The Merrimack Mishoon Project – A “Public Art for Spatial Justice” Initiative
June 26, 2025June 18, 2025, For Immediate Release:
Imagine Studios
47 Main St.
Amesbury, MA 01913
www.imaginestudios.org
Contact: Kristine Malpica- kristine@imaginestudios.org , 978-834-0367
Social: https://www.facebook.com/ImagineStudiosPerformingArts , https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1AspXGFSeE/ https://www.facebook.com/share/18rNTQ35NY/
Imagine Studios is honored and pleased to be a 2025 grant recipient of the NEFA “Public Art for Spatial Justice” initiative, for “The Merrimack Mishoon Project” with master mishoon makers Darius Coombs (Mashpee Wampanoag) and Jonathan Perry-Aquinnah Wampanoag Artist.
Learn More: https://www.nefa.org/…/imagine-studios-darius-coombs…
These master builders will construct a mishoon at Newburyport’s waterfront this fall, culminating in a ceremonial launch and paddle on the Merrimack River, on Saturday, October 11th, at Newburyport’s 5th Annual Indigenous Peoples Day event, waterfront park!
This initiative seeks to honor Indigenous maritime traditions engaging Indigenous apprentices in the process. This celebrates cultural craftsmanship, educates and engages the community in Indigenous maritime history on the Merrimack River, and includes public demonstrations and educational programs at Newburyport’s Waterfront Park, and at partner organizations: Custom House Maritime Museum Newburyport and Lowell’s Boat Shop. Thanks also to the Newburyport Cultural Council for supporting this project!
“This year’s PASJ grantees embody the urgency and potential of art in our communities,” said NEFA executive director Harold Steward. “From honoring Indigenous boat-making traditions to projects celebrating Black military history and immigrant stories, these projects stand as powerful examples of how artists help us imagine and build justice now and more just futures. This work continues through our partnership with the Barr Foundation, who understands the power of public art for healing, connection, and justice.”
“In this moment, we need artists to cultivate more inclusive spaces for reflection and resistance,” said Giles Li, Barr Foundation’s senior program officer for Arts & Creativity. “We are honored and proud to support the crucial resources that NEFA’s Public Art for Spatial Justice program offers to diverse artists across the region, who do the complicated work of helping us dream of and shape a better future.”
