MEMBERS’ INVITATIONAL

The South Coast Artists Invitational Exhibition is an annual event at various galleries showcasing the range and depth of artwork created by member artists living and working in the South Coast Region of Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

The 2026 Members’ Invitational takes place at Gallery X, 169 William Street, New Bedford, MA
April 22–May 16, 2026.

2026 Members’ Invitational Exhibition

Exhibition Dates:
April 22—May 16, 2026
Hours: Weds. – Fri.: 11:00 — 4:00 p.m.
Sat. – Sun: 12:00 — 3:00 p.m.
Opening Reception: Saturday, April 25th, 5:00 — 8:00 p.m.

All works will be on view and available for purchase during the exhibition period.

The 2026 Members’ Invitational Exhibition will be at Gallery X in New Bedford, MA.

South Coast Artists is celebrating its 23rd year with the 10th annual Spring Members’ Invitational Exhibit at the prestigious Gallery X in New Bedford, MA.

This spring the exhibit features work from over 60 artists showing 123 original works, and the opening reception takes place at Gallery X Saturday, April 25th from 5-8 p.m. Located at 169 William St, New Bedford, MA, Gallery X is open for viewing Wednesdays – Fridays from 11-4 pm, and Saturdays – Sundays from 12-3 pm.

This diversified exhibit features the artists’ finest works in oil, acrylic, pastel, encaustic, watercolor, metal, clay, wood, mixed media, photography and collage. All of the works will be for sale and awards will be given for the top three works.

Awardees of the
2026 Members’ Invitational

Juror Comments: “As a juror, I was looking for the unique expression of the individual artist. I was seeking a sense that the artist felt strongly about what they wanted to convey through their work, whether that message was an emotion, a narrative, or an issue. I was also conscious of the materials each artist chose to express their concept, and how their technique supported their theme. 

While it was clear that every artist in the show aimed to make a statement and connect with the viewer, the artworks that I have selected seemed particularly compelling to me in their individuality of message and their mastery of materials. Many thanks to the members of South Coast Artists for entrusting me with their precious creations. As a fellow artist, I applaud their efforts and appreciate their dedication.”

First Place

Dot Bergen: Winter Moondance

This glowing cluster of delicate lacy-edged strips, interwoven with tiny lights, seems truly alive. The colors and textures come together to form something unexpected, unusual and evocative. While there seem to be references to elements in Nature, the piece goes far beyond anything familiar, into a realm of its own. Words can't do it justice; this is a work that must be experienced in person.

Second Place

Serena Parente Charlebois: The Journey Home - The Golden Hour

I was captivated by this image and its suggested story. An elderly gentleman works his way gingerly but steadily up a steep uneven incline toward a tiny staircase leading to who-knows-where. His is the life path before all of us, as we navigate toward an unknown future armed only with vague memories of the past. But the golden tones of this photograph imply hope, and the omnipresence of a loving spirit lighting our way along the journey. 

Third Place

Robert Abele: Shoveling Toward Solace

Judging by the depth of the snowbanks depicted in this painting, I am assuming that the artist created it after the Blizzard of 2026. I appreciate both his implied narrative and his technical skill. It felt isolating and downright scary during that storm, but the gold-orange light from the porch, the glow of the background sky, and the neighbor's house just down the street, remind us that we are all going through this -- storm and life -- together. His complex translation of the texture and color of the snowbanks and pathway, and the light falling on them, is a masterclass in the possibilities of oil paint.

Juror’s Awards

Diana Azevedo-Carns: Jellyfish Sunset

The colors and shapes here are remarkable! The soft-edged waves and clouds surrounding this creature contrast with its sharp and crisply rendered details. 

Lindsey Epstein: Cobalt Galaxy Crystalline Vase

The color combination and overall proportion of this vessel are impressive, but it's the surface texture that I found especially striking. The title includes the word "galaxy," and that is exactly what came to my mind; the floating forms within the dark blue hues seem to continue into an infinite space.

Heather Stivison: Searching for Answers

An evocative narrative strengthened by technical skill and strong aesthetic choices. Amidst an ocean of questions and possibilities, this man seeks diligently. But his form is transparent, implying that the answers might be within as well as without.