The “Artist Spotlight” program displays the works of local artists on meeting room walls in Barnstable Town Hall. Works by Mashpee artist Mike Palmer, in collaboration with Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance are featured in the James H. Crocker, Jr. Hearing Room and Selectmen’s Conference Room in Barnstable Town Hall, now through June 28, 2024. The exhibition is free and open to the public. Town Hall, 367 Main Street, Hyannis, is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm (except State and Federal holidays). Free parking in the Town Hall public parking lot. Enter Town Hall through the front doors on the Hyannis Village Green entrance, ADA access through lower level. Artwork may be viewed virtually on the artsbarnstable.com website: https://artsbarnstable.com/interests/galleries/town-hall-hearing-room-gallery/
ARTIST RECEPTION: Meet the artist and members of the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance during the Opening Reception, Friday, April 12, 2024, 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm at Barnstable Town Hall. The exhibition is free and open to the public.
ARTIST STATEMENT|ABOUT THE EXHIBIT:
This exhibit is a collaboration between artist Mike Palmer and the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance which focuses on highlighting the range of seafood available from our local waters and its importance to our regional economy. On Cape Cod, seafood is more than just sustenance – it’s a lifeblood. Fishing and related industries are the heartbeat of our coastal community. Fishermen, shellfish farmers, processors, fish markets, restaurants – all depend on the sea’s harvest. The revenue from seafood sales contributes tens of millions to the local economy. Fishing is woven into the very fabric of Cape Cod’s history and identity. Visitors flock to Cape Cod in part for its culture and fresh seafood, driving further economic activity and shaping the region’s reputation. Cape Cod boasts a strong tradition of responsible fishing, with emphasis on protecting fisheries for future generations. Choosing Cape Cod seafood supports local businesses, reduces our carbon footprint, and ensures fresh, quality food on your plate.
“The Fishermen’s Alliance is a nationally recognized nonprofit and I have always had a tremendous amount of respect for the fisheries advocacy work it does,” said Artist Mike Palmer. “As a former fishery scientist, my art comes from years of observation and connects people to the ocean while providing a sense of place. Sharing the work the Fishermen’s Alliance is doing to protect a healthy ocean environment and sustainable fishing practices is important to me.”
The exhibit will feature colored pencil drawings of local seafood species along with information on where, how, and when the local seafood is harvested from our local waters. There will also be a “by the numbers” look at the economic impact of the ports across the Cape and the catch landed. Insider details on the challenges each port faces and work being done on and off the water to grow the industry will also be a part of the exhibition.
“We take every opportunity to educate people about the Cape’s commercial fishing industry and the local seafood available. This seemed to be a unique opportunity to do just that,” said Melissa Sanderson, Chief Operating Officer at Fishermen’s Alliance. “Plus, Mike’s art is amazing and we are delighted to partner with him and share these drawings with the community.”
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Mike Palmer is a Mashpee scientist and artist specializing in fish art. Through his artwork, he connects with, translates, and shares his experiences and discoveries about life and place. Drawing and creating have been lifelong pursuits, with minimal formal art instruction beyond high school. Before embarking on a career as an artist, Mike served as a fisheries scientist for the federal government, spending over 200 days at sea on fishing boats and research vessels from Alaska to the Canadian Maritimes. These experiences have profoundly impacted his art and approach to each subject. Mike’s style harmonizes scientific accuracy with aesthetic form. Influenced by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, he embraces simplicity, beauty, utility, imperfection, and the ever-evolving. Working in various mediums but specializing in colored pencil, Mike strives to breathe life into local wildlife and imagery, showcasing a deep appreciation for the natural world. Learn more at waquoitbayfishcompany.com.
ABOUT CAPE COD COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN’S ALLIANCE: Formed in 1991 by a group of fishermen, the Fishermen’s Alliance works with fishermen to create solutions for both a balanced ecosystem and profitable fishing communities. It is now a nationally recognized nonprofit organization and the leading voice for commercial fishermen on Cape Cod. Fishermen’s Alliance is taking action now to make sure there will be a future for fish and fishermen by: Working towards a healthy ocean environment with sustainable fishing practices; supporting the small boat independent fishing fleet by making sure they have a voice at the local, state, and federal level; engaging in fishermen-driven science and research to inform sensible and forward-looking fishing regulations; investing in fisheries to provide opportunities for today’s fishermen, and future generations, to build successful businesses; connecting the community to commercial fishermen to educate consumers on the history of the industry, the current challenges they face, and to create a connection to the food on their plates. Learn more at capecodfishermen.org.
ABOUT THE ARTWORK SPOTLIGHT PROGRAM:
Artwork is displayed in the James H. Crocker, Jr. Hearing Room and the Selectmen’s Conference Room, 2nd floor in Barnstable Town Hall, 367 Main Street, Hyannis.
Artwork may be viewed virtually at https://artsbarnstable.com/interests/galleries/town-hall-hearing-room-gallery/For more information on this program email melissa.chartrand@town.barnstable.ma.us 508-862-4767 l www.ArtsBarnstable.com
For more information contact: Town of Barnstable | Planning & Development | Arts & Culture Coordinator melissa.chartrand@town.barnstable.ma.us
ARTIST: mike.palmer@waquoitbayfishcompany.com 978-761-8795
