Heritage boats may sit in a harbour, exposed to harsh weather and the test of time, but art can immortalize these marvels of naval architecture, thinks Anya Zanko, event manager of the Maritime Museum of BC.
To celebrate the province’s rich maritime heritage, the museum hosted its first-ever Artists Aboard Showcase on Oct. 20, featuring the works of four local artists — Liz Charsley, Richard Linzey, Janet Moore, and Christina Morrison.
The event displayed artwork created during the 45th annual Classic Boat Festival this past summer, where the artists sketched and painted classic vessels present at the event.
From 12 to 4 p.m., the exhibit welcomed the public to see and purchase the pieces, while the artists were present to discuss their experiences.
Participating local artist Richard Linzey, shared how his background as an architect, with a focus on conservation, shaped his appreciation for maritime heritage.
"To see boats of the same age as the buildings I was working on, actually floating and transporting people, was quite impressive,” said Linzey.
Linzey who spent time painting GyrFalcon and Argonaut II, mentioned feeling privileged to paint those two vessels both built in the 1940s.
“When you're painting something, you get to understand it much better because you look at every detail,” said Linzey.
Sooke artist Christina Morrison painted the Messenger III, a historic 1946 boat that once served religious missions, summer camps, and more, sailing along the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island.
“It saw it sailing in the harbour and it was amazing,” she said. “It’s a beautiful boat.”
For her part, Zanko was happy with the turnout of the first event, emphasizing the beauty of both the boats and the artists' works.
"The heritage vessels themselves are works of art,” said Zanko. “[Boat owners] put in so much effort to maintain them and bring them to the festival so we wanted more ways for people to experience the festival and see these beautiful vessels through the eyes of talented artists."
Due to the success of this year’s program, Zanko confirmed that the museum would be accepting proposals again next winter.
For more information about the Maritime Museum of BC, visit mmbc.bc.c
