Collective Creativity: Margo Connolly-Masson’s Vibrant Vision of New Bedford

Margo Connolly-Masson is an artist whose work is deeply rooted in the spirit of New Bedford, where she grew up, works, and connects with the community. Known for her cut-paper collages and colorful, place-based drawings, Margo’s art is a reflection of the city and its people. Her latest exhibition, Collective Creativity, showcases vibrant works created in collaboration with New Bedford’s youth and families. These bright and somewhat chaotic drawings capture the essence of local places—from schools to neighborhoods—and the personalities that make “The City by the Sea” so special.

Opening at Groundwork Gallery on April 1st and running through April 30th, the exhibition will offer an immersive look at Margo’s creative process. The opening reception on Friday, April 4th (5:00–7:00 pm) will feature an Art Talk by Margo at 5:30 pm, with wine, snacks, and music to set the tone. Whether you’ve been part of her community projects or are discovering her work for the first time, Collective Creativity is a celebration of collaboration.

What materials do you work with?

I love creating cut paper collage, using papers that are related to my subject. For example, I used street maps from New Bedford and Fall River in a piece about the two cities. The body of work on display at Groundwork Gallery is tempera paint sticks and markers on butcher paper. 

Tell us about your current body of work. What motivated it?  

I created this body of work with youth and families in New Bedford during spring and summer 2024. The original project, Literacy and Creativity in the City, was funded by the New Bedford Cultural Council and involved the creation of an outdoor story display of my children’s book, And Then…Glen!, as well as free arts and literacy programming for New Bedford residents.

During each Literacy and Creativity in the City program, I facilitated the creation of a large piece of place-based art. I drew the physical location of each program, such as the Winslow School or deMedeiros Apartments. Program participants were then prompted to add color, texture, and personality to the drawing, reflecting the unique and vibrant qualities of each location. I later divided and framed each piece of artwork, creating a series of 28 bright and somewhat chaotic drawings that form a cohesive collection that takes a viewer on a voyage through New Bedford. The idea for the collection was loosely based on The Whaling Museum’s Panorama exhibit. 

Do you work full-time as an artist or do you wear other hats?

I wear many hats! I am a mom to two kiddos (which includes shuttling people to and from school, coaching basketball, attending birthday parties, etc.). Although sometimes I dream of creating art full-time, I do believe that the other aspects of my life make me a more thoughtful artist.

How do you integrate art into your life and other responsibilities? 

Art is something that can easily permeate everything you do. Part of being an artist is being observant, and noticing details about everyday life. This lends itself well to being a parent of small children, when you often have expanses of time when you are wandering around with a toddler, taking note of squishy mud, or chirping birds, or the pattern a jet makes in the sky. Exploring with my children enhances my abilities as an artist.

How has your art practice evolved over the years? 

I used to primarily be an oil painter, but have been experimenting with collage for the past four years or so. When my oldest son was a toddler, I enrolled in the Natural Science Certificate program through RISD’s Continuing Education program. This introduced me to collage for the first time, and helped to develop my art vocabulary, technical skills, and appreciation of composition, design, and thoughtful critique. I have grown so much as an artist as a result of the courses I have taken, and find myself trying new media and experimenting more. 

What or who inspires you? 

I try to express the vibrancy, texture, and personality of my community with my art. I am inspired by both the natural environment and the human population that I am part of. And, of course, my two children inspire me. Nothing is more flattering than having my boys recognize themselves in a piece of my art. 

Who are some of your favorite artists?  

There are so many! New Bedford is home to an amazing creative community and it is impossible to name all of my favorites. Alison Wells, Fitzcarmel LaMarre, Kim Barry, and Alyn Carlson are some of my tops. I also love the work of Richard Diebenkorn. My son, Roger Masson, creates some of my favorite pieces also.

How is community important to you as a practicing artist? 

I use my art to connect with schools, summer camps, libraries, community groups, local cultural councils, and individuals. I have designed and facilitated arts and literacy programming for hundreds of youth and families in the New Bedford region. A “successful” creative piece for me is one that garners a reaction of recognition and personal attachment from a viewer. I want people to see their neighborhoods, schools, friends, and natural environments in my art and writing. 

What is the biggest challenge you face as an artist? 

Finding time to create. Creating art is not often cut and dry, with a start and finish time. It takes time to think, try things out, play around, etc. And all of this takes time. Particularly while balancing other professional work and parenting, finding significant blocks of time to work on my art is often difficult. 

Another big challenge that I face as an artist is funding. Being an artist requires a lot of risk-taking and A LOT of unpaid time. Having a consistent source of financial support for my art would be a dream.

What are your goals for the future?

I love incorporating education and community engagement into my artistic practice, and would like to continue doing this in the future. 

Where can people find and connect with you (in person or online):

• In person: 90 Hatch Street, Studio 205
• Website
• Instagram
• Email

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Collective Creativity—a powerful collaboration between Margo Connolly-Masson and the vibrant community of New Bedford. The exhibition is located at Groundwork Gallery, inside Groundwork Coworking, at 1 Maxfield Street, New Bedford. It’s open to the public during staffed hours, Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-2:00 pm.