“Islands” oil on canvas, by Zach Horn. Maria Skillings / Times Record

Famous for its shipbuilding and nautical artifacts, Maine Maritime Museum in Bath stepped outside its norm to display the work of a living artist.

Artist Zach Horn has taken his love of the Maine coast and his admiration for Maine painter Winslow Homer to titillate the senses and create a coastal adventure. The exhibit feels like a short vacation through Maine’s natural treasures, starting with waves crashing, the islands glowing, a walk through the forest and a picnic at the beach.

The show opened this summer and runs through Nov. 27.

Walking into the exhibit, you are immediately drawn in by the sounds of the sea and gulls cawing.

Using paint on Plexiglas and stop-motion animation, Horn created video displays depicting the illusion of waves moving in real-time from the perspective of standing at the base of Winslow Homer’s house in Prout’s Neck — where Homer created some of his best work.

Horn’s piece entitled “Islands” is impressive not only because of its size but also its optical illusion. As you stand in front of the piece, which covers the entire rear wall of the gallery, you feel as though you’re knee-deep in the ocean, watching the morning sun hit the treetops of the adjacent islands.

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Horn even creates the proper drinks and nibbles for picnicking families. A painting titled “5 o’clock” features a collage of colors and full glasses of beer, framed with twinkle lights in the shape of lemons.

“Peanut Butter and Jelly III” oil and acrylic on canvas by Zach Horn.  Maria Skillings / Times Record

After drinks, your appetite will be satiated by a canvas filled with life-life peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

If you love Maine or are a fan of Winslow Homer, this is the exhibit to see.

The best way to describe “Finding Winslow Home,” is a feel-good “swim” down memory lane.

For more information about the show, visit mainemaritimemuseum.org.

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