all aspects of my life. It has also encouraged me to think collaboratively, where in the past I would have tried to create on my own.  If you’re an artist in the Fall River, New Bedford, or surrounding areas, come on out, everyone is welcome to join! While you’re at it check out SoCo Art Labs, The Fall River MoCA, the Fall River Little Art Gallery, New Bedford Pottery, AHA! New Bedford and get in the mix. The snow is melted, the flowers are blooming, and the art we can make together is like sunshine on a cloudy day. Peace