My home amongst a “Nest of Rebel Pirates”
I’m honored to donate “Peace On The Estuary IV” to the Port Republic Heritage Society fundraiser. “Port” is the magical place where I was fortunate to grow up and also raise my own son. I thought I would share a few special memories this week in honor of this special place I once again call home.
If you are a “local” please consider visiting during my Open Studio weekend June 12-14. Come for art and conversation and explore our special little town. More details to come…
“Peace On The Estuary IV” Watercolor, Collaged Sewing Pattern, Gesso, on Canvas. 5”x7”x1.5” Auction donation to the Port Republic Heritage Society
The future home of the Port Republic Heritage Society as seen in 1930. The building began its life as the home of the Port Republic Volunteer Fire Department and later became the Public Works Building. Volunteers are hard at work creating Port Republic Heritage Hall to celebrate and memorialize the long and storied history of our little town.
The “old” City Hall building with St Pauls Methodist Church in the background. The City Hall was a repurposed building from a Civilian Conservation Camp and moved to this location from elsewhere in town. The building was subsequently used as a meeting place, courtroom, grange hall, and even a classroom when our little schoolhouse was overflowing. I attended kindergarten here and have many fond memories of our tiny “classroom”. The city maintenance worker, Alfie, took his dog everywhere with him - including to his small office adjacent to our classroom. One day the dog ran into our classroom and all the girls stood on their chairs and screamed. I would imagine this arrangement would be frowned upon these days but it does make for a funny memory!
Chestnut Neck ~ part of Port Republic along the Mullica River ~ was the site of a Revolutionary War Battle. The Battle of Chestnut Neck took place right where I took art lessons as a child. (I talk a bit about that HERE). I vividly remember a few occasions of very low tide where we could still see the masts of sunken British ships poking up above the water! Looking back I am in awe of the fact that I was witnessing 200 year old history before my very eyes. Today the masts are no longer visible and the only reminder of the battle is a modern-day monument to commemorate the Brits’ unfortunate encounter with a “Nest of Rebel Pirates”( history nerds click here :).
Nacote Creek, Port Republic circa 1978. This would have been just a few years after I began taking watercolor lessons at age 5 and around the time I painted the work below.
I hope you enjoyed my little trip down memory lane ~ time to unplug and take a stroll along the creek…. x erin
The Estuary - still my inspiration after all these years….
“Peace on the Estuary” Series. Watercolor, Collaged Sewing Pattern, Gesso, on Canvas. 5”x7”x1.5”. 2026. $275 each. Please email me to purchase ~ erindanielsart@gmail.com
