NEW BEDFORD — The Cape Verdean Association in New Bedford (CVANB) has announced the selection of Cape Verdean-American artist Meclina Gomes to design the artwork for the serpentine stone benches at the new Island Park.
A native of Carver and current resident of New Bedford, Gomes said she brings a deep personal connection to Cape Verdean heritage to her design.
“I am profoundly inspired by all of the art in this beautiful city. To have an opportunity to add to the city’s landscape highlighting iconic images of our culture is a dream come true,” Gomes said.
Growing up as fourth-generation Cape Verdean, surrounded by a large extended family and their rich storytelling tradition, Gomes’ grandmother’s involvement in the community inspired her to apply for the opportunity.
“I often assisted her in the kitchen preparing for the St. John’s festival. Relatives would come into town, sharing stories about our family, the traditional dishes and the amazing music that filled our homes,” she said.
What to expect when viewing the mural
Taking inspiration from the use of the benches as a communal space, Gomes’ design reflects the joy and hospitality of the Cape Verdean culture. Incorporating elements such as the Pano de Terra (traditional textile), Canta di ojo (black and white bead for spiritual protection), turtles, tuna and tropical plants and flowers, Gomes’ design tells a story of “Morabeza” — a term that means hospitality, friendship and relaxation.
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“When starting my design process, I thought about the use of the benches as a communal space. Sitting at Island Park I’m looking at the mural on the building and the landscape, it creates an atmosphere of joy,” Gomes added.
The project is funded in part by the Art is Everywhere! grant, supported by the City of New Bedford through American Rescue Plan Awards and its Arts, Culture & Tourism Fund, and facilitated by New Bedford Creative at the NBEDC.
Where is Island Park?
Island Park, located next to the Cape Verdean Cultural Community Center at the historic Strand Theater, is set to become a key destination for cultural performances and community events near the North End of New Bedford.
The park is designed to inspire and educate both residents and visitors, with the goal of enriching the community and driving economic growth in the surrounding area. It will also serve as a hub for educational programming and live performances, with the vision of becoming New Bedford’s first outdoor cultural performing arts space.
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“I am designing a coloring book for community members to learn more about the symbols in the mural. It will be available in November,” she said. “A small tiny library will be installed on site with postcards inside for community members to color and share with their family and friends.”
Gomes hopes that her artwork will uplift and welcome those who pass by or sit on the benches at Island Park.
“Art has the ability to uplift your mood and outlook on life,” she said. “It is my hope that when someone is simply driving by or comes to sit on the benches, they feel uplifted and welcome. That they feel our ‘Morabeza’ — that feeling of hospitality and friendship.”
Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Find out more about him at sethchitwood.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.
