Tugboat Picture by Mary Ellen Golden

Artist: Mary Ellen Golden

Mary Ellen Golden is a recognized American watercolorist based in Wilmington, North Carolina. She has been actively creating and selling fine art prints for decades, especially focusing on coastal themes, boats, maritime scenes, and historic buildings in the Carolinas. Her work is well known in regional art circles and is often sold through her gallery, The Golden Gallery in Wilmington, NC.

Item Overview

• Title/Subject: Tugboat scene at a dock, likely representing a waterfront in North Carolina
• Medium: Fine art limited edition print of a watercolor painting
• Signature: Hand-signed “Mary Ellen Golden” in pencil (lower left)
• Edition: Numbered 272/500 (lower right)
• Framing: Double matted, gold-tone metal frame
• Size:
  • Image size: approx. 13" x 10"
  • Framed size: approx. 20" x 16"
• Condition: Good — light age spotting or minor mat wear

Valuation

Sale Channel

Estimated Value

Retail (Gallery / Direct)

$75 – $125 (original pricing range from the artist)

Online Resale (eBay, Etsy, etc.)

$35 – $75 (based on similar sold works)

Art Fair or Regional Show

$50 – $100

Given your $10 thrift store find, you got an excellent deal.

Market Considerations

• Mary Ellen Golden's works are regional collector pieces, especially appreciated in North Carolina and the Southeastern U.S..
• Because this is a limited edition (500 total), it may appreciate modestly over time — especially if the tugboat scene has local historical significance.
• Her pieces are still sold through The Golden Gallery, and she remains an active artist, which helps maintain ongoing interest.

Recommendation

• No professional appraisal is necessary unless part of a larger collection or you plan to insure the piece.
• If ever selling, listing it with the full artist name, title (if known), and edition number will attract the right buyers — especially in NC-based or maritime art groups.
• If you're near Wilmington, this piece would be right at home in a coastal-themed decor or vintage gallery setting.