For pieces limited to one theme — water — the works about to be displayed at the Biggs Museum of American Art are a diverse lot. There are more traditional works such as a ship on stormy waters, and a vibrant cerulean painting of sailboats. Then there are the ones that are familiar scenes to locals, such as a rowboat on rural shores.
“In the middle of the ocean the water is the deepest blue on a clear day. But if you’re on some little backwater creek some place,” it’s a different scene, said Mike Killelea, organizer of the exhibition. “There must be some way to spread between the deepest ocean and the little ponds and creeks and backwaters that other people may paint.”
That combination of styles, mediums and subjects is what spawned the name of the exhibit,
“Blue Water/Still Water,” a showing of work by the American Society of Marine Artists, Killelea, an ASMA member, said. It opens with a First Look Party from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 5.
Killelea should know about the diversity water provides. He grew up on Long Island close to the South Shore where he could walk to local beaches. Later that love translated to time with the U.S. Navy, where he was surrounded by the saltwater he loves
“Saltwater just feels right for me. We have saltwater in our veins, and I suspect some people have more than others,” he said.
There are 52 pieces that will be displayed on the second floor. There are also a number of programs running concurrently with the exhibit, including “White Caps 2010,” the first student competition run alongside a temporary exhibit. The museum will select 25 works of marine scenery in media including painting, drawing, photography and video. Entries must be received or postmarked by May 7.
Also coming up is “An Evening of Artful Dining: Fish and Ships” at 6 p.m. Friday, March 12. The dinner includes a three-course meal in the Biggs Museum’s galleries with a little education thrown in. Admission is $70 for members, $75 for non-members.
IF YOU GO
WHAT “Blue Water/Still Water: American Society of Marine Artists” exhibit
WHEN Opens with First Look Party from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 5; on display through June 20
WHERE Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal St., Dover
ADMISSION Free
MORE INFO Call 674-2111 or visit www.biggsmuseum.org
Related Upcoming Events“
An Evening of Artful Dining: Fish and Ships”
6 p.m. Friday, March 12
$70 for members, $75 for non-members
Dine in the museum’s galleries and participate in an education program. Menu inclues fresh tropical fruit tossed with wild greens in a strawberry vinaigrette, flounder stuffed with crab imperial, herb risotto, fresh steamed asparagus, rolls and butter, chocolate cake drizzled with strawberry sauce, wine, ice tea, and coffee.
