Staten Island’s Snug Harbor Presents Oceanus: Exhibition Of Four Artists Works Inspired By The Sea

The Noble Maritime Collection presents OCEANUS, an exhibition of four artists’ work inspired by the sea

Editor’s note: This exhibit follows beautifully after their previous exhibit which showcased stories of sailors, titled ‘We Who Are Weary

:Location:  The Noble Maritime Collection, Building D at Snug Harbor Cultural Center, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301

Opens on Thursday, April 9, 2026, with the hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 12–5 PM

The Noble Maritime Collection invites visitors to explore OCEANUS, a collection of four artists’ visceral responses and personal statements via their work on this enormous, universal entity—the sea.

Featuring the work of Michael McWeeney, Donna Napoli-Steele, Captain Bill Schuppman, and Sarah Yuster, the museum will host an opening reception for OCEANUS on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 6 to 8 PM.  Reservations for the opening reception can be made in advance through Eventbrite.

Michael McWeeney and Sarah Yuster contributed photographs and oil paintings depicting urban shorelines, industry, and transportation interplaying with beach, harbor scenes, and atmospheric images from the vantage point of sailing.

Donna Napoli-Steel’s innovative sculptures made from recycled materials celebrate marine life, nodding towards our human responsibility for stewardship and conservation. Intricate ceramics of wave patterns have been created by Captain Bill Schuppman, who has intimate knowledge of the world’s oceans, currents, and tides.

“We are thrilled to welcome visitors to OCEANUS and to celebrate the remarkable vision of these artists,” said Megan Beck, the museum’s Executive Director. “Together, their photographs, paintings, and sculptures offer a profound reflection on our relationship with the sea, and we are honored to host their work.”

OCEANUS was curated by Sarah Yuster and Michael McWeeney, with assistance from Megan Beck.

Entrance to the exhibition is included with pay-what-you-wish admission during regular museum hours, Wednesday through Sunday 12 to 5 PM.  Last admittance is 15 minutes prior to closing.

 

From Sarah Yuster about her artwork:

“Marine forecasts are very precise to ensure boating safety. When coastal waters and wind conditions intensify, a Small Craft Advisory goes into effect.

“This painting is dedicated to my late husband, Robert Mosci who learned to sail mid-life, rebuilding an old boat on his own, enthusiastically studied navigation, embracing a new challenge. I admired his skill, loved seeing his efforts rewarded and drew much inspiration from this water level vantage point to bring to canvas.

“A professional pianist and singer, a featured performer at a renowned NYC venue, he was always in motion, enjoying people, travel and literature. Stricken in the summer of 2025 with an aggressive brain tumor, understanding his prognosis, he maintained gratitude for the grace of a satisfying life, intact cognizance, and the care he received from medical providers, family and friends. He died on December 25th of 2025.

“His response to my frequent tearful episodes during his decline was ‘We’ll get through this.’”

The Noble Maritime Collection is located at Snug Harbor Cultural Center on Staten Island’s North Shore.  Take the S40 bus from the St. George Ferry Terminal to Snug Harbor Gate or the S44 to Henderson Avenue/Devon Avenue or Kissel Avenue.

This exhibition was made possible, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature; and by a grant from the Lily Auchincloss Foundation.

For more information, call (718) 447-6490 or visit noblemaritime.org.

 

 

Banner Image:  Donna Napoli-Steele, His Majesty – Cormorant. Watercolor, 2024, 30” x 24” Image Credit – Noble Maritime Collection