In the past month the Gallery at Firehouse Square on "Lower Bank" has recently opened several new art shows and a new gallery space. Moreover, it is currently featuring well over fifty artists in its confines. Therefore, this is as good a time as any to check out some very unique maritime art complemented by works of a not so "saltwater flavor."

The Gallery was founded in 2009 and is owned by John S. Johnson, a long-time Connecticut resident, avid boater and entrepreneur. It is New London's only art gallery focusing primarily on maritime art from the 19th through 21st centuries.  "The Gallery endeavors to support emerging artists who have an interest in marine art and to make such art accessible to young and old, including students, Connecticut residents, tourists to New London, boaters, collectors and more." 

It is also a unique space that features four unique gallery experiences in one making it possible to highlight more than a few artists at once.  These galleries include The "John Johnson Collection," the "Loon Gallery," the "Brick Gallery" and the newly opened "Kate Gallery" in honor of Kate Hepburn.  Johnson is more than thrilled to own this space in New London's historic waterfront district stating "New London is a great and viable community…we have big plans for Lower Bank."

The John Johnson Collection

 The "John Johnson Collection" is a semi-permanent collection of primarily nautically themed art located in the large lobby of the gallery.  It is made up of art that Johnson has collected over the years in his travels from street fairs, other art galleries and even the Lyme Arts Academy. "When I see art, and it feels right at first glance…it is worth buying," says Johnson.

Upon entering the Gallery one is greeted by a plethora of nautically themed work ranging from detailed paintings of boats and shipyards to meticulously crafted lifelike sculptures of sea life and costal terrestrial animals. Being surrounded by so much aquatic art, a sense of nostalgia, for those who grew up in a coastal town such as New London, washes over you  like the waves depicted in  so many of the pieces.

"Every time we sell a piece [out of the collection] I feel like I'm selling one of my kids," says Johnson. "Sometimes I price pieces high enough so that they won't sell," says Johnson with a chuckle.

One of Johnsons favorite pieces include one not of a maritime theme. "A Man of My Acquaintance," by Mark Gerard McKee is a powerful portrait, using found material as a canvas, of a fascinating man who happened to be homeless and frequented art opening receptions at the San Diego Art Institute. "I took one look at this piece and knew I had to add it to the collection," Johnson tells Patch.  The man depicted influenced a whole body of work by McKee entitled "Dwellers on the Fringe."

Also temporarily on display in collection are masterfully done wildlife carvings by Dan Patrick.  "While away for the off season Dan Patrick decided to leave his work under the care of the Maritime Gallery," gallery manager Katie Fogg tells Patch. His lifelike wildlife sculptures compliment the other works in the gallery beautifully by adding a striking set of three dimensional works to the gallery's open space.

One of Patrick's pieces greets you just as you enter the gallery.  His wood sculpture of an Alaskan Bald Eagle perched on a rock is a majestic piece carved out in great detail of tupelo gum wood, a lighter more versatile carving wood.

The Loon Gallery

Another permanent collection is the Loon Gallery a set of six platinum print photographs of tall ships from the turn of the nineteenth century by Charles E Bolles. The photographs are all presented in pristine condition in original frames and glass and valued between $500 and $2000.

Before moving to the Loon Gallery these photographs were part of a larger collection of eleven photographs at the Roosevelt seaport in Mystic CT. That was until the owner of the prints, Sandra Olney, visited the Gallery, was very impressed by the environment and requested that the photographs come into the care of the gallery.

"We are very lucky to have this kind of work here…these [prints] are rather unique," says Johnson. "We were more than happy to make a space and install the appropriate track lighting for the work." The prints are over a century old but so clear and beautiful that looking at them feels like looking into a time portal to the past.

The Gallery on Lower Bank is a worthwhile visit on your next tour of New London's wealth of galleries and art spaces. Check back next week for "Plenty to Sea at the Gallery at Firehouse Square Part II" for a tour of the rotating works in the Brick and Kate Galleries.