The largest 3D printed structure is coming to New Bedford — here's how you can step inside

NEW BEDFORD — 3D printing has come a long way since the eye wash cup was first printed in 1983.

At the Star Store, Massachusetts Design Art and Technology Institute (DATMA) is inviting visitors to step inside a colorful 3D-printed structure that asks observers to reinterpret how houses should be built.

"It's kind of all about pushing the boundary of what we can do with 3D printing," said Amanda Hawkins, programs manager. "The exhibits feature interesting pieces that are art, technology, architecture, all kind of merging together."

On June 16, the contemporary art institute will kick-off a citywide, collaborative venture in New Bedford, called “SHELTER 2022–23."

The three exhibitions will examine the value of "shelter" and will cover topics which include the housing crisis, the Underground Railroad, New Bedford's hurricane barrier and more.

"We always try to present art that is made with nontraditional tools and materials, so that the takeaway is that anything can be considered an art material, and anyone can be an artist," said Lindsay Miś, executive director.

Welcome to Arkadia: Could a Dartmouth artist's card game be the next Pokémon?

"It's all about the creative confidence to problem solve, find different ways to think about art and just be more open minded to even just solution finding."

Last year, DATMA brought “WATER.” examining the role of water within the histories, economies, and cultures of several countries as well as the SouthCoast, and in 2020, presented “LIGHT," inspired by the 19th century whaling industry in New Bedford.

"Star Lounge" by artist Rael San Fratello is one of the largest 3D-printed structures built to date, composed of 2,073 hexagonal blocks in various translucent colors.

"I can't wait to see youth crawling around in it," Miś said. "I see it as playful and funny, but it opens up questions for me about maybe getting away from the square rectangle house and looking more at the dome structure."

Additional exhibits to check out

The two other exhibits are "Safe Station: New Bedford’s Underground Railroad," which highlights New Bedford's history of opposition to slavery through the lens of local artists, and "Safe Harbor: Building the New Bedford Hurricane Protection Barrier," which features an artistic timeline starting in 1966.

DATMA will work in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to showcase rare historic photos documenting this ambitious, critical, and successful project while posing questions on how to protect the city from future climate-related events, according to its press release.

'I felt hope for how art can bring us back together': 'Art is Everywhere' grant info

On June 10, New Bedford Creative announced the “Art is Everywhere” grant recipients for arts and culture projects, $70,000 administered on behalf of MassDevelopment and the Barr Foundation, and $6,000 was awarded to DATMA for their “Safe Station" exhibit.

"Public art in particular is important, especially when it's outdoors, because it's unusual, and people are not expecting it. Thus, it's kind of serendipitous when they run into it." said Nicholas Sullivan, board chair, who assisted with the dome's installation.

"And it also brings people out onto the streets and into the shops and so forth. So, there's an economic impact angle to it as well."

Inviting people to step inside

"Star Lounge" made an appearance June 9 on the front lawn of the Whaling National Historical Park Visitor's Center, allowing people go hang out inside the structure.

"That was a different," said Beverly Baccelli of Mattapoisett, who went inside with her wife. "Glad we did it... an experience for sure."

Sullivan believes that some forms of art are transitioning to incorporate the technological world, and having an exhibit such as the "Star Lounge" encourages young people to see the possibility of what can come out of combining art and tech.

Mirasol's Cafe Express opening in New Bedford — here's what to expect

"It's about seeing what they can do with it, and maybe even trying to develop careers in it as well, from what they see," he added.

DATMA's "SHELTER 2022" opening event is June 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the UMass Dartmouth CVPA Star Store Swain Gallery at 715 Purchase St. It is free and open to the public.

Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter: @ChitwoodReports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: DATMA hosts large 3D printed shelter, other art exhibits in New Bedford