Lilac Arts Series
May - August 2015

The Lilac Arts Series was a contemporary art exhibition and public events series held aboard the historic museum ship Lilac from May through August 2015.  The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Lilac was built in 1933 and is America’s only surviving steam-powered lighthouse tender.  The Lilac is currently being restored as a unique vehicle for maritime education and community activities and is berthed at Hudson River Park’s Pier 25 in New York City.  The Lilac Arts Series focused on three themes inspired by the ship’s story – “Steam”, “Work + Labor” and “Restoration/Reinvention“. 

The visual art exhibition featured the work of over 25 artists within the ship’s unique spaces, including several site-specific installations.  In addition to the exhibition, the Lilac hosted performances, artist talks, film screenings, readings, community activities and educational events.  The series was sponsored by the Lilac Preservation Project and organized by MW Projects.

Artists and Collaborators

Gisli Bergmann, BHQFU, Alex Branch, Clakula, Jillian Clark, Jim D'Amato, Kara Daving, Willem Davisz, The Difficult to Name Reading Series, Brendan Fernandes, Mark Golamco, Basia Goszczynska, Green:Inspired:Art, Kerry Hassler, Rhys Hecox, Nathan Henry, Kyle Hittmeier, Ryan Josey, Karen Lee, Aaron McDonald, Jackie Mock, J.R. Narrows, Amanda Nedham, Nisa Ojalvo, The Path, Saul Robbins, Lavinia Roberts, Barry Rosenthal, Aaron Schraeter, The Secret Opera, Slideluck, Chad Stayrook, Ebbe Sweet, Hilary Wang, Karin Waskiewicz and Jenny Wong-Stanley