An exhibitor in the very first Mystic International Exhibition, Victor Mays has twice been the recipient of the exhibitions highest award. The Rudolph J Schaefer Award is given each year to the artwork which best documents our maritime heritage, past or p resent. In this painting, HM Bark E ndeavour, selected by Captain James Cook for his round-the-world scientific expedition, is seen fitting out in Deptford, England, before departing at 2pm on 26 August 1768. Mays s painting ofthis moment in time has an almost otherworldly beauty. His style exemplifies the delicacy of touch evident in the prints produced when ships like Endeavour ruled the seas. Three years ago, a full scale replica of Endeavou r set sail on its own voyage around the world from Australia in commemoration of Cooks epic voyage. ("HM Bark Endeavour, "by Victor Mays; watercolor; 10112 "x 16112 ")
Each year five works ofart are singled out ofthe exhibition to receive Awards ofExcellence. Previous recipients have included all the most respected artists in the field. This year A lan Burghardt, William Davis, William Ryan, Len Tantillo and Bert Wright received the honor. Tantillo spainting captures one ofthe most poignant moments in a sailors life-his return ashore after months or years at sea. This sailor strides purposefully onward as he wonders what awaits him ofthe life he left so many adventures ago. ("A Sailors Return," by Len Tantillo; acrylic; 14" x I I')
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SEA HISTORY 91, WINTER 1999-2000