CFA: Ship Shape II

Call for Art!

Gallery X is excited to present SHIP SHAPE II, an exhibition of artwork celebrating the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey, its history, and its impact on the culture of New Bedford. Unlike most of our themed exhibitions, SHIP SHAPE II includes multiple calls for art which are open and free to all artists and creatives. Call 1 includes a call for art related to artwork created with materials recycled from the Ernestina-Morrissey. Call 2 focuses on artwork created from any media or material depicting or influenced by the vessel, its role in the working waterfront, and Cape Verdean culture and history. Artists may participate in Call 1 or Call 2 or both! This opportunity is free for everyone to partake in so don’t miss out, begin preparing your artwork today! SHIP SHAPE II is supported in part by a grant from New Bedford Creative’s Wicked Cool Places program.

SHIP SHAPE II is a reimagining of two prior events important to the history of art in New Bedford and Gallery X. In 1990 a group of artists created an exhibit in response to the “Heritage Days Festival and Regatta” which was organized by the crew and staff of the Schooner Ernestina. These artists were seeking to create a space to exhibit their artwork as well as provide ‘onshore’ entertainment while other festivities occurred aboard ship. This art exhibition proved so successful that the group of artists went on to form Gallery X. Then in 2016, Gallery X partnered with the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey Association for a unique opportunity where artists were invited to create artwork from materials salvaged from or associated with the Ernestina-Morrissey. The 2025 iteration reprises the best aspects from both of these exhibitions and expands upon them with the goal of increasing the public’s awareness for both the Ernestina-Morrissey (particularly after its 2015-2022 absence from the city while it was rebuilt) and Gallery X, which is just as much a community gathering space as it is an art gallery.

Call 1

Intent to Participate Deadline:
March 18
Date to Select Recycled Materials at Pier:
March 21 (9:30am-11:30)
Date to Select Materials at Gallery X:
March 21–April 1

Gallery X seeks artists to create artwork incorporating recycled items associated with the historic Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey.

Gallery X is inviting artists to create artwork by incorporating recycled items made available by Massachusetts Maritime Academy associated with the historic Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey. Artists are encouraged to use their creativity with parts and pieces of marine hardware, metal, wood, line, wire rope, etc. to reuse or incorporate these into their art projects. Thanks to grant support there will be no cost for artists to use the materials or participate in the exhibition.

The resulting artwork created from these materials will be exhibited in Ship Shape II at Gallery X from May 14 to June 7. The exhibit will also include other works relating to the Ernestina-Morrissey and other marine themed work. There will be a gallery opening on May 17 and one or more special events revolving around the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey and maritime and Cape Verdean themes.

**The material is located at State Pier in New Bedford. Artists will be able to select from available material on March 21 beginning at 9:30am. Artists need to let Gallery X know of their interest/intent to create work from the recycled Ernestina-Morrissey materials by March 18. Depending on the availability of materials, artist may be able to retrieve materials from Gallery X following the initial pickup date at State Pier. The deadline to submit the completed work will be Sunday, May 11.**

Call 2

Submission Dates:
May 3–May 11
On View:
May 14 through June 7
Opening Reception:
Saturday, May 17 (5-8:00pm)

We’re sending out a call for artists to create artwork influenced by the long and varied history of the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey!

Calling all artists, Gallery X is excited to announce a free exhibition opportunity made possible by support by a grant from New Bedford Creative’s Wicked Cool Places program! Artists are invited to submit their artwork depicting or influenced by the long and varied history of the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey, the working waterfront, or Cape Verdean culture & history.

The submitted artwork will be displayed in Ship Shape II alongside newly realized works of art made by local artists from parts and materials recycled from the Ernestina-Morrissey.

A Brief History
Built in Essex, Massachusetts in 1894, the Effie M. Morrissey, as the vessel was originally named, served in the fishing fleet out of Gloucester and Nova Scotia. In 1925 Captain Bob Bartlett purchased the vessel and outfitted it for arctic exploration. During World War II the Morrissey was utilized as a US Navy survey and supply vessel in the arctic. The third act of the vessel began in 1948 when it was purchased by Captain Henrique Mendes of Cape Verde who renamed it the Ernestina. Under Mendes’ ownership the schooner became a packet ship for immigrants and goods between Cape Verde and New England. In 1982 after decades of work transporting trade goods in Cape Verde the Ernestina was gifted to the state of Massachusetts by the people of Cape Verde. Since the 1980s the vessel has served various educational purposes. Officially renamed the Ernestina-Morrissey in 2014, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy became stewards of schooner in 2019.

For information about the material contact Chuck Smiler: smilechuck@aol.com (508-454-1897).
To express interest in selecting materials please contact Gallery X: galleryxnb@gmail.com (508-992-2675)
For additional information about Ship Shape II contact curator Chuck Hauck: chasahauck@comcast.net (508-996-9768)

Submission Guidelines and Info

This is a non-juried show, all artists and media are welcome. You do not need to be a member of Gallery X to participate!
• Submission Fees: $0…Thanks to grant support submission fees for ALL artists are waived!
• All forms of media are accepted; paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, etc.
• All work must be ready to hang/display. Artwork for the wall must include proper hanging attachments (wire, sawtooth hanger, etc.). Pedestals are available for sculptures, three dimensional work, or jewelry.
• Gallery X handles all sales of artwork and will retain a 20% commission on any sale from Ship Shape II. Artwork submitted as part of Call 1 must be listed for sale. While artwork submitted as part of Call 2 do not have to be for sale to be included in the exhibition.