On Saturday July 8, 2017, Coos Art Museum opens its 24th 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 and Canada. Seventy-two works by forty-two of the nation’s leading maritime artists are featured. The works are in a variety of media, including, oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel and sculpture. The exhibition runs through September 23, 2017. It is sanctioned by American Society of Marine Artists, co-sponsored by the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay. 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: June Carey of Orland, California; Ivan Kelly of Toledo, Oregon; and Paul Daneker of Buckley, Washington. Works will be honored for Best in Show; Peoples’ Choice Award; Oregon International Port of Coos Bay Award; Coos Art Museum Board of Directors Award and Honorable Mention Ribbons. Steve Mayo of Bellingham, Washington is the featured maritime artist and his paintings will be highlighted in the adjacent Perkins Gallery during the exhibition. Mayo’s art career began in 1970 with special shows selling his art while he worked on tugboats. The consistent quality and historical accuracy of his paintings established him as a premier marine artist including a first place award at the 1980 Mystic Seaport International Marine Art Exhibition. The Museum will host its annual maritime fundraising dinner beginning at 5pm, July 8. 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 24th Annual Maritime Art Exhibition artists and local artists. A special facet of the auction is the sale of recently completed plein air maritime paintings. 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. Please RSVP for dinner tickets by Saturday, July 1.
