This workshop offers participants an opportunity to focus on the lives of family members or

acquaintances who contributed to the creative community of the South Coast. The workshop is led by Ron Fortier, the co-founder of The Artists Index, a nonprofit organization focused on documenting the lives and legacies of visual, performing, literary, and culinary artists.

The first step in the writing process is conducting research. Participants will be introduced to the New Bedford Free Public Library’s Genealogy Room and Reference Rooms. The library’s microfiche newspaper collection and online resources will also be utilized.

Gathering images of the essay subject’s artwork, photos, letters, or news clippings is integral to creating the essay’s timeline. Writing exercises include noting everything the participants know about the individual whose legacy they are documenting. Personal anecdotes will also be encouraged to prompt buried memories or disjointed facts. The workshop will prepare participants to create a well-written, 750-word factual essay that can be submitted to The Artists Index for consideration as a contributed article.