William C. Kavanek: A Retrospective Opens

William C. Kavanek: A Retrospective

Burnham Library is pleased to present a special exhibition honoring William C. Kavanek (1924–2008), a distinguished American marine artist and charter member of the American Society of Marine Artists. The retrospective will be on view January 2 – January 30, 2026, during library hours, with a public reception on Saturday, January 10, 2:00–4:00 PM.

Kavanek began his artistic career in his late 40s and became a full-time artist in 1978, dedicating his life to capturing marine subjects and coastal life. His work, celebrated nationally, reflects a deep connection to water, sailboats, shorelines, and the everyday life of coastal communities. This exhibition highlights both his acclaimed maritime scenes and more personal works, offering a poetic and technically skilled look at his legacy.