John Mecray was one of the foremost marine painters of his generation
Excerpt from “Classic yachts kept alive by marine artist John Mecray”, by Susan Carroll, published in The Jamestown Press, August 18, 2005 (pdf): Mecray, John article
Contributions
Contributions include the vivid recording of some of the most iconic America’s Cup classic racing boats and other important vessels from US history including Flying Cloud
Instrumental in the creation of two important maritime-focused organizations in Newport, the Museum of Yachting and the International Yacht Restoration School.
John was also an early supporter of the restoration of the schooner yacht Coronet
Sea Scout Encampment; U.S. Naval Air Station, Lakehurst, N.J.; Certificate in recognition and acknowledgement of his participation on 22 and 23 March 1952; 21 and 22 March 1953; presented by the United States Navy.
The Chase by John Mecray, image courtesy IYRS
Career Highlights
The 7th Army’s Symphony Orchestra and Soldiers’ Shows Company; Stuttgart, Germany; appointed head of the scenic design department. John has also won first, second, and honorable mention awards in various Army photography contest.
Art Directors Club of Philadelphia / 34th Annual Exhibition / 1969; Award of Excellence.
Society of Illustrators Annual National Exhibition; 1971; Citation for Merit.
Bank of Newport Annual Report 1990; recognized as one of Newport’s creative contributors.
Charleston South Carolina Maritime Festival; September 24-26, 1993; Maritime Festival Poster for the first annual festival.
National Maritime Historical Society Annual Awards Dinner, New York Yacht Club, October 25, 2007. Recipient of the NMHS Distinguished Service Award.
In a youtube video posted in 2010, 1977 America’s Cup tactician Gary Jobson along with staff, supporters and members of the International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) in Newport, Rhode Island discuss how John’s vision to save and restore the classic schooner yacht CORONET (1885) led to the founding of IYRS This video was a tribute to John at the IYRS gala, July 2010.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; Chairman’s Citation; Significant dedication and commitment to the mission of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through the Leukemia Cup Regatta; Steven Hooker; Chairman, Board of Directors.
The Wolf of Wall Street, the movie. The print Ranger, featured in the film.
Westward vs. Britannia by John Mecray, image courtesy IYRS
Vigilant & Defender by John Mecray, image courtesy IYRS
Articles:
Yachting Magazine; January 1976; A Look Ahead While Looking Back; featured the painting Providence along with photos taken by John Mecray.
Varia Magazine; November, December 1988; Volume 2; Number 6. The Making of a Marine Artist.
Nautical Quarterly – Number 41, Spring 1988: John Mecray: A Shot from Out of the Blue.
Cape May Star and Wave; Thursday, June 29, 1989; John Mecray: An Artist’s Artist. Herb Beitel.
The Jamestown Press; May 3, 1990; Meet John Mecray, classic yachting artist; Janet Cooper.
Antiques and the Arts Weekly; August 4, 1995; The Classic Racing Yacht.
Cruising World Magazine; October 1997; Columbia vs. Shamrock 1899; Todd Follansbee.
Yachting Magazine; September 1998; 91st year. Duel of the Titans.
The Newport Daily News; Tuesday, November 10, 1998; Artist’s career began with Providential’ Walk; Joe Baker.
Cruising World Magazine; October 2000; Embracing Stormy Weather; The Editors.
Cruising World Magazine; October 2001; Executing the Jibe, The Editors.
Newport This Week; May 18, 2005; Elegance, Power and Grace, A profile of marine artist John Mecray; Dan Powell.
The Jamestown Press; August 18, 2005; Classic yachts kept alive by marine artist John Mecray; Susan Carroll.
The Newport Daily News; Wednesday, March 28, 2007; With a Little Bit of Luck; James Gillis.
The Jamestown Press; Thursday, August 9, 2007; Island Artist completes 4th commission for Ted Turner.
Cruising World Magazine, December, 2015. The Master; Herb McCormick.
