Arthur Beaumont “Art of the Sea” and “Sea & Shore” Plein Air Paintings On Display for a Limited Time at Maritime Museum of San Diego
February 23 – September 30, 2019
SAN DIEGO, CA (January 14, 2019) – Maritime Museum of San Diego, home to 500 years of seafaring history and a collection of historic vessels and exhibits, from sail to steam to submarine and more, is proud to announce the opening of two new exhibits for maritime and art enthusiasts Saturday, February 23 – September 30, 2019. The new exhibitions will be included with general admission ticket purchase and located aboard the 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley Gould Eddy and Compass galleries. Dr. Raymond Ashley, Ph.D., K.C.I., President/CEO of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, describes the exhibits as a “fresh new visual display of passion for our connection to the sea, plus the naval history and outdoor lifestyle San Diegans embrace.”
Arthur Beaumont’s “Art of the Sea” is curated by James Irvine Swinden and includes works in the Irvine Museum Collection at the University of California, Irvine. The new exhibit will be on display in the Gould Eddy gallery, located on the lower deck of the Berkeley. Beaumont’s body of work encompasses numerous portraits of specific naval vessels, including mighty aircraft carriers and battleships as well as personal yachts of presidents and celebrities. His art portrays not only admirals but also common sailors and soldiers. They formed the core of his series of significant wartime commissions for National Geographic Magazine. In 1958, Beaumont was named Artist Laureate of the U.S. Fleet.
To the artist Arthur Beaumont (1890-1978), the sea and the vessels that sailed on it held endless fascination. He sought to create an artistic record of the activities and accomplishments of the U.S. Navy, from the launching of the U.S.S. Constitution, to the fierce battles of World War II, to the Atomic Bomb tests at Bikini Atoll, and to the expeditions to the North and South Poles. All these historic events are recorded in his paintings.
Open concurrently with the Beaumont art exhibit, the Museum is proud to introduce “Sea and Shore” on display in the Compass Gallery located on the main level of the Berkeley. This art exhibit features submissions from members of the Plein Air Painters Association of San Diego (PAPASAN). The artists of the Plein Air Painters Association of San Diego have been on the plein air scene since 1999, painting the essence of San Diego, whose very identity is uniquely defined by the sea. PAPASAN members paint San Diego’s beautiful beaches, tidepools, estuaries, harbors and marinas. The art of painting en plein air, or painting outdoors, is an essential endeavor for an artist. Plein air painting is perhaps one of the most difficult genres to master.
This group of professional fine artists are regionally and nationally known, have independently exhibited their works in museums and galleries throughout the country, and are members of national professional art organizations. Many of their works appear in national art publications, and some are included in recently published books such as California Light: Seascapes and Beach Towns. They continue to contribute to the artistic record of San Diego, especially documenting its vibrant maritime scene.
Visits to all exhibits found aboard the Museum’s historic fleet are included with one general admission ticket purchase. Visitors can purchase tickets to the Maritime Museum of San Diego online or visit the ticket booth and Gift Shop located at 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101-3309. For more information, call 619.234.9153.
Book now! General Admission.
About the Maritime Museum of San Diego
The Maritime Museum of San Diego experience includes admission to a world-class collection of historic sailing ships, steam-powered boats, and submarines, each offering entertaining and educational exhibits. The 501c3 non-profit Museum enjoys an international reputation for excellence in restoring, maintaining, and operating historic vessels including the world’s oldest active sailing ship, Star of India. Maritime Museum of San Diego is ranked as one of the nation’s top attractions offering self-guided tours, docent guided-group tours, tall ship charters, year round public events, educational programs, and a distinctive venue for corporate/private events. The Museum is open daily along Star of India Wharf at 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101-3309.