PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST IN RESIDENCE, MEET MICHELLE COHEN…

28 June 2025

Introducing Our Exciting NEW Blog Series for 2025:


Kicking off this Sailing Season with a tribute to the talented artist and photographer Michelle Cohen


Michelle Cohen was welcomed aboard, sailing from Shetland to Lithuania with The Excelsior Trust last summer as our special guest,  Artist in Residence.


Michelle is a Canadian painter and photographer currently  living in Glasgow. 


Michelle paints on layers of glass and the result is really something quite special, with a unique depth and lustre which really captures the attention, especially when viewed in situ. 

A person wearing a life vest is eating a popsicle

One of the key stops on our journey was Svinør,   Svinør is one of the best preserved and most beautiful harbours in Southern Norway; where ship owners and captains made their living with busy loading and customs stations operating a thriving shipyard.


Michelle honoured us with a commission to produce a commemorative painting as a donation. The result is a superb depiction of Excelsior berthed in Svinør harbour. Inspiration for the subject matter came from a photograph of the visit in June 2024.


The painting was applied on 2 layers of sheet glass, using acrylic paints, depicting Excelsior berthed in harbour, with a colourful smattering of pretty buildings and rising hillsides gracing the background.


Unusually, in this depiction, the Sails are stowed away, offering a contrasting view to the existing paintings of Excelsior under sail.


Michelle Cohen's line drawing on glass as a layer of the painted piece

One layer defines the outlines of the scene adding definition and depth, and together with the painted acrylic plate (shown above), creates an engaging 3-dimensional effect. 

Michelle Cohen's acrylic painting on glass as a layer which will be composed with a black outline plate

The work is due to form part of a heritage exhibition to be held at the Old Lowestoft Town Hall (dates to be confirmed), which will also showcase a number of historical items and models relating to the Excelsior story and the formation of the Trust. 


More to come about this in a future blog!

Picture this!

 
How to own a piece of Michelle’s work and help the Trust…


We are offering a selection of cards, prints and coasters from Michelle Cohen’s selection, and at an affordable price which which will delight those wanting a fond memento of their time sailing or volunteering.
 
And, you’ll feel good knowing that a small percentage will be going towards the fundraising coffers so essential to our operation.


How to buy and pricing:
Prints:
8x8 inch, with a 2 inch mount, cellophane bag and backing board, signed by the artist: £2012 x 12 inch with 2 inch mount, cellophane bag and backing board, signed by the artist: £30
 
 Cards:
 £3.50 each, or 4 for £12
 
 Coasters:
 £4 each or 6 for £20.


A selection of prints, cards and coasters with designs by Michelle Cohen and available to purchase

Contact: sailing@excelsiortrust.co.uk


In Lowestoft? These items can be bought direct from The Rum Lot, in Kirkley’s unique shopping area in Lowestoft; popular for art and gifts near Lowestoft’s buzzing redeveloped seafront.


And finally, signing off with a great testimonial from Michelle:


“I didn't realise until I got home how much that trip has changed me, made me appreciate and respect nature even more, and now I long to be back on board Excelsior heading out to the open ocean."


Michelle Cohen

Artist in Residence, Excelsior, June 2024

Thousands Turn Out for Historic Festival in Town

by Eastern Daily Press • 3 August 2022
'A massive success': Thousands turn out for historic festival in town

Historic Smack Race Festival to Hit Town Waters

by Eastern Daily Press • 3 June 2022
A fleet of historic sailing smacks will hit the waters off Lowestoft later this month as "a wonderful collection" of vessels descend on the east coast. The red sails of traditionally rigged sailing smacks will illuminate the waters off Lowestoft as The Excelsior Trust hosts an international Smack Race on Saturday, July 30.

Mental Health Awareness Week

3 May 2022
It's Mental Health Awareness week from 9th-15th May 2022 and in conjunction with National Historic Ships UK we are raising awareness of the positive impact engagement with historic vessels can have on wellbeing and mental health.

Spring 2022 Newsletter

3 March 2022
The Excelsior Trust is delighted to confirm that our 2022 Centenary Smack Race is going ahead. If you haven’t already registered to enter, please do as soon as possible. We would love to see you!

December 2021 Newsletter

3 December 2021
We’ve made it through another year despite all the challenges! Covid has had a profound impact on the sail training industry, and several unlucky organisations had to shut down temporarily.

Freedom of the Town Honours

25 June 2021
A double honour has been bestowed upon sailing trawler Excelsior this week by Lowestoft Town Council. In its centenary year this much-loved historic ship and her locally based rescuer, John Wylson, have both been awarded ‘Freedom of The Town of Lowestoft’ in recognition of their activities. In Excelsior’s instance this is the first time the council has awarded a Freedom to something other than a person.