See the Georgia coast anew in Waves of Wonder, Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum’s new exhibition, which opens on Wednesday, June 5, with a cocktail party at 5:30 p.m. The party is free and open to the public. The exhibition showcases a variety of inspiring works funded by UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant's Artists, Writers, and Scholars (AWS) Program.

Visitors to Waves of Wonder will embark on a journey of discovery where art serves as a bridge connecting humanity to the enchanting world of Georgia’s coast. Captivating and evocative imagery portrays the essence of Georgia’s coast with vibrant colors and sounds, and intricate interpretations. Whether through the brushstroke of a painting, the graceful movement of a dancer, or documentation of Black maritime history, these artists and scholars invite viewers to pause, reflect, and marvel at our region’s natural wonders.

A Family Day event featuring artist demonstrations and activities will take place on Saturday, June 29, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant in this celebration of Georgia’s coastal culture and natural environments,” said Molly Taylor, executive director of Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum. “Waves of Wonder is a beautiful blending of art and science and is a must-see program for anyone living on or visiting Georgia’s coast, especially children and families."

Waves of Wonder features the work of current AWS grant recipients Autumn Eckman, Peter Van Zandt Lane, Jennifer Nolan, and Josh Stutz, as well as previous award-winners Kip Bradley, Julie de Chantal and Kurt Knoerl, Alan Harvey, Barbara Mann, Dana Montlack, and Casey Schachner. Many of these awardees collaborated with coastal scientists and students in creating their final projects.

 “The artists and scholars featured in Waves of Wonder have created amazing, awe-inspiring interpretations about scientific and cultural ideas related to our region,” said Tania Sammons, curator of Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum. “Displayed together their individual subjects magnify their coastal messages and are at once visually compelling and thought-provoking.”

The works featured in Waves of Wonder encompass a diverse range of disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, illustration, sound, film, and dance. Each project offers a fresh perspective on the intricate relationships that define coastal life, from the interconnectedness of animal communities to the profound connections between humans and the natural world.

Mark Risse, director of UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, expresses his enthusiasm for the program's growth and impact. "The Artist, Writers, and Scholars program has flourished over the past two years, fostering meaningful collaborations between the art community and coastal advocates," says Risse. "Through Waves of Wonder and similar outreach efforts, we aim to engage audiences in critical coastal issues while celebrating the creativity inspired by our marine environments."

Admission to the exhibit is included with general museum admission. For more information, please visit https://www.shipsofthesea.org/.