Denizens of the Deep

About Our Auction

The Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce is hosting a creative and community-focused exhibit titled “Denizens of the Deep,” an imaginative public art initiative celebrating ocean life. Designed to bring together artists, residents, and visitors, the display will feature vividly decorated sea-themed sculptures such as whales, sharks, lobsters, and even mermaids displayed throughout the region. This project highlights both the area’s coastal identity and its vibrant arts scene, encouraging local artists to transform marine creatures into eye-catching works of art. The installations will appear on 2 occasions.

1. May 23rd and May 24th A partial display of approx. 35 Denizens will be a part of the 30th Annual VIRTU Art Festival in Wilcox Park. Look for the painted Pod of sea creatures to be prominently displayed on the esplanade, adjected to the Westerly Library and directly across from Westerly Town Hall.

2. August 1st – September 13th the entire display of 70 Denizens will be simultaneously showcased at 3 separate outdoor locations encouraging the public to circulate throughout the Ocean Community and visit all 3 sites.

Westerly Train Station
Stonington Town Dock – grassy field
Mystic Museum of Art

“Denizens of the Deep” is part of the Ocean Chamber’s broader effort to promote tourism and community engagement through interactive events. By harnessing the incredible talents of our local arts community with a love for the ocean, the initiative aims to draw visitors, support local businesses, and celebrate the unique character of the region which includes southern Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut.

Each work of art will be auctioned off with a portion of the proceeds shared with the artists.

This project is proudly sponsosed by Valenti Subaru!

Additonal Support provided by:

The MushRoom
Mason's Island Marina
Watch Hill Outfitters

These whales, sharks, mermaids, & lobsters make a great gift or beautiful decoration for your home or office The creatures have predrilled holes in the bottom for you to purchase your own 3/8" rods should you wish to create a stand display. As an alternative some may prefer to add hooks from the top of the creature and hang the art in a location where it can be viewed from both sides. The Denizens have not been UV protected so we recommend indoor display.

Proceeds from this auction are shared with the artists and used to reimburse the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce for some of the $15,000+ up-front costs to produce this project.

For more information about Denizens of the Deep please visit: Denizensofthedeep.org

About Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce

Is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the region’s economy and the quality of life for residents in Southern RI and Southeastern CT. It provides valuable marketing and revenue generating business programs including a two state gift certificate program that supports small businesses with nearly $300,000 in revenue. The Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce administers the Town of Stonington and Borough of Stonington beautification programs for small business. It also produces numerous free community events in Stonington including Stonington Lobster Trap Tree, Starry Lights, The Nutcracker Trail, River Glow, the Pawcatuck River Duck Race and a summer Sunset Movie series.

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