Original SS United States Art Joins our Collection

The SS United States Conservancy is proud to announce the acquisition of a stunning original work of art from the SS United States. One of enamelist Peter Ostuni’s depictions of Navajo sand art has been donated to our collection and will become a featured attraction in our future museum.

Peter Ostuni crafted the beautiful symbolic murals that adorned a First Class cocktail lounge aboard the SS United States which came to be known as the “Navajo Lounge.” Inspired by the Navajo people’s artwork created with sand and pigments, Ostuni fabricated thirteen interpretations of indigenous motifs for display aboard the Big U. His symbolic figures were crafted from copper on sand-coated aluminum and fired in a kiln to assemble the hundreds of separate pieces that comprised the colorful murals. 

Joyce Marchand donated the panel in memory of her husband Chris Marchand. The Marchands admired the Big U when she was docked at Newport News, Virginia, after her service career ended. Chris purchased the painting from the 1984 auction of the SS United States’ art, fixtures, and furnishings and displayed it in the family’s Ohio home. Joyce was happy to donate this important work of art to the Conservancy as she believes "it should go back to where it belongs."

Courtesy of the Craig Family Archive

We are truly grateful to be the new stewards of this iconic artwork from the SS United States and look forward to displaying it in our future SS United States Museum and Visitor Experience.