Film’s public TV premiere offers viewers a look at the life of renowned watercolor artist
The Art of Willie Crockett and Virginia’s Eastern Shore, a new documentary about one of the Chesapeake Bay region’s most celebrated artists, will have its TV premiere on Maryland Public Television (MPT) at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 1. In addition, it will be live streamed in the Maryland region at mpt.org/anywhere/live-stream-
The film also will be broadcast on MPT2 at 8:30 p.m. on Monday, August 2 and available for viewing following the broadcasts on MPT’s video player at video.mpt.tv/.
The half-hour documentary airing on MPT tells the story of the late Willie Crockett, an artist, poet, philosopher, and legend on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Crockett, who grew up on Tangier Island, was a waterman, trapper, and preacher before finding his calling later in life as a painter. The film looks at Willie’s life, art, and the inspirations he drew from in capturing life along the Chesapeake Bay on his canvases and in his writings. A trailer is available at https://vimeo.com/380917555.
Crockett, who died in March at age 82 after a short illness, operated a studio and gallery in Onancock, Virginia. He was known throughout the region and beyond for his paintings of Eastern Shore landscapes, in particular of the Chesapeake Bay and the salt marshes where he grew up.
The new documentary is the work of independent filmmaker Dave Miller, of King William County, Virginia. Miller served as the film’s producer, director, editor, and cinematographer. He filmed the documentary in the nature preserves of the Eastern Shore, on Tangier Island, and in Crocket’s studio, among other locations.
“One thing that stands out to me after working with Willie for 13 months on this film is that you are never too young or too old to be inspired by the beauty and nature found on the Chesapeake,” said Miller.
About Maryland Public Television
Maryland Public Television (MPT) is a statewide, public-supported TV network and Public Broadcasting Service member offering entertaining, educational, and inspiring content delivered by traditional broadcasting and streaming on TVs, computers, and mobile devices. A state agency, it operates under the auspices of the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission. MPT creates local, regional, and national content and is a frequent winner of regional Emmy® awards. MPT’s commitment to educators, parents, caregivers, and learners of all ages is delivered through instructional events and Thinkport.org. MPT’s year-round community engagement activities connect viewers with resources on a wide range of topics. For more information visit mpt.org.
