Quite the catch

Artists flock to Newport’s Pacific Maritime Heritage Center

The building and its long-term displays are worth visiting all on their own, but that doesn’t stop the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center from hosting special exhibitions for community enjoyment. The newest, running through Oct. 9 in the Galley Gallery on the museum’s main floor, is “Animals in Nature/Art and Artifacts: ‘From the forest, air and sea.’”

The exhibition features work from three noted northwest artists, Gyotaku printing on wood panels by Duncan Berry of Cascade Head; wildlife painting on wood panels by Andy Kerr of Salem; and bird illustrations on paper by science illustrator and wildlife artist Nora Sherwood of Lincoln City.

“Intricate details and patterns found in nature are endlessly fascinating: I enjoy the challenge of portraying them on paper,” Sherwood said. “I’m an avid birder, and I’m always excited to tell their stories through art.”

Sherwood’s passion for her work is evident in the fine details found in her art.

Also included in the exhibition are taxidermy specimens, including exquisite maritime birds, and hands-on opportunities with wildlife pelts and skulls.

The artwork in the exhibition is available for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting museum operations.

The exhibit will also tie in with several special events. On Thursday, July 28, Oregon State Police Senior Trooper Josh Wolcott and Buck the Conservation K-9 will visit the museum. Wolcott will talk about four-year-old yellow lab Buck’s job as the first and only anti-poaching K-9. He and Wolcott have been together since Buck started training in 2018.

In a special presentation from Berry and Sherwood on Sunday, Aug. 21, the artists will talk about how wildlife inspires their work and the reasons why they focus on their particular subjects.

In September, Skyler Gerrity, assistant district wildlife biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, will give a presentation on how to live peacefully with black bears.

The Aug. 21 artist’s talk begins at 2 pm, times for other special events are to be determined. The Pacific Maritime Heritage Center is located on the Newport Bayfront across the street from Port Dock 5 and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children younger than 12, members of the Lincoln County Historical Society or the North American Reciprocal Museum Program and active-duty military.

For more information, go to oregoncoasthistory.org or call 541-265-7509.