Massoni Art’s Castelli exhibition opens in June

CHESTERTOWN — Set sail with us on a visual voyage spanning 40 (or so) years, as we celebrate the passion, dedication, and camaraderie that define the world of sail racing as captured by renowned artist Marc Castelli. Sailing enthusiasts and Castelli collectors alike will be transported to the heart of the action through this stunning exhibition.

Massoni Art’s Castelli exhibition, opening in June, presents an opportunity to widen the lens on subjects that Marc has painted during his long career. Chasing the Silver is the first time such a collection has been gathered from Marc’s personal portfolio for exhibition. This retrospective features watercolors of major world yachting events from over the last 40 years.

Showcased will be paintings, pen and inks, posters, cartoons, and prints featuring the America’s Cup challenges and defenses from 1987 to the last traditional monohull America's Cup in 2006, as well as the Whitbread races in 1997-98, the sea trials and starts for the Global Challenges 2004-05, the 2006 Soling World Championship, the Star Boat World Championship 2016, and the USNA’s Kennedy Cup Regatta and the J-Class Yachts Regatta 2015.

For Castelli, this exhibition represents not only four decades of races but four decades of friendships, travel and the unexpected joy found in their connections. Reminiscing on his trip to Auckland Castelli shares, “Such events draw many disparate types of people. At times many syndicates would find spots for sponsors on the photo boats. I met a lady whose company made the yarns which were used as rot line to bundle spinnakers for Dennis Conner’s Stars and Stripes challenge. I shared a boat with James Spithill’s father and eventually gave him a painting of the Steak and Kidney 87 challenger which was skippered by his son in that regatta.”

Castelli’s work is in the collections of yacht clubs around the world and of renowned sailors – including Dennis Conner, Jon Wright, Paul Cayard, Mick Atkins, Guy Gurney, John North and Dan North.

Castelli gives special thanks to Jon Wright for his help in curating this exhibition.

In addition to the work on loan and memorabilia, over 25 original watercolors will be available for purchase. Chasing the Silver will be on exhibit in the 113 South Cross Street gallery.

Private appointments may be scheduled at any time by contacting either Carla Massoni at 410-708-4512 or Kate Ballantine at 410-310-0796 in advance.

Upcoming exhibitions include: Michael Kahn's Sailing Into Summer on display June 15 – July 14, also featuring Katherine Cox's Coupling/Uncoupling.

For additional information please visit www.massoniart.com.