“Technicolor Fishboots” by Tommy Fox display a symphony of vibrant colors and intricate details, portraying a lively underwater world with oysters. The repetitive nature of the pattern enhances the visual impact, drawing viewers into the dynamic scene depicted on the boots. Tommy Fox’s artistic interpretation beautifully captures the essence of marine life in the Chesapeake Bay, celebrating the abundance and diversity cherished by the watermen and women of Virginia’s River Realm. These boots stand as a testament to both artistic creativity and the enduring legacy of the region’s seafood industry.

About Watermen’s Way

Watermen’s Way is a public art project honoring the Watermen and Waterwomen of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Sponsored by Virginia’s River Realm in conjunction with Lancaster by the Bay Chamber of Commerce, this project benefits the Virginia Watermen’s Association, Steamboat Era Museum, and the RAL Art Center.

These oversized, fiberglass boots are iconic items for the men and women who make their living on the water. Used by the seafood industry across the world, here in the Chesapeake Bay, they have nicknames like “Guinea Slippers,” “Tangier Tennis Shoes,” “Red Balls,” or “Bubba Boots.” Each sculpture is personalized by a local artist, drawing from themes that reflect the lives of the people who work the water, harvesting crabs, oysters, and fish from the Bay, rivers, and creeks.