Opportunity for Artists

The Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Maryland issued a challenge in the latest Mayflower Quarterly for other societies to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the pilgrims' arrival by commissioning an artist to do a historically accurate painting of an event in Mayflower history. They have already commissioned a painting of Samoset's greeting to the surprised pilgrims: "Hello, Englishman." Their governor is personally commissioning a painting of pilgrim James Chilton. The challenge stipulates that societies hire an artist with the ability to depict people & events in Europe, North America, or the Atlantic with great historical accuracy. If that sounds like you or you know an artist who specializes in historically accurate 17th century scenes, approach a state society about commissioning a painting. A word of caution, though: not every group will accept the challenge because not every group has a place to put such a painting or much of a historical link to the events. Read up on your Mayflower history! For example: Stephen Hopkins was making his second trip to the New World, having sailed previously to VA. Mayflower passengers during their lifetime went to what is now ME, RI, CT, and NY. Native American events could include the story of how it was that Samoset came to speak English. The options are endless, so historical artists, do your research, look for an angle and historical link, and go for it.