Visit Niantic Public House and Brewery and prepare to be blown away by the magical artwork that adorns their walls. Local artist Jacob Cullers first met brewery owners Todd and Jenny Sakowski in 2019 through a mutual connection. At that time the walls were a blank canvas, and Jacob went to work to create something special. Since then, he has even painted over the original art to create new designs, keeping the vibe fresh. The original painting of the octopus remains as a customer favorite. Jacob also paints the brewery’s eye-catching can art.
With so many enjoying Jacob’s art, the Niantic Children’s Museum was thrilled when he agreed earlier this year to create a marine-themed mural that spans the full length of their outside wall. His design sparks the imagination of all who visit.
His most recent artistic contribution to our downtown is a sunrise he painted on the steps leading up to one of Niantic’s newest businesses, The Mix. The Mix business owner, Alexandra Zanardi, has plans for Jacob to create another work of art in their common area to enhance the energetic and inspirational vibe she is creating in her new space.
Jacob says, “I enjoy creating art that fits the unique space of each business.” And he certainly has delivered with extraordinary designs that delight all ages in multiple and diverse downtown spaces.
Jacob grew up in Waterford with his older brother, Ari. After Ari joined the Army serving in Afghanistan, Jacob followed in his footsteps and joined the military, too. Jacob spent four years serving in Iraq with the Air Force. After losing his 28-year-old brother to the war in 2011, Jacob found art to be an important part of his grieving process. And from there his art journey began.
He graduated from the University of Hartford with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art in Painting, with a minor in Art History. Jacob continued studying art at Glasgow School of Art in Glasgow, Scotland earning a Masters of Letters in Fine Art Practice.
Luckily for us, Jacob returned home. He is now adjunct professor at Three Rivers Community College, and he teaches Painting and Drawing at The Rhode Island School of Design for their pre-college programs.
Jacob says, “I am grateful to Niantic Public House and Brewery for giving me an incredible opportunity to share my artwork in Niantic. It has been a great way to showcase my work. And from there, I have been fortunate to have additional opportunities to create art in town.” Jacob works at the brewery on Fridays, and it’s been a thrill for him to see patrons enjoying his art and taking photos of the walls. Jacob says, “I try to remember to stay humble and not boast that I’m the artist.” He adds, “Niantic has some wonderful old brick buildings just waiting for the touch of an artist’s brush.”
When not painting in Niantic, Jacob can be found creating art in his New London studio. He exhibits his work throughout the year and has shown nationally and globally.
To learn more about Jacob Cullers, his style of art and where he finds inspiration, visit jcullers.com.
About Our Main Street Blogger:
Joanne lives in, and loves, our community. She was looking for an opportunity to help share all that our local businesses do to make East Lyme such a special place to call home, and she is excited to contribute to our blog. Joanne brings to the role her experience from New London Main Street where she contributed content to their website, newsletters and email communications for many years.