William P. Duffy first came to national attention eight years ago through the Mystic International Exhibition. Since then, his evocative paintings ofcatboats bathed in light along the New England coast have become regulars in the exhibition. Here he explores the theme once again with his characteristic use of delicate color and mellow light. (''.A Change ofSeason, " by William P. Duffy; oil; 10" x 16")
scious effort to provide a venue for the art form and in 1979 held its first Annual Exhibition in its new Marine Art Gallery. The exhibition's purpose was "to gather and recognize important new co ntributions to the field of contemporary marine art from around the world and to stimulate discussion of aes thetic and scholarly standards among marine artists and connoisseurs." Eligibility requirements included: "any pain tin g, drawing, sculpture, original graphic or scrimshaw executed within the las t two years whose theme relates to pas t or contemporary maritime experience on any waters of the world ... if executed by a living artist and not previously exhibited at Mystic Maritime Gallery. " Some 36 artists were represented that year including the top prize winner Victor Mays and perennial exhibitors Lou Bonamarte, D o n Demers, Wi lliam Ewe n, Consuelo Hanks and Dan Stoltenburg. In the ensuing years, this exhibition developed into the premier showplace for established and emerging marine artists. Jurors for the exhibition included some of
SEA HISTORY 91, WINTER 1999-2000
the most important people in the maritime and art worlds as well as well-known perso nages with a passionate interest in marine art. They included Edward Archibald, James Taylor, John Carter, William F. Buckley, Jr. , Walter Cronkite, George Plimpton, Dorothy Brewington, James Cheevers, Gary Jobson, Richard Rath, John Rousmaniere, Duncan Robinson, Rudolph ]. Schaefer, Morton Vose, Rudolph G. Wunderlich and Stephen Doherty, to name a few. The award selections in the various categories were always eagerly awaited and helped cement the relationships of many of the top artists in the field as well as encourage and support talented new artists. The list of artists in the exhibition read like a Who's Who in Marine Art from aro und the wo rld, with every major artist making a special effort to submit their best painting, sculpture, or scrimshaw into the competition. Both collectors and artists viewed the exhibi tion as a measuring stick for the field each year. This year the Gallery is celebrating its 20th International Marine Art Exhibition,
This exhibition developed into the premier showpUice for established and emerging marine artists.
19