As part of the 200th anniversary of the British Raid on Essex, the Connecticut River Museum is hosting a traveling fine art exhibit by members of the American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA). Twenty-five paintings by 16 different artists illustrate the various arenas of military action that unfolded during this War which was largely fought on the water.
The exhibit is comprised of three theaters of war: the oceans; the Great Lakes; and the bays, estuaries, sounds and rivers of the Eastern United States. The paintings include oils and watercolors, and depict scenes of famous engagements as well as lesser known vessels and locales. While many of the works of art present traditional views of the great navy vessels on the high seas or in action, others feature more personal views of men, giving the war a human face.
The American Society of Marine Artists was founded in 1978 by a small group of professional artists, who shared a love for all things maritime. The Connecticut River Museum is delighted to have teamed with ASMA for this themed exhibit.
The Connecticut River Museum is one of five national venues in which this exhibit will travel. It will be on display during the bicentennial of the April, 1814 British Raid on Essex. The Raid has been the subject of considerable research and attention at the Museum in recent years and will culminate during the spring of 2014 with this special exhibit along with a series of related programs and events.
For more information on the exhibition and related programs, visit ctrivermuseum.org. The Connecticut River Museum is located at 67 Main Street, Essex and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Mondays.