October 10, November 14, December 12, 2024
1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
This three-part lecture series will explore captivating stories of maritime experiences brought to life via the imaginations of skilled artists and makers.
The current series will focus on the Museum’s three latest exhibitions in the company of three extraordinary artisans. Hear about restoring the scientific legacy of the Blashcka marine invertebrate glass models exhibited in Spineless: A Glass Menagerie of Blaschka Marine Invertebrates with renowned restorer Elizabeth Brill. Learn how the dugout canoe showcased in Entwined: Freedom, Sovereignty, and the Sea was created in celebration of timeless maritime cultural traditions with Sika Foyer. Finally, contemplate the cultural significance of small boat restoration that will be highlighted in the future Wells Boat Hall with respected craftsmen, Ken Murphy and Tom Townsend.
October 10 | Elizabeth Brill, “Restoring a Spineless Legacy: The Blaschka Glass Sea Creatures”
The Inaugural Fall Lecture Series kicks off on October 10 with glass restorer Elizabeth Brill, who over the span of 25 years has developed a unique appreciation for the Blaschka marine invertebrates on exhibit in Spineless: A Glass Menagerie of Blaschka Marine Invertebrates. For her, they are a large, extended, spineless family and intricate puzzles. In her presentation, Brill will discuss how she got to know the objects and their creators, showcasing before and after images of models in the exhibition and some that could not make the journey.
November 14 | Sika Foyer, “Creating a Dugout Canoe: Entwining Cultural Traditions and Rituals”
On November 14 hear from the Togolese American multi-disciplinary and conceptual visual artist, Sika Foyer, about the process of making the dugout canoe that is featured in Entwined: Freedom, Sovereignty, and the Sea. The dugout canoe, collaboratively created in celebration of timeless African and Indigenous maritime cultural traditions, will be available to view following Foyer’s presentation.
December 12 | Thomas Townsend and Ken Murphy, “The Survival of CIRRUS: A Maine Icon Reaches Home”
On December 12 join us for the third and final 2024 Fall Lecture Series presentation and hear about the progress of the upcoming Wells Boat Hall. Learn how the legendary Herreshoff yawl CIRRUS is brought back to gleaming life after a two year refurbishment. Led by marine carpenter Thomas Townsend and then-owner Ken Murphy, the effort to revive the forty-four foot 1930 Fishers Island 31 was supported by a passionate community in Mystic and in her home for over eight decades, Brooklin, Maine. CIRRUS is now back on her mooring in Brooklin, as part of the Mystic Seaport Museum Yachts on Exhibit program.
This program may be purchased as part of a package by clicking here. Your ticket also includes access to the lecture-associated gallery.
75 Greenmanville Ave
Mystic, CT 06355
860-572-0711
info@mysticseaport.org
Copyright © 2021 Mystic Seaport Museum
