Art Exhibit: The Coast and the Sea - Marine and Maritime Art in America

This comprehensive exhibition features three remarkable art shows that explore the theme of water through diverse cultural lenses and artistic styles.

1. **The Coast and the Sea: Marine and Maritime Art in America** presents a collection from The New York Historical, showcasing 49 paintings and 10 maritime objects that narrate early American history and culture's relationship with water. Spanning from 1750 to 1904, the artworks include seascapes, ship portraits, and scenes of leisure, alongside personal maritime artifacts. Notable artists like Thomas Birch and Howard Pyle are represented, illuminating the significance of maritime life.

2. **Gidibaajimomin / We Tell Stories by Gordon Coons** features the self-taught artist from the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe, who employs the vibrant Woodland Style influenced by traditional Ojibwa storytelling. His diverse works in mediums like painting and sculpture incorporate bright colors with geographic meanings, exploring themes of communication and community. The title translates to "we tell stories," reflecting Coons's dedication to teaching and sharing Native narratives through art.

3. **Splish, Splash, Story: Selections from The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art** brings together enchanting illustrations that emphasize water’s role in children's literature. This exhibition showcases how water has inspired generations of readers, featuring works from both classic and contemporary illustrators, including beloved pieces by Eric Carle. Visitors will encounter familiar scenes and new artistic voices that highlight the significance of water in nurturing curiosity and creativity in young minds.

Together, these exhibitions highlight water's multifaceted presence across history, culture, and storytelling, inviting visitors to engage with its beauty and significance in art and life.