Gallery Artist

Martha Aucoin

The Art of Scrimshaw:

With family roots in Nova Scotia and shipbuilding in my ancestry, I have long been drawn to maritime art. I first learned scrimshaw while operating a nautical gift shop in Charleston, South Carolina, eventually becoming a “scrimshander.”

Over the years, I engraved ships, homes, flowers, pets, and portraits on ivory, piano keys, and small ivory pieces. Today, my primary medium is oil painting, though tall ships still find their way into my work.

During this Art Talk, I’ll share the history and techniques of scrimshaw and invite guests to try scribing a simple ship, flower, or favorite memory onto a discarded piano key provided at the presentation.

Join us for a fascinating look at this historic maritime art form—and a chance to try it yourself.

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Bio:

A Laconia, New Hampshire resident, I developed an early interest in art, earning recognition in high school before studying art at Plymouth State University under Professor Drurup.

After many years devoted to family, I returned to painting with renewed focus, studying with noted Mount Washington Valley artist Bob Gordon and, more recently, plein air oil painting with Laureen Wondoloski, a member of the Copley Society of Art and the Guild of Boston Artists.

I am a member of both the Mount Washington Valley Arts Association and the Lakes Region Art Association. My work has been exhibited in Tilton and Conway, New Hampshire.

While landscapes are my primary focus, I also enjoy painting animals, homes, and occasional portraits.

Meeting Schedule:

• 5:00 - 5:15 - Artist of the Month submissions

• 5:15 - 5:40 - Networking with fellow artists and Voting for Artist of the Month

• 5:40 - 6:00 - Association Business

• 6:00 - 7:00 - ArtTalk Presentation