Thanksgiving Weekend, Egan Maritime Institute will offer a opportunity to acquire a treasure from their collections when they host their second annual Art Sale. Lovers of Nantucket art and history may purchase works by Rodney J. K. Charman, Otto Anton Fischer, John Stobart, and Virginia Greenleaf. All items offered are either from Bud and Dorothy Egan’s estate or were donated to Egan Maritime with the express purpose of helping to fund the Foundation’s educational programs.
Albert F. “Bud” Egan, founder of the Egan Maritime Institute, had a passion for art. Over several decades of acquiring and commissioning original works, Bud created a rich and diverse collection that became part of his island legacy when he bequeathed it, in its entirety, to his Egan Foundation. It helped tell the stories of Nantucket’s maritime history: several pieces gave pivotal events in the island’s creation and history a visual representation for the first time. Many of the works helped satisfy his desire to enrich, inspire, and cultivate a vibrant cultural appreciation in his beloved island community. This collection was the beginning of Egan Maritime Institute’s establishment.
“We are thrilled to be able to share a selection of art from the Egan’s extensive collection with a wide audience. In addition, the proceeds of this sale will help support Egan Maritime’s commitment to preserving Nantucket’s rich maritime history,” said Carlisle Barron Jensen, Executive Director.
Egan Maritime’s diverse offering of education and outreach programs—“Sea of Opportunities”—is available to every Nantucket student at multiple points throughout their student careers. It seeds the maritime workforce of tomorrow and opens doors for local youth to opportunities that will enhance their futures and our coastal community. With field trips, sailing expeditions, classroom studies, a Junior Mariner Program, a new STEM curriculum, and more, Egan Maritime’s educational offerings help keep Nantucket’s seafaring heritage alive.
In addition to this special Thanksgiving weekend art sale to benefit the Foundation’s educational programs, for the first time, the museum will also host a major sale of gifts and books from the Museum Gift Shop. Many selections will be offered at a deep discount, including the curated selection of maritime books that is said to be the best between Lisbon and downtown Nantucket. The sale also includes Nantucket souvenirs, children’s toys, and the popular Marshall the Seadog stuffed animals.
The Art & Gift Sale will be held in the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum at 158 Polpis Road on Friday, November 25 and Saturday, November 26 from 11 am to 4 pm on both days. Interested buyers may preview the sale on Wednesday, November 23 by appointment only: for inquiries email Chuck Allard at museum@eganmaritime.org.