The Mariners’ Museum Showcases Artistic Interpretaton Of The Battle Of Hampton Roads From Students

For Immediate Release

The Mariners’ Museum Showcases Artistic Interpretaton Of The Battle Of Hampton Roads From Students

Newport VA. (February 2010)- The Mariners’ Museum’s newest exhibition highlights the artistic talents of students from around the country and their interpretations of the Battle of Hampton Roads, between the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia. The juried art show, “…To Our Children’s Children”: The Battle of Hampton Roads Juried Youth Art Competition, opens March 5 and will be on view through August 15, 2010.

The competition was open to students in three age categories: 4-7 years, 8-12 years, and 13-18 years. Each artist was allowed to submit up to three pieces for consideration.

“We had a phenomenal response,” says Anna Holloway, vice president of museum collections and programs. “We received 125 entries from as far away as Washington State and as close as the Riverside neighborhood of Newport News. Entries range from traditional oils, crayons and pencil drawings to collages, found objects and even marshmallows!  All of the entries show a keen understanding of not only the rules….but the history of the two ships and the historic battle that changed the course of naval history. The creativity on display in the gallery is impressive – and viewers will be blown away by the artwork.  The judges had an extremely hard time making their decisions, but they had a blast doing it.”

Selections for the exhibition were made by Jeff Johnston, historian at NOAA’s Monitor National Marine Sanctuary; J. Michael Moore, Civil War curator at Lee Hall Mansion; Chris Voll, exhibit production manager, The Mariners’ Museum; and James Warwick Jones, gallery manager of the Charles H. Taylor Art Center.

Winners will be announced at a reception on March 5 at 6:15 P.M. First, second, and third place awards will be given in each age bracket, and first place winners in each category will receive a prize.

“For kids who didn’t get a chance to enter – no worries,” says Holloway. “While they can’t compete for a prize, we will have art supplies available in the gallery so they can create their works right here at The Museum and display them on a specially installed magnet wall.”

The public is invited to celebrate the Battle of Hampton Roads Weekend, March 5 and 6 at The Mariners’ Museum. A list of activities follows. These events are open to the public with general admission. Admission is free for Museum Members.

Living History Day
March 5, 10 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.

An exciting day packed with hands-on activities will bring the Battle of Hampton Roads to life for home-school families and school groups during this 148th anniversary celebration of the historic clash of the ironclads. The day is sponsored by The Mariners’ Museum’s Education Department. Admission is only $5. For information or to register, contact Armalita Holley at aholley@MarinersMuseum.org or call (757) 591-7743.

Exhibition Opening:

“…To Our Children’s Children”: The Battle of Hampton Roads Juried Youth Art Competition

March 5, 6 P.M.

In January 1863, Grenville Weeks, who had served as surgeon on the USS Monitor, wrote that he hoped “the work of the Monitor [would] be remembered, and her story told to our children’s children.” In that spirit, and in commemoration of the 148th anniversary of the great clash of armor, The Mariners’ Museum and NOAA’s Monitor National Marine Sanctuary are co-sponsoring this juried youth art competition, which will be on display in the Daily Press, Inc. Gallery in the USS Monitor Center.  The winners of the art competition will be announced at 6:15 P.M.

Battle of Hampton Roads Weekend
March 6, 10 A.M. to 4 P.M.

Join The Mariners’ Museum and NOAA’s Monitor National Marine Sanctuary in observance of the 148th anniversary of the Battle of Hampton Roads, the backdrop of the famous clash between the ironclads USS Monitor and CSS Virginia. NOAA and Mariners’ staff will give informative lectures about the history of these revolutionary vessels as well as updates on recovery and conservation of the Monitor. Behind-the-scenes tours of the award-winning USS Monitor Center, living history demonstrations, music, and children’s activities will round out the day. These events are free with Museum admission. Admission is free for Museum Members. Families can also sign up for a ditty-bag craft activity at an additional charge of $5 per participant. Supplies are limited, so advance registration is suggested. For more information contact Wisteria Perry at wperry@marinersmuseum.org or (757) 591-7744.

For more information:
Contact: Cindy Mackey
(757) 754-4553
E-mail: pr@marinersmuseum.org
 

The Mariners' Museum, an educational, non-profit institution accredited by the American Association of Museums, preserves and interprets maritime history through an international collection of ship models, figureheads, paintings and other maritime artifacts. The museum is open from 10 A.M. until 5 P.M. Wednesday through Saturday, and 12 to 5 P.M. Sunday. It will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. For information, visit www.marinersmuseum.org, call (757) 596-2222 or (800) 581-7245, or write to The Mariners' Museum, 100 Museum Drive, Newport News, VA 23606.

The Mariners' Museum and The South Street Seaport Museum of New York City are partners in America's National Maritime Museum, an innovative alliance recognized by an act of Congress in June 1998 to share collections, exhibitions, educational programs, publications, and other endeavors.