ARTICLE
Mark Perry Exhibition Opens at the Cahoon Museum June 22 – October 2, 2022 (Cotuit, Massachusetts) The Cahoon Museum of American Art is pleased to announce the opening of an exhibition of basswood carvings by sculptor Mark Perry. The exhibition runs from June 22 – October 2, 2022. As a self-taught artist, Perry’s carvings reflect his passion for American folk art, and he was initially inspired to carve in wood when he saw a 19th century scrimshaw pie crimper in a book. That image, of a dog holding a crimping wheel, resonated deeply and it reminded Perry of scrimshaw works by whalemen he had seen at the Nantucket Whaling Museum. Perry lived and worked on Nantucket for 20 years, and the island's rich history of whaling, and the folk art traditions that flourished there, made Nantucket the perfect breeding ground for his artistic passion. To learn his trade, hone his skills, and better understand his medium, Perry began by recreating antique folk art masterpieces. Several of those works are on view in this exhibition. His unique artworks reflect the emotional spirit of folk art, highlighting what he calls an “unexpected, simple, and perfect balance of surface and form.” Perry hopes his heirloom sculptures will find a place of their own in our contemporary world and will continue to be appreciated from one generation to the next. Perry has exhibited at craft shows throughout the country, including the Smithsonian Craft Show in Washington, DC, the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show and the Architectural Digest Show in New York City and he is a member of the prestigious Copley Society of Boston. He currently lives and works in Westerly, Rhode Island. An Exhibition Reception for Scrimshaw: The Whalers Art and Mark Perry will be held on Saturday, July 23, 4:30-6:30pm. For more details, please visit www.cahoonmuseum.org.