23rd Annual Maritime Art Exhibition opens at Coos Art Museum, July 8

On Saturday July 9, 2016, Coos Art Museum opens its 23rd Annual Maritime Art Exhibition in the first floor Maggie Karl Gallery. The juried exhibition displays maritime-themed artwork by major artists from across the United States. Seventy-six works by forty-four of the nation’s leading maritime artists are featured. The works are in a variety of media including: oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, ink, ceramic, bronze, wood, colored pencil, and mixed media sculpture. The exhibition runs through September 24, 2016. It is sanctioned by American Society of Marine Artists, co-sponsored by the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay, and partially funded by a grant from the Coquille Tribal Community Fund. Coos Art Museum’s Annual Maritime Art Exhibition is the American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA) regional competition for the entire western United States. It is the oldest continuous Maritime art competition on the West Coast. The ASMA jurors include: Donald Demers of Eliot Maine; Jeffrey Hull of Cannon Beach, Oregon; and Debra Huse of Costa Mesa, California. Works will be honored for Best in Show; Peoples’ Choice Award; Oregon International Port of Coos Bay Award; and the Coos Art Museum Board of Directors Award. William A. Selden of Coos Bay is the featured maritime artist and his paintings will be highlighted in the adjacent Perkins Gallery during the exhibition. He received formal art education at the California Institute of Arts (Chouinard) and the Art Center College of Design. Selden is also a past winner of many awards from Annual Maritime Art Exhibitions. In 2011 he received “Best of Show” and in 2010 he received the “People’s Choice Award.” The Museum will host its annual maritime fundraising dinner beginning at 5pm, July 9. This exciting event features the popular silent art auction, beer and wine sales, and enjoyable camaraderie. Delicious food offerings will be catered by The Coach House Restaurant of Coos Bay. Auction artworks include pieces by participating 22nd Annual Maritime Art Exhibition artists and local artists. A special facet of the auction is the sale of recently completed plein air maritime paintings. Other items include goods and services provided by area businesses. Tickets for the dinner and auction are $45 for Museum members and $50 for non-members. The tickets are available by calling Coos Art Museum at (541) 267-3901 or by visiting the Museum at 235 Anderson, Coos Bay, credit cards are accepted.