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151 Lagoon Pond Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

https://mvmuseum.org/exhibition/percy-cowen-my-dearest-jane/
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This enlightening exhibition offers insights into the life of Percy Cowen, a gifted illustrator and painter with deep ties to Martha’s Vineyard. 

With artwork appearing in Putnam’s and Harper’s magazines and on the cover of Adventure Percy Cowen (1883-1923) was already an accomplished illustrator when he was sent overseas to serve in World War I. While at war, he wrote to his wife, Jane Look Cowen, at home on Martha’s Vineyard. Passed by the censors, but still illuminating, these letters were filled with drawings of Percy’s experiences. After his discharge from the army, Cowen returned to the Vineyard and resumed his career, with work appearing in Collier’s and Metropolitan Magazine, but he only lived for a few more years, dying of an infection in 1923.

This exhibition will feature loans of artwork from Cowen’s family, including his richly illustrated WWI correspondence lovingly preserved for more than 100 years. His work will be presented in the context of his time and compared to that of more well-known illustrators. Visitors will be encouraged to ponder the question: If Cowen had lived longer, what could he have achieved?

  • Joey Howard

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