Supporting and Informing Coast Guard Artists Summer 2018 Twenty eight works by 23 artists were accepted into the Coast Guard Art Program’s (COGAP) permanent collection during the annual acceptance ceremony and opening recep- tion July 12th at the Salmagundi Club in New York City. Rear Admiral Melis- sa Bert, newly ap- pointed director of Coast Guard Govern- mental and Public COGAP artists attending the July12th opening reception at the Salmagundi Club in New York were pre- Affairs, accepted the sented Public Service Commendation Awards. Front row from left are COGAP artists Chuck Van Horn, new works on behalf Susanne Corbelletta, Karen Loew, Amy Digi, Sherry Krivosheev, and Kathryn Cross. Back row from left are COGAP artists John Ward, James Consor, Coast Guard Rear Admiral Melissa Bert, MK2 Jasen of the service. Capt. Newman, Paul Smith, Tom Hedderich, and Gordon Kribs and Salmagundi President Robert Pillsbury. Jason Tama, com- manding officer of Sector New York, dictions, Arctic exploration and Admiral Bert was joined in served as the evening's master of cer- exacting training exercises, the art thanks by Salmagundi Club Presi- emonies. of 2018 depicts a wide swath of dent Robert Pillsbury and Master Leendert van der Pool was the Coast Guard work and missions. of Ceremonies Capt. Jason Tama. recipient of the George Gray Award On behalf of the Coast Guard, Mr. Pillsbury remarked that the for Outstanding Artistic Achievement. Admiral Bert expressed gratitude opening event’s capacity crowd His oil painting, “Partnership” shows in accepting new work into the was “a testament to the im- U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard mem- collection. She thanked Coast portance of this endeavor.” Capt. bers cooperating in an oil remediation Guard artists, all of whom are vol- Tama, in thanking artists, de- training exercise. The remarkably unteers, “for telling our story and scribed the specific contributions executed work reflects the artist’s educating the public” on all the of each. knowledge of the marine environment service does for the nation. She Karen Loew, Salmagundi Club garnered from 14 years of service as a also pointed out that the work of COGAP committee chair and Dutch merchant marine. Self-taught, service members merited being member artist said that COGAP the artist has shown his work exten- captured in art because “it is noth- artists drew motivation from many sively in museums and galleries in the ing short of art.” The admiral not- sources, including other artists and U.S. and abroad. ed as well the enduring contribu- urged COGAP members to contin- The 2018 collection vividly por- tions of Thomas Picard and Ron ue finding inspiration in the mis- trays the service in action. From its Guthrie, both contributing Coast sions of the service. response to the devastation of Hurri- Guard artists who passed away in cane Harvey to illegal drug interdic- 2017. (Continued page two., col. one) Coast Guard Auxiliarist Chaplain Donna Cole’s Blessings Invocation Lord God of all creation, we ask your blessing on the artists and Coast Guard members we honor this day. Together, in very different ways, they shine a light on the courage, compassion and commitment of our Coast Guard family. We thank you for their gifts even as we acknowledge you as the source from which all human courage and creativity flows. At our gathering this evening, we ask for your presence among us as we reflect on this art depicting the Coast Guard mission, and also as we share our joys and sorrows with one anoth- er. In your mercy, call us to hold al- ways in our hearts the memory of Thomas Picard, and Ron Guthrie, Leendert van Der Pool’s oil painting “Partnership” won the 2018 George Gray Award. whose vision and artistry contributed The artist, self-taught, has exhibited extensively in the U.S. and abroad. In recognition so greatly to this Coast Guard Art of his artistic achievements, he was knighted by the Dutch government in 2010. He has Program. Though they have passed been a COGAP member for 10 years. from our sight, may they continue to inspire us as they now stand the eter- (continued from page one) Jim Stagner, Johnson City, Tenn.; nal watch. President of the New York Leendert van der Pool, Brooklyn, We ask all of this through the God Council of the Navy League Col. N.Y.; Chuck Van Horn, Glen Head, who calms the storms and shines light Charles Blaich, U.S. Marine Corps N.Y.; Frank Walsh, Santa Clara, into every darkness. (Ret.), in addressing those present Calif.; and John Ward, Saranac Amen. Benediction at the opening, added his thanks to Lake, N.Y. Gracious God, send down your the COGAP’s talented corps of art- The 2018 collection is now on blessing on these artists and Coast ists and recounted his own family’s view at Federal Hall National Me- Guard members that they may act contributions to marine service. morial through Sept. 27, 2018. The with confidence in the use of their The council hosted the reception, memorial, located just across from gifts. Grant that in moments of isolation an act it has repeatedly performed the New York Stock Exchange, and loneliness, they may be given over the years. draws a very large audience. courage and consolation by your Contributors to this year’s col- In addition to deceased Coast presence. In gratitude for these gifts lection are Acacia Anglin, Port An- Guard artists Ron Guthrie (Solvang, of artistry and service, we ask also for geles, Wash.; C. R. “Bob” Bryant, Calif.) and Thomas Picard (Rego your blessing on all those who keep the watch around the world this and Gig Harbor, Wash.; James Consor, Park, Queens, N.Y.) artists with every day. Increase in them the will New York City; Susanne Corbellet- work from previous collections on to stand Semper Paratus, Always ta, Glen Head, N.Y.; Kathryn view at the Salmagundi Club were Ready, to serve others in need. Cross, Glastonbury, Conn.; Amy Dennis Boom, Hillsboro, Ore., Steve (And) May the Lord God bless each Digi,. Yonkers, N.Y.; Frank Lush, North Andover, Mass.; Ken of us, inspire us, enlighten us and be Gaffney, Mountlake Terrace, Smith, Pulaski, Va.; Peter a beacon to follow as we encounter each course change on the way Wash.; Tom Hedderich, Westtown, DeWeerdt, Tucson, Ariz.; Kristin ahead. N.Y.; Gordon Kribs, Surprise, Hosbein, St. Joseph, Mich.; Robert Amen. Ariz.; Sherry Krivosheev, Red- Selby, Colton, N.Y.; Ron Weil, mond, Wash.; Karen Loew, New Tualatin, Ore.; James Wolford, Fox- The Easel is edited and produced by the Com- York City; Dr. Mike Mazer, Matta- borough, Mass.; Louis Stephen Gad- munity Relations Branch of the Office of Exter- poisett, Mass.; PA2 Cory Menden- al, Los Angeles, Calif.; and Dino nal Outreach and Heritage (CG-09232). Community Relations Branch hall, Alameda, Calif.; Crissie Mur- Sistilli, Woodbury, N.J. Artists of Joshua Buck, Chief phy, Lowell, Mass.; MK2 Jasen the 2018 collection with pieces from Mary Ann Bader, COGAP Coordinator Newman, Port Angeles, Wash.; earlier years and on view were Ka- Photos courtesy of: PA3 Steven Strohmaier, U.S. Coast Guard, Charles Schaefer, Palm Coast, Fla.; ren Loew, Tom Hedderich, Chuck District 1, PADET New York City Robert Semler, Bradenton, Fla.; Van Horn, Bob Bryant, Robert Sem- Paul Backalenick, New York City Paul Smith, Philadelphia, Penn.; ler, Frank Gaffney, and Leendert Philippe Debeusscher, Arlington, Va. van der Pool. Leendert van der Pool, Coast Guard Artist Honor, Respect, Devotion to Duty: Leendert van der Pool Wins 2018 George Gray By Petty Officer Second Class Diana Sherbs Each year a collection of artwork is submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard Art Program where a pan- el of judges selects a recipient for the George Gray Award for Artistic Excellence – in other words, they choose a “best in show.” This year’s award goes to Leendert van der Pool for his oil painting titled “Partnership.” “Partnership” is a vibrantly colored moment in time – a figurative scene of the inner workings onboard the 225-foot oceangoing buoy tender, Coast Guard Cutter SPAR, homeported out of Ko- diak, Alaska. The crew of SPAR, an acronym for the Coast Guard’s motto “Semper Paratus – Al- ways Ready,” is seen conducting a training exer- cise with a Canadian coast guard ship, Sir Wilfred Laurier. The view, a vantage point from the Cana- Rear Adm. Melissa Bert and Salmagundi Club president Robert Pillsbury hold Leendert van der Pool’s George Gray Award plaque dian coast guard ship, is a realistic representation next to his winning artwork at the Salmagundi Club in New York, overlooking the SPAR’s worn decks that show a N.Y., July 12, 2018. graceful maturation after 17 years of service. Also, incredible detailing captures the moment but the scene is not without a touch of humanism in the depiction of a crew member wearing his hard hat backwards. Van der Pool, a former sailor for the Dutch merchant navy, worked on various ships including coasters, freighters and salvage ships for 14 years. His experiences in the maritime industry have given him an advantage in painting mari- time subjects. While van der Pool has never served in the Coast Guard, he has submitted six paintings to the Coast Guard Art Program within the last 10 years and intends to continue to do so in years to come. “I am honored to have been selected for the George Gray Award,” said van der Pool. “I would [also] like to mention that I was awarded a knighthood by the Dutch government in 2010 for my cultural contributions as an artist.” In a training exercise, the crew of the U.S.