The Artists Association of Nantucket (AAN) and One Book One Island (OBOI) are pleased to announce the opening of Soul of the Ocean. This special exhibition will start with a reception on Friday, March 24, 4–5:30 P.M. at the Visual Arts Center (VAC), 24 Amelia Drive. The exhibition will be on display through Friday, April 28, and is open Monday – Friday, 9 A.M. – 5 P.M.  The genesis of the exhibition is derived from the acclaimed novel Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery. 

The reception will include a charming grab-and-go octopus mobile craft project. Artists of all ages are welcome to take one home to assemble and enjoy marine life throughout the year with their handmade mobile. First come, first serve!

Adding to the excitement of the reception, AAN is also delighted to collaborate with the Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) and feature their mobile touch tank from the MMA aquarium. “We will bring over some invertebrates – crabs, snails, clams, mussels, etc.,” says Jack Dubinsky, aquarium director at MMA, “and welcome everyone to come say ‘hello’ to the sea creatures.”  

“The maritime theme lends itself beautifully to this open-to-all-island artists exhibition highlighting the diversity of our waterways,” said AAN artistic director Robert Frazier. “This installation will feature beautiful art, photography, textiles, and some ceramics,” added Frazier.

“We are thrilled to, again, participate in this great community program and happy that AAN can contribute to the island-wide event,” said AAN public programs director Liz Hunt O’Brien. “There is a timely theme to this book that affects us as individuals and also globally, and we’re pleased to be a part of it,” added O’Brien. 

The Soul of the Ocean exhibition will be on display Friday, March 24 - April 28 at the Visual Arts Center (VAC) located at 24 Amelia Drive.  Open weekdays 9 A.M. – 5 P.M.

For those interested in exhibiting their work in this special collaborative show, the last day to drop off your art at the Visual Arts Center (VAC) is Tuesday March 21, from 9 – 5 P.M. 

For updates on the OBOI, please visit the One Book One Island page at the Nantucket Atheneum website. https://tarrylane.wixsite.com/oboi2023/. 
 

To learn more about AAN, visit the website at www.nantucketarts.org. For further information about our carefully crafted 2023 AAN programs, please call 508-228-0722