The Maritime Gallery at Mystic Seaport honored 11 artists at the opening of its 38th Annual International Marine Art Exhibition and Sale on Saturday, September 23. The International is a juried show that features the finest examples of contemporary marine art in the United States. This year artists from around the world presented examples of their most recent work. All submissions are a new work that has not been previously exhibited.
Participating artists were honored with four awards of excellence and seven named awards – including the Rudolph J. Schaefer Maritime Heritage Award, which recognizes the work that best documents maritime heritage for future generations.
“By successfully showcasing each year some of the finest art available from leading marine artists, this exhibition continues to delight art lovers,” said Monique Foster, director of the Gallery. “We are pleased to be able to present this unique exhibit that recognizes outstanding work and allows art enthusiasts to add to their collections and showcase marine art in their homes.”
All of the award winners and the entire exhibition may be viewed in the Maritime Gallery at Mystic Seaport through December 31, 2017.
Rudolph J. Schaefer Maritime Heritage Award
Given in Memory of Rudolph J. Schaerfer’s devotion to preserving maritime history
and making it accessible and enjoyable, the judges recognize the artist whose work best documents our maritime heritage, past or present and for generations of the future.
John Tayson, Harbor Scene, Oil, 24 x 18 (pictured above)
Stobart Foundation Award
This award is given to encourage the importance of painting from life. The judges recognize the work that attracts their attention, most by virtue of its uniqueness of style, quality of light and atmosphere.
Don Demers, Mcloons Dock, Oil, 11 x 14
Maritime Gallery Yachting Award
This award celebrates the singular pleasures of going to sea. The judges recognize the work that best captures the beauty and excitement of sailing in all its many forms.
Russ Kramer, DAUNTLESS Around the Lightship (study), Oil, 9 x 15
Marine Environmental Wildlife Award
This award acknowledges the importance of preserving the fragile balance within the world’secosystems. The judges recognize the work that best depicts marine mammals, fish or birds in their native habitat.
Susan Van Winkle, Melting Away, Alabaster, 9 x 8 1/2 x 13
Thomas M. Hoyne III Award
Given in memory of Thomas M. Hoyne III’s dedication and contributions to accurate, historical representations of the great Gloucester fishing schooners and the men who sailed them, the
judges recognize the work that best documents an aspect of the marine fisheries industry of today or yesterday.
Laura Cooper, Mackerel Seiner Returning to Port, Salem, MA, 1890, Oil 13 x 18
Museum Purchase Award
The Museum Purchase Award is chosen by a committee of the Curatorial staff of The Mystic Seaport. They will select, for purchase, one work appropriate to the current needs of its Permanent Collection, which emphasizes the commercial maritime experience of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Maris Platais, TOURIST aka SABINO, on the Kennebec, Acrylic, Pen & Ink, 16 x 22
Award of Excellence
Brad Betts, Drying Sails in Camden Harbor, Oil, 24 x 18
Ian Hansen, Ship DREADNOUGHT, Oil, 26 x 24
Cindy House, Evening Dunes, Pastel, 15 x 20
Ronny Moortgat, Awaiting Orders, Watercolor, 12 x 20
Elizabeth Mumford, Rolling Home to Dear New England, Gouache, 22 x 27
