Clinton Artist Featured In Fairfield Museum’s New Art Exhibition

The work of Victor Mays of Clinton will be part of a special marine art exhibition opening July 28 at the Fairfield Museum and History Center, specifically the J. Russell Jinishian Gallery collection in Fairfield.

The exhibition, called The War of 1812 at Sea, will be on display through September 9, and will chronicle the great sea battles around the War of 1812, some of which occurred off the Connecticut Coast. It will feature dramatic marine paintings and models from art dealer J. Russell Jinishian. 

The War of 1812 at Sea exhibition will include 16 works from some of the most prominent marine artists, according to Museum Executive Director Michael Jehle.

“We consider ourselves privileged to be able to display the outstanding work of these artists.  Their  paintings and models capture pivotal moments during the War of 1812, a troubled and dark time for our young nation and for Fairfield as well,” he said. 

Outstanding watercolor work by Victor Mays of the HMS Atalante off Killingworth Harbor in Connecticut will highlight the exhibition.  

Other elements include works by the late Robert Sticker of ships like the USS Constitution and the USS Vixen; oil paintings by Paul Garnett of the USS Constitution, US Frigate Essex and a whaler; oil paintings by Patrick O’Brien of the USS Enterprise vs the HMS Boxer--a battle off the coast of Maine; watercolors by Arthur Shilstone of the war ship Niagara raking the British with Carronade Fire and The Battle of Lake Erie; and a watercolor of the Brig Oneida by William Walsh.

"Using meticulous research methods and their powerful imaginations, these skilled artists were able to re-create and bring to life the ships, the men, and the battles they fought 200 years ago for us first-hand today," said J. Russell Jinishian.

The artwork on display for this exhibition will also be for sale through the J. Russell Jinishian Gallery and a portion of the proceeds will go to support programs at the museum, according to Jehle.

The War of 1812- The Second American Revolution

As a new nation in the early 1800s, the United States relied heavily on overseas trade with Britain and France, two global powers that were locked in conflict.   American frustration grew as the British kept American ships from sailing freely, and also claimed the right to seize American sailors for service in the British Navy.  Determined to prove America’s independence and restore its freedom to trade, Congress declared war on Britain in 1812.

According to historians, it did not take long for Fairfield and its neighboring communities along the coast to feel the impact of the War of 1812. With the British blockading Long Island Sound, Fairfield vessels were threatened while residents on land lived in constant fear of attacks. Memories of the burning of Fairfield during the Revolution must have intensified the fears of Fairfield residents, who organized themselves into militias and built the Powder House, that still stands behind Fairfield’s Tomlinson Middle School, to defend the area. 

About J. Russell Jinishian and His Gallery

J. Russell Jinishian, Director of the J. Russell Jinishian Gallery in Fairfield, Conn., is recognized as the nation's leading authority on contemporary marine art. Mr. Jinishian is the former Director of the Maritime Gallery at Mystic Seaport Museum.  Under his leadership, well known personages like Walter Cronkite, William F. Buckley Jr., George Plimpton, America's Cup Sailor Gary Jobson and many others served as jurors for the prestigious International Exhibitions of Marine Art held each year. Jinishian is well known as a lecturer on marine art and traveling exhibitions.

The J. Russell Jinishian Gallery specializes in fine Contemporary and Antique Marine and Sporting Art from Europe and America. Through close contacts with the world's top marine artists, developed over the past 20 years, the J. Russell Jinishian Gallery offers discriminating collectors unparalleled access to the very best marine and sporting art available in the market at any time.

On hand is an extensive inventory of over 250 paintings, drawings, scrimshaw, and ship models in a wide variety of subjects, styles and price ranges. The Gallery offers changing exhibitions and opportunities to meet the artists through lecture programs.

About Fairfield Museum and History Center

Fairfield Museum and History Center is located at 370 Beach Road in Fairfield, CT. Hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free for members, $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors and free for children age 5 and under.  For more information on exhibits and upcoming programs, visit www.fairfieldhistory.org or call the Fairfield Museum at 203-259-1598.  The Museum annually hosts more than 18,000 visitors.