PRESS RELEASE
On view: May 19 - July 10, 2026
Cavalier Gallery, 3 W 57th Street, New York, NY
Gallery hours: Monday through Friday, 10am to 6pm and by appointment
Browse the Online Exhibition Catalog
Now celebrating its 40th year, Cavalier Galleries has a decades-long tradition of exhibiting exceptional marine and maritime paintings, including works by contemporary greats such as David Bareford and Shane Couch, as well as 19th-century masters like James Edward Buttersworth and Francis A. Silva. Last year, Ronald Cavalier, founder and president of Cavalier Galleries, began thinking together with Patrick O’Brien, acclaimed painter and president of the American Society of Marine Artists, about an exhibition of new works by ASMA members to celebrate the 250th birthday of the country.
The resulting juried exhibition, Modern Marine Masters, features paintings by veteran artists lauded in their field, such as Russ Kramer and Don Demers, as well as younger artists just beginning to make their mark including Alina Hubarenko and Luc Bernay.
A common theme throughout the exhibition is a deep respect for the rich maritime traditions that helped shape the United States. From naval vessels and sailboats to bustling harbors and coastal landscapes, the works celebrate America's longstanding relationship with the water. While many of the paintings draw inspiration from subjects that have been depicted for centuries, such as early U.S. naval battles, each artist brings their own perspective and style to the subject matter. Collectively, the paintings speak to themes of exploration, resilience, craftsmanship, and our enduring connection to the sea.
“The exhibition was intentionally timed to coincide with America's 250th anniversary because maritime history is deeply intertwined with the nation's story,” says Ronald Cavalier. “We felt it was the perfect opportunity to present an exhibition that honors both the longstanding tradition of marine art and our country’s connection to the sea.”
The American Society of Marine Artists recognizes, encourages, and promotes marine art and artists, with 550 members across the country as well as a few international members. Once a year, the organization leadership considers member-submitted artwork for signature membership and for fellowship status. ASMA fellows have met the highest standards of excellence in marine art.
“Marine art helps preserve maritime history and cultural memory by telling the stories of historical events and coastal places in a way that makes them immediate and accessible to the viewer,” explains Patrick O’Brien. “Many of the paintings in this exhibition capture the beauty and the power of the ocean. These works are an invitation to reconnect with the ocean’s transformative presence, its strength, and its vital role as a source of life.”
Modern Marine Masters offers a rare opportunity to experience contemporary interpretations of maritime life in one of the nation’s most historic port cities. The exhibition is on view through July 10, 2026, at Cavalier Gallery in the heart of Manhattan, where the center of the art world and a historic American port city provide the perfect context for debuting this exceptional new collection of marine paintings.
Exhibited artists include: ASMA Fellows: David Bareford, Don Demers, Lisa Egeli, Bill Farnsworth, Kathleen Hudson, Neal Hughes, Michael Karas, Russ Kramer, Richard Loud, Patrick O’Brien (ASMA President), Sergio Roffo, and John Stobart (Fellow Emeritus). ASMA Signature Members: Del-Bouree Bach, Luc Bernay, Stephen Bluto, Laura Cooper, William Hobbs, Paula Holtzclaw, Jacqueline Jones, Richard Lane, Susan Lynn, Brechin Morgan, and Val Sandell. ASMA Members: Garin Baker, Julian Bruere, Lyudmila Tomova Clark, Alina Hubarenko, Marty Kalb, Alexandra Telgmann, Eva Volf, and Desiree Zaslow.
On view: May 19–July 10, 2026
Cavalier Gallery
3 W 57th Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY
212-570-4696
Gallery Hours:
Monday through Friday, 10am to 6pm
And by appointment