2024 Sea Gull Century artwork revealed, registration is open

Salisbury Independent

SALISBURY — The thousands of bicyclists participating in Salisbury University’s Sea Gull Century ride each year have the opportunity to see many of the Eastern Shore’s most historic towns and landmarks.

This year, they will have the opportunity to bring a memento featuring one of those landmarks home with them, thanks to local artist and SU alumna Sarah Grangier ’03.

Grangier, whose artwork was selected for this year’s Sea Gull Century print, painted a scene of riders approaching historic Teackle Mansion in Princess Anne, MD, which has long been part of the ride’s 100-kilometer route and last year was added to its 100-mile route, as well.

As is tradition, the scene also includes a seagull, this time perched upon one rider’s handlebars. The print will appear on T-shirts given to each person registering for the ride.

Teackle Mansion was constructed for Littleton Dennis Teackle and his wife, Elizabeth Upshur Teackle, between 1802 and 1819. Teackle was a wealthy merchant and state legislator who corresponded with U.S. Presidents James Madison and James Monroe on issues including education and financial systems. Today, the neoclassical mansion is home to the Somerset County Historical Society.

An award-winning professional wildlife artist, Grangier has exhibited at venues including the National Postal Museum; Maryland State House; Chincoteague, VA, National Wildlife Visitor Center (as a featured artist); Delmarva Discovery Center in Pocomoke City, MD; and Bethany Beach, DE, Boardwalk Arts Festival. Her artwork also was selected for the 2022 Sea Gull Century print.

In addition, Grangier has illustrated two books: Healthy Eating Made Easy, a cookbook by Bill Kendle; and Bob the Big Bad Bluefish, a children’s book by Bernadette Gesser. She also has taught adult painting classes for the Somerset County Arts Council. Learn more about her work at https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sarah-grangier.

Beginning and ending at SU, with two routes incorporating sections of Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset counties, the Sea Gull Century is Wicomico County’s largest annual one-day tourism event. Proceeds benefit SU students and programs, as well as local community organizations.

This year’s rain-or-shine ride is scheduled Saturday, Sept. 28. Registration is open through Sept. 23, or until all spots are filled. New this year, cyclists can pick their own special rider number, available on a first come, first serve basis. Participation is limited to 5,000 cyclists. For more information email seagull@salisbury.edu or visit www.seagullcentury.org.

Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at www.salisbury.edu.