Custom House Maritime Museum Opens 'Moonjellies and Daydreams' 7/14

The varied and award-winning artwork of longtime New London native Mark Shasha will be featured this summer at the Custom House Maritime Museum , 150 Bank Street, New London, Connecticut. The show runs from Saturday, July 14th to September 15th, 2012.

An opening reception with the artist is planned for Saturday, July 14th 2pm-4pm. Shasha will be available for questions and answers at the museum from 1-5pm on Sunday, July 15th as well.

Shasha's art has been seen in galleries, museums, magazines and newspapers for decades.

Shasha was first published in the Groton News when he was 14 years old as a student at New London High School. He later continued his studies at the Rhode Island School of Design and moved to Boston to illustrate for The Globe, The Phoenix and other publications. Today his paintings and prints are collected internationally and millions have read his books.

This exhibit will feature some of Shasha's early illustrations and work from the 1980's to the award-winning seascape and landscape paintings that are his primary area of interest in recent years.

On view will be some of the pastel illustrations from his children's books including the THE HALL OF BEASTS and New London classic, NIGHT OF THE MOONJELLIES which was inspired by his childhood memories of working at Mar-Gra's, his family's small hot-dog stand on Pequot Avenue which closed in the 1970s (now Fred's Shanty).

Sketchbooks and personal objects from his years in New London will also be on view.

Talks and book readings with the artist are being planned as part of the exhibition. Some of Shasha's books, posters and cards will be available in the gift shop as well. Shasha is contributing proceeds to support the museum fund.

More information at www.MarkShasha.com
and www.NLMaritimeSociety.org

This summer, for a 2nd year, the New London Maritime Society - Custom House Maritime Museum hosts Sentinels on the Sound, a celebration of New London's lighthouse heritage. This year, events are spread out across the summer on three different weekends, each with a different flavor. The weekends are July 14-15 (in conjunction with Don't Miss the Boats), August 4-5, and September 1-2.

In addition to lighthouse boat tours, each weekend will have its own mix of special events and exhibitions. On the first lighthouse weekend, July 14-15, highlights include the Mark Shasha exhibition, a circus (& juggling workshop), and a performance.

Saturday, July 14 is another great day in New London. Why not make a day of it?
Come to downtown New London to see Don't Miss the Boats, have Lunch, take a juggling workshop at 2 with circus acrobats, meet artist Mark Shasha at 3 at the Custom House, catch a Lighthouse Harbor tour at 4, be amazed by Nimble Arts Summer Circus on Parade Plaza at 6:30, stay on downtown for Supper.