The 2026 Members’ Invitational Exhibition organized by South Coast Artists Inc. is now on view at Gallery X in New Bedford, Massachusetts, through May 16. The show features 112 works by 61 artists selected from nearly 200 active members, spanning media such as photography, fiber, encaustic, porcelain, cyanotype, pastel, acrylic, oil, watercolor, mixed media, printmaking, digital art on metal, and found-object assemblages. Awards were presented at the opening reception on April 25, with first place going to Dot Bergen, second to Serena Parente Charlebois, and third to Robert Abele; juror’s choice awards were given to Diana Azevedo-Carns, Lindsey Epstein, and Heather Stivison, selected by independent juror Catherine Carter.
This exhibition matters because it highlights the vitality of a regional artist organization and provides a platform for local artists to gain visibility and recognition. The event is supported by grants from local cultural councils and the Mass Cultural Council, underscoring the importance of public funding for community-based arts programming. It also reflects the ongoing role of small galleries like Gallery X in fostering grassroots art scenes outside major metropolitan centers.