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WAVES OF WONDER

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5 - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

GENERAL ADMISSION GRANTS EXHIBITION ACCESS AFTER OPENING NIGHT

Dive into a world where the Georgia coast's natural beauty meets artistic inspiration in Waves of Wonder, the captivating new exhibition from Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.

 

Opening its doors on Wednesday, June 5, amidst the gentle lull of the ocean's embrace, this exhibition invites you to delve deep into the soul-stirring artworks brought to life through the Artists, Writers, and Scholars (AWS) Program, generously funded by UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant.

Through the lens of talented artists and scholars, experience the essence of Georgia's coast come alive with vibrant colors, evocative sounds, and stirring narratives. From the delicate dance of a sea turtle to the resounding echoes of maritime history, let Waves of Wonder ignite your imagination and deepen your appreciation for the wonders that lie beyond the horizon.

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FAMILY DAY

SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2024

10AM - 1PM

ADMISSION - FREE

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Immerse yourself in the enchantment of our Waves of Wonder exhibit through interactive art projects and live demonstrations by some of our featured artists. Watch as the talented Kip Bradley and Jennifer Nolan demonstrate their creative processes, offering inspiration to budding artists of all ages.

Our interactive stations will provide endless entertainment and learning opportunities. Dive into a variety of hands-on projects such as creating intricate shell mosaics, experimenting with ceramics and adding your artistic flair to sidewalk art. Kids and adults alike will love the face painting and the chance to explore the ocean table, a sensory experience that brings the wonders of the sea to life.

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No summer day is complete without a refreshing treat! King of Pops: All-Natural, Handcrafted Pops will be on-site and available for purchase to keep everyone cool with a delicious assortment of popsicles and refreshments.

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We welcome families and friends to come together and enjoy a day of art, fun, and community. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to create lasting memories at the

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum!

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OPENING NIGHT

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2024

5:30PM - 7:30PM

OPENING NIGHT ADMISSION - FREE

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Jennifer Nolan Eating Healthy, 2024

Watercolor and gold leaf

Get ready for an unforgettable evening! Kicking off on Wednesday, June 5, at 5:30 p.m. with an evening cocktail party, this enchanting showcase, sponsored by UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s Artists, Writers, and Scholars (AWS) Program, will dazzle you with a breathtaking array of artworks that transport you to the mesmerizing shores of Georgia’s coastline.

Enjoy delicious snacks and light refreshments available for purchase from Leopold's Ice Cream and The Naked Dog Food Truck. Don’t forget to capture the moment at our specially designed photo spots. Join us for a night of magic, art, and coastal charm!

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MEET THE ARTISTS

Kip Bradley

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Kip Bradley' #13 of 24 Diamond Causeway, Monday, April 10, 2023, 6pm - 6:56pm. Time to Sit. Low Tide, 64℉

Oil on panel 30" x 12" 

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Kip Bradley's art on display at the Waves of Wonder opening

Photo Credit: UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

For over a decade, Kip has pursued his passion for painting with unwavering dedication, inspiring others to explore the world through art. As a leader in artistic expression and observational literacy, he orchestrates sketching and painting groups both locally and internationally, nurturing a deep appreciation for capturing the essence of the present moment. 

Kip's focus on landscape painting is evident in his prolific output of three plein air works and one still-life masterpiece each week, where he skillfully merges the tangible qualities of paint with the illusion of depth. 

His artwork, exhibited in galleries regionally and nationally, serves not only as a celebration of nature's beauty but also as a poignant reflection on life's complexities, forging a timeless connection between art and the natural world.

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Autumn Eckman

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Autumn Eckman a(shore) dance film

a(shore) is a dance film that explores environmental awareness as an element of survival, a theme which connects urban and coastal communities. This film brings empathic awareness to the effects of human activities including urban encroachment, pollution and habitat destruction that have put coastal communities at risk

Autumn Eckman, an assistant professor of dance at Kennesaw State University. Prior to KSU, she served as an assistant professor at the University of Arizona and as an instructor at Northern Illinois University. Her background includes creating concert dance pieces and dance films inspired by environmental issues, including glacial deterioration and forest fire destruction due to wildfires on protected land.

 

As part of her project, Eckman will bring awareness to the environmental challenges along the Georgia coast through movement film and storytelling. She will create a dance piece that explores environmental awareness as an element of survival through themes related to the effects of human activities on the environment, including climate change, pollution and habitat destruction.

I hope audiences take away ways in which the arts can illuminate the importance of environmental responsibility and build awareness of the beautiful and sacred treasures that exist within and along the Georgia Coast,” Eckman said.

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Julie de Chantal

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Julie de Chantal, PhD is an Assistant Professor of History at Georgia Southern University, where she teaches African American History. She is the incoming Public History Coordinator for the Department of History.

Her research interests include women’s history and African American history, especially in Massachusetts. She specializes in the history of Black women’s grassroots activism in Boston. She is also interested in the history of food and its influence on the United States.

She is currently revising her manuscript entitled Just Ordinary Mothers: Black Women’s Grassroots Organizing in Boston, from the Vote to the Busing Crisis. Her work examines how upwardly-mobile Black working-class mothers navigated Boston’s civil rights movement and city politics to advance their community’s agenda from 1910 to 1974.

 

She recently published a book chapter on the work of Barbara Smith, one of the founders of the Combahee River Collective, at the 1977 International Women’s Conference. The book, It’s Our Movement Now, is available through the University of Florida Press.

Alan Harvey

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Alan Harvey “Vertical Horizons” Photographic Project, 2021-22

Alan Harvey is a biology professor at Georgia Southern University, Statesboro. His interests include evolutionary ecology, behavior, and biogeography, with a special interest in invasive species. Current research topics in his lab include the ecology of invasive ants, lizards, and plants; patterns of range expansion in invasive species; and the composition of local lichen communities. 

Alan Harvey has a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona. He has a longstanding interest in linking the complementary ways in which scientists and artists observe the world. His Georgia Sea Grant funding allowed him to highlight the contrast between natural habitats and human encroachment through a novel use of panoramic photographs.

Kurt Knoerl

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Dr. Kurt Knoerl at Waves of Wonder Opening 

Photo Credit: UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

Dr. T. Kurt Knoerl received his Ph.D. in history from George Mason University in Virginia and his MA in maritime history and underwater archaeology from East Carolina University, in North Carolina. He is currently an Associate Professor of History at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong campus where he teaches maritime history, digital history, material culture Native American history, and maritime archaeology.


Dr. Knoerl’s past research centered on British colonial and Native American maritime history in the Great Lakes. Since coming to Georgia Southern University in 2017 he has led student research on African American and Gullah Geechee maritime history in the coastal Georgia region. In 2022, he received Georgia Sea Grants to explore sites such as an oyster processing site in Harris Neck Fish and Wildlife Refuge, the Savannah Ogeechee canal, Long Island (part of Wormsloe State Historic Site) and Young’s Marina.


Currently he is working with a graduate student on exploring the maritime cultural landscape of Ossabaw Island. This project involves mapping the remnants of thousands of years of maritime use from the pre-contact period to the present day.


As a public maritime historian and archaeologist, Dr. Knoerl is highly involved in community historic preservation efforts. He is currently on the Ossabaw Island Foundation Board of Trustees, a member of the Chatham County Historic Preservation Commission, a volunteer for the Georgia Department of Natural Resource’s State Archaeologist, and the Director of the online nonprofit Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

Media related to Sea Grant projects:

Peter Van Zandt Lane

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Peter Van Zandt Lane Anabranch Premiere

Anabranch for trumpet, piano, percussion, and spatial electronics

Composed by Peter Van Zandt Lane

Premiere performance by Splice Ensemble (Sam Wells, Keith Kirchoff, and Adam Vidiksis) at SPLICE Fest V hosted by Berklee College of Music.

Peter Van Zandt Lane is an associate professor at UGA, where he teaches composition and electronic music. He also directs the Roger and Phyllis Dancz Center for New Music, a hub for experimental music, recording arts, and electronic music and acoustic research at UGA. For his project, he will compose a piece for a large ensemble that incorporates data sonification and live electronics, drawing on data from Georgia Coastal Ecosystems Long Term Ecological Research site based at the UGA Marine Institute on Sapelo Island. The piece will incorporate composition and data sonification to explore concepts of ecological thresholds and resiliency in the face of environmental disturbances.

“I hope that this project brings together people who love classical music and people who care about the Georgia coastal environment. I believe music is a powerful means to reflect on the issues of our time,” Lane said.

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Barbara Mann

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Barbara Mann next to her art at the Waves of Wonder opening

Photo Credit: UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

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Barbara Mann Plankton, Doliolid.

Copper, sterling silver, brass. 15" x 24"

Barbara Mann's artistic journey spans over four decades, deeply rooted in the coastal allure of Georgia. With degrees from The University of Georgia, she not only enriches academia as an adjunct instructor but also shares her craft through workshops across the Southeast. 

Barbara's creations, from exquisite jewelry to monumental gates, evoke the rhythms of coastal life and the mysteries of the sea. Inspired by nature's beauty and scientific wonders, each piece tells a story of the coastal landscape's rich tapestry. Her craftsmanship shines through in presentation pieces for esteemed organizations like the University of Georgia, echoing the majesty of coastal heritage. 

Collaborating with Gary Noffke, she crafted iconic awards honoring global luminaries like Nelson Mandela. Beyond accolades, Barbara's artistry delves into poignant explorations of healing and resilience, reflecting her deep connection to coastal communities and the enduring spirit of the sea.

Dana Montlack

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Dana Montlack

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Dana Montlack poses with her art at the Waves of Wonder opening

Photo Credit: UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

Dana Montlack is an interdisciplinary biospheric artist, researcher, and educator who masterfully weaves art and science through her captivating oceanic imagery.

 
Her innovative mixed media montages, blending photography, drawing, maps, and scientific data, have been celebrated worldwide, from the Whitney Marine Biology Research Center to the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego. Dana's art plunges into the unseen depths of the ocean, using microscopes and scanners to reveal the delicate and complex connections within marine ecosystems. 

Her collaborations with scientists at esteemed institutions like Scripps Institution of Oceanography have led to groundbreaking projects, such as a NOAA-funded exploration of climate impacts on Georgia's coastline. 

Beyond her artistic achievements, Dana imparts her knowledge as a Visual Arts and Contemporary Art History instructor at Georgia State University. With a BFA from the University of California Santa Cruz and an MFA in Mixed Media from Otis Parsons School of Art and Design, she inspires a profound appreciation for the marine environment and the vital role humans play within it.

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Jennifer Nolan

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Jennifer Nolan Self Reflection, 2024

Watercolor and gold leaf on panel 24" x 18"

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People admiring Jennifer Nolan's art at the Waves of Wonder opening

Photo Credit: UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

Jennifer Nolan graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in illustration. Animals have always been the subject of her paintings, which have been exhibited in Georgia and abroad. Currently her paintings are represented in galleries in Savannah, including Reynolds Square Fine Art and others. Nolan will be creating five large paintings that highlight moments, situations and emotions that are common to humans but revealed in nature. Her pieces will showcase relationships in the natural world that depict human elements, enabling audiences to better empathize and understand the parallels between human and animal communities.

“My desire is that these paintings will reach past socioeconomic, age, sex and racial differences. I specifically want to remind those who have forgotten or who never had known how precious our coastline is and why it needs to be appreciated. In this process I hope to bring joy, wonder, comfort and beauty to viewers,” Nolan said.

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Casey Schachner

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Casey Schachner Blue Blood, 2024

Copper luster glaze, raku fired, algae-ceramic material

Photo Credit: UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

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Jennifer Zettler Marine Still Life, 2023

Algae-ceramic material

Casey Schachner Kedge Anchor, 2023

Algae-ceramic material with oyster spat

Chiloon Chang Skull Teapot, 2023

Algae-ceramic material

Wesley McKee Hand, 2023

Algae-ceramic material

Wesley McKee Test tile, 2023

Algae-ceramic material with barnacle growth

Photo Credit: UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

Casey Schachner, hailing from coastal regions, serves as an Assistant Professor of Art at Georgia Southern University. Born and raised in Florida and coastal South Carolina, her artistic expression mirrors the cadence of seaside existence. Alongside her academic prowess, she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from Baylor University and a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art from the University of Montana.

Her artistic journey has spanned continents, showcasing her work from Italy to Vermont. Notably, she was recognized as the UM Emerging Artist for her contributions to an International Sculpture Park in Montana in 2017. In 2018, her talent shone on Hilton Head Island, where she clinched the People's Choice award. Recently, she was distinguished with the Georgia Sea Grant for Artists, where she showcased her innovative algae-based ceramic artwork at the UGA Aquarium on Skidaway Island.

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Josh Stutz

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Josh Stutz Loggerhead Sea Turtle and Hatchling

Watercolor 27" x 21"

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A wall featuring Josh Stutz's framed art at the Waves of Wonder opening

Photo Credit: UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

Josh Stutz studied at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan, earning his bachelor’s in illustration in 2020 before moving to Savannah in 2021.

 

As someone who loves the outdoors, he developed a strong interest in natural science illustration and the role illustration can play in educational material. Stutz’s project will involve illustrating endangered and threatened species in coastal Georgia to be featured in a book that describes the threats they face and explains how the health of the coast is connected to the health of the planet.

“I want people to acknowledge the impact we as humans have had on our coast, maybe learn about a new species they haven’t heard of, and feel empowered to do what they can to help keep them around,” Stutz said.

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