Press Releases

AUTHOR PAUL KEMPRECOS

(NEW BEDFORD, MA) – The New Bedford Whaling Museum will host a public reception for Mattapoisett watercolorist Mike Mazer on Thursday, May 13, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The artist's reception comes as an exhibition of his recent work draws to a close on May 31.

"This is a great opportunity to meet Dr. Mazer and talk with him about his art, which in this show focuses primarily on the New Bedford Fishing Fleet," said James Russell, museum president. The reception will take place in the San Francisco Room, which overlooks New Bedford harbor, the scene of many of the watercolors on display.

Guest curated by David B. Boyce, the exhibition titled, Waterfront Works, is comprised of 33 watercolor paintings. It opened on December 10, 2009. In his curatorial commentary, Mr. Boyce wrote, "Mazer's dynamic compositions capture the ruggedness and vitality of our working waterfront; yet he presents it with gentle and poetic artistry."

Of his work, the artist noted, "A frequent theme of my waterfront paintings is the inclusion of the workers who maintain and repair the fleet. Although it is a different type of work, somehow, I feel a common bond between the workers and myself. I interpret their hard work as well as the benefit and safety given to the crews and owners as not being too dissimilar to my past or present activities."

Retiring from a very fulfilling 36-year career as simultaneous Chiefs of Cardiology and Nephrology, at several greater Boston-area hospitals, and a LCDR, U.S. Navy retired, Mike Mazer has been painting professionally since 1993. He is an elected and/or signature member of 35 national art societies, including the International Society of Marine Painters. Dr. Mazer served two terms as President of the New England Watercolor Society and established its first home gallery on Newbury Street, Boston. He has exhibited in 32 museums across the country and his work is in many public, private and corporate collections throughout the United States.

A 16-page color catalog of selected works from the exhibition will be available free of charge during the reception while supplies last. Publication was made possible in part by grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and from "Education Through Cultural and Historical Organizations," a program administered by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Innovation & Improvement.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is the world's most comprehensive museum devoted to the global story of whales and whaling. The cornerstone of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the Museum is located at 18 Johnny Cake Hill in the heart of the city's historic downtown and is open daily. For a complete calendar of events, visit the Whaling Museum online at www.whalingmuseum.org. Join the Museum's online community at flickr.com, facebook.com, Twitter, and blog at www.whalingmuseumblog.org.