Awards Announced at Coos Art Museum’s 23rd Annual Maritime Art Exhibition, July 20

Two artists have been awarded top honors at Coos Art Museum’s 23rd Annual Maritime Art Exhibition. “Best of Show” was awarded to Austin Dwyer of Mukilteo, Washington for his oil, “The Stockwell: Pool of London” and, in an independent vote by the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay, he received the “Port Award” for the same work. Sebastien Richard of Scottsdale, Arizona received the “Directors’ Award” for his work “Fishing Spoon.” The “Directors’ Award” is selected through a vote by the Coos Art Museum Board of Directors. The “Best of Show” juror and featured artist of the 23rd Annual Maritime Art Exhibition is William A. Selden of Coos Bay. Selden is a past participant and winner of many awards from Annual Maritime Art Exhibitions. Selden received a formal art education at both the California Institute of Arts (Chouinard) and the Art Center College of Design. He is a Member of the American Society of Marine Artists. Selden commented that Austin Dwyer’s painting combined flawless rendering with strong composition and that he admired it for “telling a story.” This year’s “Peoples’ Choice Award” is yet to be determined. Visitors to the Museum will be able to vote for their favorite work through Labor Day, September, 5 at which time this important honor will be given to the work with the most votes.