Two artists from Curry County have paintings in the 15th Annual Maritime Art Exhibit, a juried show featured at the Coos Art Museum from July 19 to September 20. The artists are Sharon Guinn of Gold Beach and Pete Chasar of Brookings.
The local artists' paintings were chosen from hundreds of submissions by artists from all over the country and even from as far away as New Zealand. That is because the museum is now partnering with the American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA), which makes this Coos Art Museum exhibition ASMA’s regional competition for the entire western United States.
Reflecting on having his art selected for the show Chasar said, "It's a thrill to be included. I was in last year's show and was very impressed with the caliber of the art. On top of that, my painting last year sold during the show. I'd love that to happen again."
Chasar's piece in the show is a realistic representation of the St. George Lighthouse, but with calm seas and seen in the warm glow of evening sun. The title is Golden Hour off St. George.
Guinn, too, is thrilled to be in the show. Recently, she won Best of Show in the Azalea Festival Show, Brookings and the Meri Times Show, Gold Beach. "I like to paint all kinds of subjects in all kinds of mediums," she adds.
Guinn's piece in the Coos Bay show, titled Summer Seas, is a refreshingly bold, graphic composition of traditional maritime symbols, including sailboats, seagulls, sun, fish, and water.
It's interesting to note that both artists, though interested and involved in art since childhood, have little formal training. Guinn reports, "I'm self-taught." And so does Chasar, though he did have four years of high school art and was tangentially involved in art during a 35-year advertising career.
You can see the paintings of these two local artists, along with other outstanding maritime art, starting July 19 at the Coos Art Museum, 235 Anderson Avenue, Coos Bay. Museum hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. There is a small admission fee.
beautiful, beautiful work by both artists,
and amazingly different, Chasars' being so precise, detailed and calm and Guinn is colorful, amusing and imaginative...
what an insperation for fellow artists.
bette sherbourne
Posted by: bette sherbourne | March 10, 2009 at 04:19 PM