Hoopers Island Oyster Co. will unveil the 3rd Annual Chesapeake Heritage Oyster Tin on Saturday, November 9 at the Dorchester Center for the Arts. The event is part of Downtown Cambridge’s Second Saturday and features oysters, an unveiling of “Sunrise on Fishing Bay” – the original artwork showcased on the 2019 tin – and music by Colby Sard. The reception will be held in the Water/Ways exhibit from 5:30-6:30 pm and is open to the public.
The third edition collector’s tin honors Dorchester county’s watermen heritage. Managing Partner Ricky Fitzhugh commissioned Cambridge resident Lesley Giles to create this year’s art. Rendered in vibrant shades of crimson, salmon and gold, the original watercolor captures the tradition of hand tonging for oysters as the sun rises over Hoopers’ iconic lighthouse.
A professional artist from London, Lesley moved to Cambridge in 2012 and quickly discovered Hoopers Island and the surrounding wetlands.
“We were excited to partner with Lesley who has been inspired by our waterfront village and lighthouse to paint a series called The History of Hoopers Island through its Reflections,” Fitzhugh said. “The tins have given us a unique way to celebrate our history in partnership with local artists.”
Senior Manager Chris Wyer explained that the first two commemorative tins featured art by Dorchester artists Michael Rosato and Kevin Davidson. The sold-out tins were very popular with oyster lovers, Eastern Shore residents and collectors alike.
“We’re proud to again offer a one-of-a-kind keepsake gift this holiday season,” said Wyer. “Whether you love oysters, art, or the Chesapeake, it’s the perfect celebration of our community’s rich culture and traditions.”
“It is an honor to have been invited to create a painting that depicts the iconic subject of watermen hand tonging for oysters at Hoopers Island. Putting original art on the heritage oyster tins is a wonderful way to celebrate both our local creative community and water culture,” said Giles.
The Water/Ways traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program examines water as an environmental necessity and explores its effect on the landscape and impact on culture. A companion exhibit showcases Dorchester’s water story and includes Hoopers Island Oyster Co. aquaculture equipment and information.
Concurrent with the Water/Ways exhibit, the DCA is featuring a solo show by Lesley Giles – “Reflections on Water” – in the front gallery.
The Hoopers Island Heritage Tin is $25.00 and available from the company’s Cambridge retail store at 837 Chesapeake Drive, Unit B and Simmons Center Market at 600 Race Street. Maryland-based Independent Can Company in Belcamp again produced tins. For information, call (410) 397-3664 or email info@hoopersisland.com.
The Water/Ways traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program examines water as an environmental necessity and explores water’s effect on the landscape and impact on culture. A companion exhibit showcases Dorchester’s water story and includes Hoopers Island Oyster Co. aquaculture equipment and information.