Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Welcomes Back Charity Grace Mofsen as an Artist-in-Residence

August 31, 2023

Nantucket, MA – The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) is thrilled to continue Charity Grace Mofsen's Artist-in-Residence.  Her residency will resume September 15 - October 13 at 33 Washington Street where her photographic work will be on display free to the public.  Visit our calendar at mariamitchell.org to view gallery hours.


Charity Grace Mofsen captures the island of Nantucket in all its glory –“In Light and At Night.” With a particular affinity for astrophotography, she believes there is always Light, if you have eyes to see it. From fine art landscapes to fun portrait sessions and creative product photography, she finds joy sharing her love of Nantucket with the hope that others will also cherish the island’s natural beauty. Recently featured in Framebridge’s “Black Artist Spotlight,” N Magazine’s 2022 “Night Life,” and Nantucket Current’s “This Week in Photos,” her work speaks to [wo]man’s connection to the cosmos. Describing her style as meditative, Charity Grace highlights the beauty of the island’s contrasts – the solitude of the off-season and the joy of summer, the colors of the Light and the wisdom of the Night.


The Maria Mitchell Association is a private non-profit organization. Founded in 1902, the MMA works to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, a research center, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages.


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For Immediate Release

August 31, 2023

Contact: Molly Mosscrop

mmosscrop@mariamitchell.org

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