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John Stobart Feelowship Award Winners: 1989 - 2010

THE GALLERY AT FIREHOUSE SQUARE in New London, Connecticut is pleased to announce a one-of-a-kind reunion exhibition titled "John Stobart Fellowship Award Winners: 1989-2011." Featuring works by over 17 of the Fellowship award winners, including 2011 winner Rick Lacey, this exhibition will open with a reception at THE GALLERY on Friday, July 29, 2011 from 5-10pm.

In attendance on this unprecedented evening will be Mr. Stobart himself, as well as the participating artists (all Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts graduates), who will gather to meet each other – many for the first time – and discuss their work. Sure to be a topic of conversation is the influence Mr. Stobart has had on their careers since receiving their Fellowships. Mr. Stobart will be jurying the event and awards will be presented to the participants.

On this night, in addition to the opening of this Exhibition, New London will be welcoming the crews from over 100 vessels as the 155th New York Yacht Club (NYYC) Annual Cruise kicks off. As New London's only maritime art gallery, THE GALLERY AT FIREHOUSE SQUARE is looking forward to welcoming the NYYC members to our historic harbor. Vessels, ranging from 40' racing sailboats to 100' motor yachts will moor and tie up on docks in and around New London and participate in various events and races over the course of the weekend.

Fittingly, on display this evening, and for the duration of the exhibition, will be Russ Kramer's oil-on-linen depiction of the 1911 NYYC cruise to New London, titled "Annual Cruise of the New York Yacht Club – 1911: Grand Illumination at Station 4 – New London." Kramer is a prolific marine artist whose "unique vision creates first-hand experiences for the viewer, putting you right on board during some of history's greatest races." Kramer currently serves as president of the American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA).

A special NLArt Night is also happening the evening of July 29. To welcome the NYYC Cruise participants, New London's restaurants, galleries, art studios, museums and theaters will be open to display this small city's unique character. Family, friends and art enthusiasts can be sure to enjoy the amazing talents New London has to offer.

The Stobart Foundation, established by John Stobart in 1988, is committed to inspire, support and strengthen the passion and commitment of artists as they establish themselves professionally. According to the Foundation's website, Mr. Stobart's "deep enjoyment of working in the landscape genre and his belief in the integrity of plein-air painting have led him to establish the Stobart Foundation, whose mission is to support young painters who are influenced by the history and tradition of the open air painters. Through these many efforts, art lovers around the world can appreciate the art and life of the past through the art of today."

Katie Fogg, THE GALLERY's manager and the catalyst behind this unique exhibition, is pleased to assemble this talented group – and participate in this exhibit. A Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts alumna and the recipient of the 2010 Stobart Fellowship, she knows the value of art, as well as the importance of support for the artist.

The Stobart Foundation was established in 1988 to inspire, support and strengthen the passion and commitment of artists as they establish themselves professionally. The first Foundation grant was given to a student from Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts. Since then the Foundation has been proud to present an annual Fellowship Award to a student of the College upon his/her graduation. Visit John Stobart's Website at www.stobart.com

Selected Works