"COLLECTORS III: Discerning Eyes" at New Bedford Art Museum/Artworks

New Bedford, MA, September 20, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Curated by Robert P. Stack and Vanphouthon Souvannasane of Yellow Peril Gallery, “COLLECTORS III: Discerning Eyes” at New Bedford Art Museum/Artworks! presents early works from contemporary art collectors based in Providence (RI), New York (NY), Miami (FL), and Caguas (PR) who are ahead of the curve at distinguishing the good from the bad and sifting out the gems from the junk.

“With this exhibit, we aim to open up the conversation with regard to Whom and What,” says Stack. “One doesn’t have to wait for that winning lottery ticket to begin including art in your life. Collecting can and should commensurate with your lifestyle. Likewise,” he adds, “collecting should not be limited to wall-hung visual art. Video, street art, light art, installation art and performance art are all collectible in today’s market.”

Whether the artwork was pried off the all from a dilapidated building, purchased directly from the artist, performed in front on an intimate crowd of 10 people or taken from the trunk of a fledging art dealer in the streets of SoHo, many of the works presented in “Discerning Eyes” have never been seen by the general public until now.

“The people invited to share their collections are from ordinary backgrounds with extraordinary tastes,” notes Souvannasane. “They include a museum guard, advertising executive, architect, real estate developer, doctor and lawyer.”

“COLLECTORS III: Discerning Eyes” will be on display at New Bedford Art Museum/Artworks! from September 26 to November 16. Several site-specific installations will be presented by Philippe Lejeune and Jessica Deane Rosner.

Featured Programming includes:

· Opening Reception > Friday, September 26, 6PM – 8PM
Special Performance by Richard Goulis. Free admission.

· Performance is an Art > October 16, 7PM – 9PM
Liz Munsell, Assistant Curator of Contemporary Art at MFA, Boston presents 4 live performances by artists Ian Deleón, Shey Rivera Ríos, Quintín Rivera Toro and Anabel Vázquez Rodríguez. Free with admission.

· Magical Confusion > Saturday, October 18, 10AM – 1PM
Artist Philippe Lejeune teaches kids how to turn illusion into reality by transforming roof shingles back into trees, including a fun group activity. Register online, call or visit the museum. Family members are encouraged to join their kids in experiencing these fun activities. Ages 6-9 years.

· Film Screening of Herb & Dorothy > Thursday, October 23, 7PM – 9PM
This documentary features Herbert and Dorothy Vogel, a former postal clerk and a librarian, who built a world-class collection of Minimal and Conceptual Art with their modest salaries. Free admission.

· Thrill of the Hunt > Thursday, November 6, 7PM – 8PM
Panel discussion on demystifying the art collecting process
Panelists include: Judith Tolnick Champa, Independent Curator, Art Writer & Board Member, New England Museum Association; Cassie Sammartino Berg, Contemporary Art Collector; and Robert P. Stack and Vanphouthon Souvannasane from Yellow Peril Gallery. Free with admission.

About New Bedford Art Museum/Artworks!
The New Bedford Art Musem/ArtWorks! engages the public in experiencing, understanding and appreciating art. The South Coast is rich in culture, history and diversity. And rich in art! Since 1996, the New Bedford Art Musem/ArtWorks! has been a fixture in downtown New Bedford, offering engaging exhibitions of artwork from around the corner and across the ocean. Linger, learn and appreciate art and artistic expression as you stroll through the Museum's main Skylight Gallery. Discover new delights as you explore the Museum's home, a former bank that includes two vintage vaults, one with a distinctive circular safe door. The Museum strives to offer dynamic and interactive educational opportunities. Museum education programs reach out to the community through its distinctive ArtMobile summer program as well as creative arts education and lectures for adults and children. Museum exhibits change three times each year and vary in subject matter and artistic medium. Contemporary and historic art, as well as local, national and international artists, have been displayed. Come get a taste of New Bedford's artistic culture. For more info about New Bedford Art Museum/Artworks!, visit newbedfordartmuseum.org.