Josie Merck, Split Apple II

- 14" x 19" x 1.5"

- Oil on canvas, framed in oak

- Debuting on August 9th, Tori Jones Studio will present a new collection of artwork by Josie Merck, a lauded artist, Block Island summer resident, and founder of the Ocean View Foundation, a local organization dedicated to environmental education and preservation. An extensive offering of 22 original works, ranging from watercolors to prints to oils on canvas, will be on view through September 6th.  

- A conservationist and climate change activist, Merck immediately fell in love with Block Island's open, rugged landscape when she first visited nearly 40 years ago. The island's trees, bluffs, and rolling fields quickly became a favorite subject. Working in a variety of media, Merck's art is defined by personal experiences in nature; much of her work is painted from the captain's walk of her house and the roof of her pickup truck. Viewers will discover expressive interpretations of island vistas and local landmarks, as well as tranquil summertime scenes in vibrant colors and imaginative forms.  

- Born in Canada, Merck lived in Mexico and Brazil as a child, growing up with a love of art and nature, color and celebration. She studied painting at Sarah Lawrence College and received her MFA from Yale University School of Art. She also attended Skowhegan School in Maine, the Art Students League, and SUNY Purchase. In addition to her fine art practice and environmental advocacy, Merck is the founder and co-director of The Lost & Found Lab in Cos Cob, Connecticut, an artist's residency created in honor of her late husband, celebrated New Yorker cartoonist and writer James Stevenson. 

- Copies of her two books, Present on Block Island– a literary collaboration with island poet Nancy Greenaway and Some Birds of Block Island– a newly published title with island naturalist Kim Gaffett are available to purchase online and in our seasonal shop.