Seacoast Artist Association Awards 'By The Sea' Theme Show Winners

Press release from the Seacoast Artist Association:

Aug. 18, 2022

Sea vessels won the month at the Seacoast Artist Association in downtown Exeter. The SAA has announced the two winners from this month’s theme show, “By the Sea.” The show received a record-breaking eighty-five entries.

“I love boats and I love water,” says Best in Show winner Stephen Emery Carr about his oil painting Sloop HAWK (circa 1892). “I particularly like older boats with gaff rigged mainsails made of traditional sail cloth, and long low hulls with bowsprits that show the beautiful curves and shadows. I have not been trained as a painter. I was an Art and Architectural History major at Harvard College and looked at thousands of works by others. I also took drawing courses from Paul Rotterdam and William Reimann.” When he is not painting in Newburyport or at his camp in Maine, Stephen is an Assistant Boy’s Crew Coach at Phillips Exeter Academy.

At their monthly Second Friday reception, attendees chose Michael Sconce as the People Choice award winner, for his painting Gloucester Boats #2. “I like to paint outdoors on site and I generally do my best to create a nearly finished piece before I leave,” says Michael. “However with a more complicated design like this one, I often finish up using a photo at home. I am inspired by the vibrant community of artists here in the Seacoast and the incredible history of painting in New England, from Cape Ann to Monhegan. I have been fortunate enough to study with Todd Bonita and Dennis Poirier over the last couple years during the summer and I share the passion for oil painting with my wife, Kaitlin."

The SAA September theme show is “Autumn Splendor.” Drop off is Saturday, August 28, 10-3, and all are welcome. Find the entry form, which can be filled out ahead of time, and more information at seacoastartist.org.

The Seacoast Artist Association gallery is located in historic downtown Exeter at 130 Water Street. Hours are Wed-Sat, 10-5 and Sun, 1-4 and parking is free. Meet the artists at the monthly Second Friday reception on August 12, from 5-7 p.m. where you can vote for your favorite for the People's Choice Award. Call 603-778-8856 during gallery hours for more information and follow them on Facebook. Exeter’s Second Friday celebration of local art is now joined by Art Up Front Street Studios & Gallery at 120 Front St. and Exeter Fine Crafts on 61 Water Street. Visit them all!

This press release was produced by the Seacoast Artist Association. The views expressed here are the author's own.