Arts Illuminated

South Coast artists alert: You’re being hunted. Maybe haunted. Definitely not ghosted. We’re on the trail for art works of all kinds in a Halloween frame of mind.

Click here to submit entries by Friday, Sept. 25, for our Thursday, Oct. 8, Arts Illuminated live talk show show – the FIRST in conjunction with New Bedford’s AHA! Night – at Steeple Playhouse, New Bedford.

Not into the dark side? Enter anyway. We welcome all submissions!

Watch the artist interviews from Aug. 26 and view their work

See excerpts from previous shows

June 19, 2026
April 23, 2026
Oct. 23, 2025
Aug. 28, 2025
Oct. 24, 2024

📩 Sign up for our Arts Illuminated newsletter to learn about upcoming shows and calls for art!

About Arts Illuminated

A talk show featuring area artists and their art for sale

What: Arts Illuminated is an opportunity for New Bedford-area artists to share and sell their work to an engaged group of collectors and art enthusiasts. Read about how we were inspired by the Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club.

Who: Any local artist who practices in one of the fine arts and all prospective art buyers. Disciplines include drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography and textiles. Click here to submit.

Moderator: Local artist Devin “Nived” McLaughlin

Format: A short introduction from New Bedford Light and the moderators, followed by artist presentations and a 30-minute “Afterglow,” a loosely structured open discussion among the artists, buyers and other attendees about art-related topics.

For more information, contact us at artsilluminated@newbedfordlight.org and check the guides below.

Artists’ guide
  • Each meeting up to seven artists can present. We will also select two backup artists in case of any last-minute cancellations. Interested artists must fill out this online form, including a short bio and description of the work they’re looking to sell. Artists will upload an image(s) of their work to be displayed on our website. Artists who fit the fine art criteria will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • During the meeting, artists will be interviewed by the moderator and answer questions about their work.
  • Artist contact information, submitted through the form, will be presented during the meeting and on New Bedford Light’s website. Buyers will contact artists on their own to set up private transactions to purchase art.
  • If an artist makes a sale from the NBFAC, they must report it on this form. Individual sales information will remain confidential. 
  • The meetings are recorded and posted online for those who can’t attend in person.
Buyers’ guide
  • Buyers will have a chance to ask questions of each artist during the meeting.
  • After an artist finishes presenting, buyers will use the contact info provided during the meeting and on New Bedford Light’s website to set up a private transaction to purchase art.
  • Buyers are encouraged to stay and take part in the “Afterglow,” a 30-minute open-ended art discussion afterwards. 
Art enthusiasts’ guide
  • If you’re interested in attending but don’t consider yourself a buyer, you’re more than welcome!
  • Even if you don’t buy or sell, you’re encouraged to stay on and take part in the “Afterglow,” a 30-minute open-ended art discussion afterwards.