General

Why You Should Attend the ASMA Conference

The American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA) has for the last four decades promoted marine art and history alongside other national and international institutions. In this spirit, the society launched the first National Marine Art Conference (NMAC) in 2016. Here are some of the exciting actions that make the event a must attend.

National ExhibitionASMA Conference

During the 2016 conference, there was the opening of the 17th National Exhibition at the Muscarelle Museum.  The display ran from 9th September to 11th November 2016 and then traveled to other museums. The rare opportunity allowed the attendees to interact with the finest pieces. The journey is expected to complete in January 2018 at the Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic CT.

Painting Demos from acclaimed artists

Creativity gets the better part of the programs. In the first conference, there were workshops, demonstrations, and technical art lecturers from among others, Leonard Mizerek and Neal Hughes. The year 2017 saw brought the magic of CW Mundy and Don Demers to the podium. Scott Penegar also gave an intriguing demonstration on stone carving.

Discussions

Now, for the future of the marine arts, there must be an engaging discussion on the current trends. The highlight of this panel discussion is allowing artists to showcase their talent and relate their images to the society. The interaction is a great way to learn from each other and promote diverse views.

Governance

The ASMA members are environment conscious and understand the relationship between nature, human activities, and policies. The maritime management influences the future of marine arts. The conference cannot end without discussing climate change and what mariners can do to avoid adverse effects. During the 2016 event, the talks focused on the Arctic Ocean.

Celebration time

Play and work do great with artists! Toward the end of the program, members take advantage of the breathtaking scenery. It is not a wonder that the meetings take place in tantalizing places. Who can resist the allure of Williamsburg? From the historic sights, peaceful country, posh restaurants, to the unique shopping, there was something for everyone. The 2017 activity list included an evening cruise to Morgan Point on the historic Prudence boat.

Tips for enjoying ASMA Conference

  • Register early. The events take place in hotels which have limited rooms. Although the society tries to find alternative accommodation nearby, you might not get the best deal. In 2017, the first 95 registrants were rewarded with a cruise!
  • Take advantage of the discounts. The hotels offer group rooms at affordable prices.

Going by the fun-filled activities in the last two conferences, be ready to grab your place in the 2018 event so that you don’t miss out.…

ASMA Marine Art Conference

ASMA, the first National Marine Art Conference is at Williamsburg, a historic event

The ASMA, the American Society of Marine Artists will journey an innovative and new path in this year in 2016 for the first time in the history of four decades, by presenting the National Marine Art conference. The ASMA will open at the college of William and Mary its 17th National Exhibition in historic Williamsburg, VA at the Muscarelle Museum on September 9, 2016.  this exhibition will display up to November 11, 2016 and then travel to other museum venues for 16 months period with the exhibition coming to a closing in January 2018 in Mystic, CT, at the Mystic SEAPORT Museum.

In Williamsburg, during the opening ceremonies, there will be the lineup of nation’s premier authorities on history and maritime art.  There will be technical art lectures, workshops, share knowledge, demonstrations and expertise through painting and special tips will be shared through various mediums. John Stobart, the Founding ASMA member and Fellow Emeritus will be the keynote speaker.

The society has taken the lodging contract at two local hotels through the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. The Woodlands Hotel and Suites has lodging in standard rooms for 2 double at $128 per night + tax or a King suite per night is for $158 + taxes.  This rate is inclusive of continental breakfast daily and free internet service. This lodging hotel is in the primary location and the hotel provides shuttle service for nearby pickups and takes its guests to the Colonial Williamsburg Historical museums and area. People during the stay can enjoy these facilities such as:

  • Complimentary access during regular hours with the Shuttle service to the Historic Area, though the operating hours may differ with the season.
  • Group discount on passes
  • Complimentary use of The Woodlands pool and fitness room.
  • Discount coupons to use in operated and CW owned stores
  • Wireless internet complimentary in the meeting space and in all the guest rooms.

Located in the historic village is The Williamsburg Lodge providing at $198 per night + tax for deluxe accommodations.  Room rates at the Lodge do not include breakfast as complimentary, but wireless internet is a complimentary service.  Self-parking is complimentary for attendees. The booking code for the ASMA Reservation is 33218. Individual lodging reservations may be done by paying a deposit of one night room and tax charges. Check-in is at 4:00 pm and check-out is at 11.00 am. Get ready to join at Williamsburg!…

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Crabaret at the Museum

Each year the House of Ruth holds the fundraiser Crabaret at the Baltimore Museum of Art. Each year, a group of us go to support a great cause and have a great time. It is always a good party. We decided to take a limo this year and chose Baltimore Limo. They were phenomenal. They were great to deal with on the phone, showed up on time and the driver was a sweetheart. The limo itself had a bar which we didn’t use because of the free drinks at Crabaret. But the sound system was great and you wouldn’t believe the amazing led lighting system. It was like something out of a sci-fi movie. Since the drinks are free and flow freely, we were very glad our driver was dropping us off and we didn’t have to drive. But enough of that. More about the event.

House of Ruth

House of Ruth is an organization that helps battered women. They come from all walks of life. You can be rich or poor and still end up with a jerk for a husband or boyfriend. House of Ruth has counseling services and helps them find safe housing. If you don’t know about them, you should look them up and donate to them, or come to Crabaret next year. You will have a ball and be donating to a great organization at the same time.

Great Food & Wine

It is held at the restaurant at the museum, Gertrude’s, and on out into the sculpture garden. There is a silent auction with various items you can bid on. All the while wonderful hors d’oeuvres are being passed around such as miniature crab cakes. There are multiple bars with a variety of wines to choose from. It is always crowded, but the people are always friendly. There are many tall tables to stand at and eat all around the sculpture garden. Then there are the food stations where different restaurants and caterers in the Baltimore area give you a sample of their signature dishes. It will range from Southwestern, to seafood, to barbecue and more.

Periodically check back inside in the restaurant because that is where they put out the desserts. We have missed them a couple of years because they were decimated before we realized they were inside. They are excellent desserts too.

Silent & Live Auction

Towards the end they wrap up the silent auction and have a live auction with trips or houses in France or Spain, tickets to Ravens games, jewelry and a variety of other things. All for a good cause. If you haven’t been, you should put it on your calendar for next year. It is always in July.…

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