Coos Art Museum announces the People’s Choice Award winner, Sept. 14

The votes have been counted and Don McMichael of North Bend, Oregon will receive Coos Art Museum’s 22nd Annual Maritime Art Exhibition People’s Choice Award for his oil painting, A Gathering Place. McMichael has been a regular participant and award winner in past Annual Maritime Art Exhibitions since the exhibition began in 1993. He has also exhibited works throughout the U.S. and abroad. As a member of the American Society of Marine Artists he has participated in national showings at the Frye Museum in Seattle, Washington, the Cummer Museum in Jacksonville, Florida’ the Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington, Delaware, international exhibits in Mystic, Connecticut, and at Coos Art Museum. In 2007 he was honored by receiving the Marine Environmental Wildlife Award at Mystic, Connecticut and in 2008 and 2010 received the Award of Excellence. Before devoting himself to art, Don McMichael enjoyed a career in the United States Coast Guard and made his living saving lives in the most difficult and dangerous conditions that the Pacific Ocean had to offer. As a result of his experiences McMichael has developed both deep respect and admiration for the ocean. His admiration for the ocean is particularly focused on its largest residents, the great whales, which have become subjects for much of his art including A Gathering Place. His interest has taken him south to Baja to study the gray whales and as far north as Barrow, Alaska to view the great bowheads. He also had the privilege of joining marine biologists in the Hawaiian Islands to dive with humpbacks.
The 22nd Annual Maritime Art Exhibition continues at Coos Art Museum until September 26. Do not miss this opportunity to view Don McMichael’s work and the many other fine art pieces on display at the Museum. A special thank you goes to all who participated in the voting and in the selection of the People’s Choice Award.