On 9 May at 5 pm, the Horta Museum – Jesuit College will host the opening of the exhibition “Faial Whaling Stations – Scrimshaw by Cláudia Furtado”, a show dedicated to the work of Faial-born artist Cláudia Furtado, also known as Kakaz. The exhibition will remain open to the public over the coming months at the Horta Museum and can be visited during regular opening hours with free admission.

The exhibition offers a journey through the world of scrimshaw, a traditional technique of engraving on whale bone, through pieces that highlight the artist’s sensitivity and her connection to the Azorean cultural heritage. Alongside this, three iconic whaling stations on the island of Faial are depicted: Capelinhos, Salão and the Porto Pim Whaling Factory.

In addition to the works on display, the public will have the opportunity to see some of the tools used by the artist in the engraving process, revealing the technical and artisanal dimension of these unique pieces.

The opening event will also feature a screening of the short documentary “Beauty Between Surfaces”, by director Carley Bayers, produced as part of the Hotel Papel Sister City Arts Creative Residency in New Bedford.

This is an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to (re)discover the art of scrimshaw and Faial’s whaling heritage.