Egan Maritime Institute Presents:
Sanctuary, Painting Nantucket's Back Alleys, Hidden Valleys, and Secluded Coves

May 22 – October 12, 2009
At the Coffin School, 4 Winter Street
Open Daily 10 A.M. – 4 P.M.
Admission* Adults $5, Students $3,                                                                                Free for members

Painting on Natucket developed over hundreds of years much the same way it evolved around the world; as a result of gifted artist confronting the beauty and   spirit of the place. Some of the most important and respected artists of their    day: Frank Swift Chase, Anne Ramsdell Congdon and Thomas Eakins, spent time allowing the island's natural inspiration to permeate their paintings. The island      called to many artists either moving to Nantucket, or setting up seasonal studios to capture the quiet, unspoiled beauty, something that is evident to anyone who has spent time traversing the back roads discovering that the island's inner soul is often only defined by ideas revolving around surf and sand, sail and schooner.

The 2009 seasonal exhibit at the             Coffin School will present a review of  paintings that focus on a Nantucket lurking     in the sea's shadow, often forgotten or neglected by residents and visitors alike. Beginning with portraits of some of the   orignial founders of the island, thus laying a ground work for not only the island's history, but for its foray into painting. The exhibit will highlight selections from four collections: those belonging to the Egan Maritime Institute; the Coffin School Trustees; the Artist Association of Nantucket; and the Nantucket Historical Association. Works from the South Wharf Gallery, Old Spouter Gallery and the Gallery at 4 India Street. Selections by Eakins, Chase, and Congdon will be included, with examples from other artists known and lesser-known, including Elizabeth Rebecca Coffin, Haley Lever, Reggie Levine, Wendell Macy, and Elizabeth Saltonstall. The exhibit will also feature contemporary Nantucket voices just making their impressions felt, including Jane Albaugh, Alison Cooley, John Devaney and Steve Pitliuk.

* Includes admission to the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum at 158 Polpis Road.
Open May 16 – October 12, 10 AM 4 PM daily.