ASMA & SHF promote the distaff side of Marine Art

In what has become something of an annual event Sydney Heritage Fleet and the Australian Society of Marine Artists have once again joined painters (to use a nautical term) to conduct their fourth annual Artist in Residence Program – this time with a difference.

Ten female artists, all members of ASMA, were invited to take up residence at the Fleet’s Heritage Workshops and Berths at Rozelle Bay to depict the life and times of many of the Fleet’s 500 or so active volunteers as they go about the business of restoring the 1927 coastal steamer John Oxley and, as funds permit, the even older 1912 inner-harbour ferry Kanangra, maintaining and operating  the Fleet’s marvellous 100-plus year old veterans the 1902 steamship Lady Hopetoun, the 1902 steam tug Waratah, the 1903 schooner Boomerang and the 1908 small ferry/launch Protex and several other of their work boats and tugs.

When this phase of their work was completed the artists moved to Wharf 7, Pyrmont where James Craig (built in 1874) the oldest vessel in the Fleet’s incredible collection is berthed. Here they painted various scenes both on James Craig and around the general precinct the Fleet shares with the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Hugh Lander, Public Affairs Manager at the Fleet, told this publication “the artists are now putting the finishing touches to their works which will be proudly displayed in an Art Show to be opened by The Hon Tanya Plibersek, MP on Saturday 27^th April.” Hugh said “all of the art works will be for sale and the exhibition will be open from 1430 on the 27^th April  and then each day from 0930 to1600 until the close at midday on 4^th May.”

Friends of the artists and members of the public are invited to attend. A small entry fee will be charged with all proceeds going to support the work of Sydney Heritage Fleet.