Sea Grant Visual Arts Program awards grants to two local artists NARRAGANSETT — January 10, 2001 — The Rhode Island Sea Grant Visual Arts Program has awarded $1,000 grants to two Rhode Island artists to pursue projects with marine-related themes. Lilla Samson, of Narragansett, plans to produce a series of paintings, drawings, and monotypes exploring the intimate details of coastal landscapes at places such as Napatree Point, Block Island, Sachuest Point, or Colt State Park. Olivia McCullough, of Providence, is working on a series of sculptures entitled “The Lifeboat Series,” exploring the nurturing and destructive aspects of the ocean. Samson received a Master of Fine Arts in Printmaking from Syracuse University, and has taught drawing at the University of Rhode Island and the Community College of Rhode Island, and recently coordinated exhibits at the Hera Gallery in Wakefield, R.I. McCullough received a master’s degree from the Rhode Island School of Design in photography and art education, and has exhibited work in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Oregon, New York City, and Chicago. The Rhode Island Sea Grant Visual Arts Program makes competitive awards to professional New England artists whose works are influenced by the marine environment. Sea Grant is a nationwide program that promotes the wise use and development of marine resources for the public benefit. Contact: Monica Allard Cox, 401-874-6937