Kudos to the author of the op-ed “Less ’awe’ at the Seaport,” Aug. 29, for shaming Mystic Seaport’s abandoning of their long history supporting the practice and collectability of contemporary marine art. Former gallery director Monique Foster compared marine art — in an interview— to “brown furniture,” suggesting no one wants it anymore. Fortunately, she and the higher ups who supported the closure of the gallery (and the bookstore, another terrible loss and decision) are gone.

As past president of the American Society of Marine Artists, I know I can speak for my fellow painters, sculptors, collectors and enthusiasts who respect and treasure the place marine art holds in celebrating and interpreting America’s history on the water and ongoing love of the sea, by hoping current Seaport administration can right the wrongs of their predecessors.

Russ Kramer

Mystic