Wanda Hollberg’s “Urbanna Waterman” captures the essence of the Chesapeake Bay’s ecosystem with its simple yet profound depiction of local marine and wetland life. The boots feature crabs, oysters, seagrass, and cattails, each element a crucial part of the regional biodiversity. This artwork reflects a deep appreciation for the natural environment, emphasizing the symbiotic relationships that sustain the local watermen’s livelihoods. Painted in a clear and straightforward style, these boots convey the beauty and importance of conservation, celebrating the rich ecological tapestry of Urbanna and its surroundings.

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.