The Bristol Art Museum and Rogers Free Library recently announced a new juried, community exhibit, “Ocean State of Mind”, comprised of works of art that visually represent what they think about when they see the sea.

This community exhibit can be viewed in the  Community Galleries of the Rogers Free Library now until July 20, 2023. Local artist and art teacher Elizabeth O’Connell served as juror for this exhibit.  

“Rhode Island has a historical relationship with the ocean for travel, fishing, trade, pleasure, and politics,” said O’Connell. “John Brown prospered in sea trade in the early days of Providence, and the burning of the Gaspee was one of the first actions to seek independence from England. Sailing, the America’s Cup races, and visits from the Black Ships are summer pleasures. Seafood is loved by residents and tourists. We all flock to its beautiful beaches in the summer months to swim and bask.”

Warren artists whose work was chosen to be featured in the exhibit include:

• Arianne Del Rios, Good Day for Fishing (Watercolor) and Summer Guest (Watercolor print)
• Richard Kaiser, Kickemuit Sunrise (Watercolor)
• Butch Lombardi, Phyllis (Photograph)
• Judith Naftygiel, Cold Front Approaching (Photograph)

“The art submitted to this exhibit reflects many of these ocean-related topics,” added O’Connell. “I first perused the pieces online, and after that viewed the works in person. The emotions and questions they elicited from me were what drew my attention and admiration, as much as the excellence in execution.

“The museum and library are pleased to offer this exhibit to the community through which artists share their visual representation of inspiration they derive from the sea,” said Vicky McGrath, Bristol Art Museum Board Member. “This exhibit, featured in the community galleries of the Rogers Free Library, may also provide an opportunity for visitors to interpret what the sea means to them be it for recreational, economic, or other purposes. We wish to express our sincere gratitude to Elizabeth O’Connell for serving as juror for this exhibit.”

Artists were invited to digitally submit their artwork online on the Bristol Art Museum website. The exhibit features drawings, paintings, printmaking, collage, photography, and two-dimensional fiber arts.

Elizabeth O’Connell is widely known in area art circles through classes she teaches on drawing and watercolor painting at the Bristol Art Museum, The Portsmouth Arts Guild, and Bristol’s Audubon Society.  Watercolor is a natural medium for O’Connell given the inspiration she draws from nature. Her degrees are in Fine Art, Literacy, and Education. O’Connell has worked extensively in textiles and ceramics and is completing a Natural Science Illustration Certificate at the Rhode Island School of Design. She exhibits and sells her work in local galleries and at her studio in Warren.