Breaking Boundaries (Through Artistic Expression)

Trailblazers who led New York through the harrowing waters of race relations, gender roles, economic boons and busts, and scientific discoveries are the topic of interpretation in The Whaling Museum & Education Center’s latest exhibit, Breaking Boundaries.

Funded in part through a $5,000 grant from HumanitesNY, the museum offered an open call to local, under-represented artists to interpret the often-overlooked themes that punctuated Yankee whaling. Seven artists were chosen among all the entries, and will have their work displayed for one year in conjunction with the Breaking Boundaries exhibit the museum is installing this week. Participating artists include Teodora Choolfaian, Jovanna Hopkins, Nicole Kuffo, Roseann Rizzo, John Scarola, Louise Wallendorf and Diane Woodcheke.

Within the exhibit, the public will be invited to reflect on the artists’ work and to join in the conversation themselves by creating their own meaningful works which push borders of their own. Collections & Exhibits Coordinator Elizabeth Marriot explains, “The contemporary art and the objects on display focus on the unifying humanity of their creators. Recognizing humanity was one of whaling’s major contributions which broke boundaries at the time, and which can be seen as a source of inspiration for New Yorkers today." Displays will highlight the whaling industry’s equal work opportunities for diverse racial groups, technological innovations in whaling tools, Long Island captains being the first Americans to explore new oceans, and captain’s wives breaking social barriers by joining crews at sea. This project also includes an educational online component, which will provide images and information about various ways numerous developments in the industry launched the country into becoming an economic world power. Virtual visitors will be able to view the project on the museum's website at cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Throughout the year, museum visitors will also have the opportunity to join in themed programming led by museum staff, which includes discussions with artifact highlights coupled with artistic interpretations responding to the exhibit’s theme of innovation. Two of the upcoming workshops include “Scrimshaw Carving” on September 23, and “Crafts by Heroines at the Helm” on October 4. Both hour-long workshops begin at 1 pm.

"The development of the whaling industry is tied to various significant and revolutionary advances in our society," says Executive Director, Nomi Dayan. "This distinctive project is not only a celebration of historical inventors and progressive thinking, but serves as a source of cultural inspiration and artistic expression for contemporary audiences."

The exhibit will be on view until Labor Day 2018. The public is invited to meet the artists at a wine and cheese reception on Thursday, September 14 from 6-8 pm. Adult suggested donation $12.

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About The Whaling Museum

The Whaling Museum & Education Center is located at 301 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724 and specializes in the culture and history of our maritime heritage as illustrated by the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Industry of the 1850s. Winter hours are Tuesday-Friday from 12-4 and Saturday-Sunday from 11-5. Learn more at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org