Now through September 12, 2024, I am pledging 10% of proceeds from purchases of my SS United States-related art towards the SS United States Conservancy.
I returned to the SS United States on July 20th for what I feared may be the last time since the ship is facing eviction from its pier on September 12th. “Our highest priority remains locating a safe temporary or permanent location for the ship and ultimately her redevelopment as a dynamic stationary, mixed-use destination,” according to a press statement from the SS United States Conservancy earlier this summer.
UPDATE: In the statement from August 21, 2024 The SS United States Conservancy wrote, "...The Conservancy has also engaged in extensive negotiations with two counties in Florida to advance opportunities for the ship's potential conversion into an artificial underwater reef in tandem with a land-based museum. The Conservancy has also raised funds to cover the current expenses and potential tow costs, and it continues to work tirelessly to ensure that America’s Flagship is not lost to history.”
Here is an FAQ from the SS United States Conservancy detailing plans from RXR and MCR Hotels for redevelopment, political and budgetary obstacles that have impeded the success of the proposal, and a list of cities and sites that have been explored as possible homes for the ship over the past decade.
Sadly, due to the enormous expense of moving and redeveloping the 990-foot-long vessel, it is looking increasingly likely that America’s Flagship may be reefed or scrapped. This article from the Philadelphia Inquirer by Ximena Conde notes the logistical and budgetary details of each scenario and mentions that the Conservancy is exploring all viable options, including reefing as a fallback scenario. Though this is not the ideal scenario, it would allow people to continue enjoying the ship and provide economic opportunities. It could also encompass a land-based museum that would educate the public about the ship's historical importance.
There was an in-depth interview with Susan Gibbs, President of the SS United States Conservancy, in the New York Times by Jesse Pesta on August 10, 2024, which gives a fuller picture the situation.
I'm honored that Susan visited my studio and purchased "SSUS Portholes 2" for her personal collection. She is the granddaughter of the ship's architect, so it means a lot to me that she formed a personal connection with the paintings I made of the ship.
These are a few of the several hundred photos I took the past two years that I decided not to paint, so I will share them with you. I also found this page that shows drawings of the original interior designs and photos of what the ship looked like with its luxurious furnishings and art, and these schematics of the ship's decks.
Click the pictures to enlarge and view descriptions.
This ship has provided me with such inspiration, and the Conservancy has been extremely generous with their time, expertise, and support of my art. I want to do what I can to give back. You can see some of my paintings and ceramics inspired by the SS United States in this online shop page and the full series here. Donated funds will aid with the costs associated with preserving the ship's artifacts and collections, towing the ship, crew costs, dockage fees, and either redeveloping her or cleaning her for sinking.
Here are paintings of the architecture aboard the SS United States, which few people get the opportunity to see.
Here are paintings of the ship's stern as viewed from the port and from aboard a sailboat.
SEE ALL OF THE AVAILABLE PAINTINGS AND CERAMICS IN THIS SERIES.
(There are more that aren't on this page.)
Thank you for supporting both the preservation of this important piece of maritime history and my art. You're the best!
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