Diana Jamison’s “Freedom” is a vibrant tribute to the spirit of liberty that resonates deeply within the Chesapeake community. These boots, painted in bold red, white, and blue, feature patriotic motifs including stars and stripes that echo the American flag. The Statue of Liberty and an eagle, both symbols of freedom and strength, are prominently displayed, embodying the resilience and independence of the watermen and waterwomen who have shaped this region. This artwork not only celebrates national pride but also connects it with the local culture and heritage of the Bay.

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.