The RSMA collects and promotes contemporary British marine painting, drawing, sculpture and printmaking.

It is widely recognised as being the focal point for much of Britain's finest marine art.

Founded in 1939, the Society followed other national art bodies and established a Diploma Collection. New members of the Society are obliged to submit one piece of work to the Diploma Collection and today there are over 100 paintings in this collection, providing a rich resource for researchers and lovers of marine art alike.

Curatorial Assistant, Sarah Parsons says: "With a team of over 180 enthusiastic and engaged volunteers, this is a great opportunity to get them directly involved in curating an exhibition. All of the paintings within the exhibition have been chosen by our volunteers, which brings a unique perspective to the RSMA Diploma collection."

The Celebrating the Sea exhibition opens on 26 January and runs until 17 May at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth.