Amy Araujo

Artist-in-residence Amy Araujo creates expressive charcoal works inspired by personal and community stories.

NPS Photo

First Artist-in-Residence at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park: Amy Araujo

(October- December 2017)

In the fall of 2017, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park proudly welcomed Amy Araujo as its first Artist-in-Residence. Araujo, a New Bedford native and accomplished artist, is known for her large-scale figurative drawings that explore themes of identity. Her residency brought new opportunities for visitors to connect with the park’s stories through art.

The residency theme celebrated the bicentennial of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, inviting artists to explore concepts of freedom, struggle, inequality, identity, and resilience. Araujo embraced these themes, creating work that reflected the enduring relevance of Douglass’s legacy and the park’s connection to the abolitionist movement.

As part of her residency, Araujo offered free public figure drawing classes on Saturday afternoons, beginning November 11, 2017. These charcoal classes featured fully clothed models and were open to participants of all ages and skill levels. The sessions provided an opportunity for community members to engage with Araujo’s artistic process, learn foundational techniques, and explore the art of figurative drawing. On November 9, during the city’s AHA! Night, she also hosted a public art workshop, encouraging visitors to create works inspired by New Bedford’s history and its role in the struggle for freedom.

Araujo’s work during her residency showcased the connection between art and the park’s themes of identity, community, and freedom. Through hands-on workshops and public programs, she provided a unique perspective on New Bedford’s cultural history, using contemporary art as a bridge to the past.

The Artist-in-Residence Program highlights the importance of creativity in preserving and interpreting history. Araujo’s contributions set a strong foundation for future residencies, demonstrating how art can inspire connections between people, stories, and places.

Araujo, who earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts in Drawing from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, continues to live and work in New Bedford. Her time as the first Artist-in-Residence remains a powerful example of how art enriches the visitor experience and deepens understanding of New Bedford’s vibrant legacy.

Visit their website at: https://amyaraujoart.weebly.com/