Ogunquit Outing

Copied Hank Murta Adams, Ogunquit Outing, 1982, glass and enamel, 15 125 125 12 in. (39.414.014.0 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Elmerina and Paul Parkman, 2002.73.1

Artwork Details

Title
Ogunquit Outing
Date
1982
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
15 125 125 12 in. (39.414.014.0 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Elmerina and Paul Parkman
Mediums Description
glass and enamel
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure group
  • Abstract
Object Number
2002.73.1

Artwork Description

Hank Murta Adams is inspired by portraiture. Ogunquit Outing is an autobiographical sculpture that represents a scene from his early childhood when he and his family were visiting relatives on the coast in Ogunquit, Maine. During the course of cocktail hour for the adults, they realized that the children were missing and feared they were walking near the steep cliffs that descend sharply to the ocean. A frantic search ensued, and finally the children were found safe and sound. Hank's two cousins got a spanking from his aunt, but he was sent to his room instead because he was only five years old. Ogunquit Outing shows spikes coming from a pool-like area of glass to depict the danger of the cliffs and falling off of them.