Cloning Neptune
The Barbaro-Gould Foundation is proud to collaborate with Artist, Don Gillespie, on his upcoming creative project, “Cloning Neptune.” The purpose of this project is to recreate the legendary maritime painting, “At the Mercy of Neptune,” and return it to its original home, Oswego, New York, while educating the public on the great marine painters of the Great Lakes Region during the 19th century.
For many years Don was a concept artist for the space program, painting the future of space travel and interstellar exploration. Recently, he became intrigued with the great marine painters of the 1800s, the artists of exploration in their day. In particular, he is drawn to the painters that were born in Oswego, New York, who were nationally recognized artists for their work. Many who now live in Oswego are unaware of the talent that this area produced in the late 19th century, artists such as James G. Tyler and Charles H. Grant. Don desires to inspire others by recognizing and celebrating these kindred spirits.
Don is embarking on an ambitious project this summer in Oswego, where he will recreate a full-scale replica of Charles Henry Grant’s seminal work, “At the Mercy of Neptune.” This 9ft by 5ft marine painting has been lost to the depths of time, but through rare photos and other related works, he will use the techniques of both Mr. Grant and his instructor, the famous Dutch-American master marine painter, Mauritz Frederick Hendrik de Haas to reconstruct this masterpiece.
The H. Lee White Marine Museum has agreed to allow Don to paint the reproduction in residence at their facility. The finished painting will be donated and Oswego will be its permanent home. In conjunction with this ambitious project, Don will give presentations about these artists to interested groups. He also intends to arrange an art show of marine pieces by local and student artists.
Art is an essential ingredient to a healthy community and is a strong economic driver. This project will encourage all ages to express their creativity, while educating through truly inspiring historical figures from Oswego County. The Barbaro-Gould Foundation, a not for profit 501(c)(3), whose mission is to facilitate the global exchange of culture through art, is assisting on this project. All donations through Barbaro-Gould are tax deductible.
Bronze: $50.00 donation
• A project poster personally signed by the artist
• A thank you letter with a short project description
• A ticket to the grand opening event in Oswego
Silver: $100.00 donation
• 9 x 12 signed limited addition art print on high quality paper of the recreated “At the Mercy of Neptune”
• A certificate of authenticity
• A thank you letter with a short project description
• Two tickets to the grand opening event in Oswego
Gold: $500.00 donation
• 11 x 14 signed giclée print on canvas of the recreated “At the Mercy of Neptune”
• A certificate of authenticity
• A thank you letter with a short project description
• Two VIP tickets to the grand opening event in Oswego, including a question and answer session with the artist
Platnum: $1000.00 donation
• 11 x 14 signed enhanced giclée print on canvas of the recreated “At the Mercy of Neptune”
• A certificate of authenticity
• A thank you letter with a short project description
• Eight VIP tickets to the grand opening event in Oswego, including a question and answer session with the artist
Donations can be made to:
www.barbaro-gould.org (online)
The Barbaro-Gould Foundation, Inc. (through mail)
1211 Hamlet Avenue, Studio D
Clearwater, FL 33756
www.mybrushstrokes.com (through Artist’s site)
