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This exhibition is a select collection of paintings of the accomplished works of Berks County artist Jack Coggins (1911-2006), offered from the Coggins' estate. Many of these pieces came to us in need of cleaning and framing. All have been attentively prepared for presentation in this show. The body of his outstanding work has been showcased in many exhibitions and we are honored to pay tribute to this local artist.

There is a fine selection of marine art - from translucent waves cresting around sunlit rock masses to weathered docks, dories, and fishermen. Stating a similarity in the formation of waves and the rolling hills of landscape, Coggins also painted appealing renditions of the fields and hills of Berks County, including Crestfield, his home. We are also including a number of inviting still lifes and engaging portraits. There are oils, watercolors, pastels, and prints. For local appeal or a beach home, there is something for everyone.

We cordially invite you to join us at Greshville Antiques and Fine Art for the opening weekend with a reception Friday, April 1st from 4pm -8pm. Hours on Saturday April 2nd and Sunday April 3rd are from noon - 5pm. The remainder of the show we will be open Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm or by appointment.

Jack Banham Coggins (1911-2006) was born in England into a military family. They migrated to the United States in 1923. Jack's early interest in sailing and the sea and military subjects became a sustained passion that lasted a lifetime and influenced his artwork.

Coggins established a thriving career as an artist, illustrator, author, and teacher. He studied in New York City at the Grand Central School of Art and the Arts Students' League. His meticulously executed war illustrations were published in Life magazine and The Saturday Evening Post in the 1940's. He illustrated and authored several military books. He also illustrated several pulp space fantasy magazines in the 1950's. Coggins wrote and illustrated Arms and Equipment of the Civil War and The Horseman's Bible, both successful publications that are highly sought after today.

In 1948, Coggins married Alma Woods, a model in New York. They moved to Berks County, Pennsylvania and resided on a farm he called Crestfield. Coggins taught painting at Hunter College in New York and at the Wyomissing Institute of the Arts, and also taught his wife to paint, primarily working in pastels.

Coggins was a Fellow of the American Society of Marine Artists and was a member of the Pastel Society of America. His paintings are in major museums and institutions and in corporate and private collections.