Meet our 2026 Back to the Bays Featured Artist, Mike Patricio

Heading out to seed juvenile bay scallops into our bays

This year, we are fortunate to be showcasing Back to the Bays artwork from CCE Marine Program’s very own Aquaculture Manager, Mike Patricio!

We all know Mike as the dedicated shellfish aquaculturist that he is, so we chatted with him to learn more about him as an artist, and what continues to inspire his work in and out of the hatchery.

Here’s what he had to say:

How long have you been working at CCE and what is your role?

“I've been working for CCE since 1997 in the shellfish hatchery raising clams, oysters, and scallops for restoration and research purposes. I currently work as the Shellfish Aquaculture Manager.“

What aspect of your job do you enjoy the most?

“It's always fascinating to watch the shellfish spawn and see fertilization happening with my own eyes, then witness their transformation from a single cell into a swimming larvae, and eventually growing into something that can be seeded in our local waters, which helps contribute to shellfish populations.“

What’s your favorite marine species and why?

“Bay scallops are a favorite of mine, and not just because they are delectable to eat. They are also a fascinating animal in that a single individual has the ability to release both eggs and sperm during spawning, which is an interesting challenge during the hatchery process. Plus, they have pretty blue eyes that are really cool to see magnified. Since bay scallops have only a short life span of up to two years, in one season they grow rapidly, right before your eyes!”

How did you get into art?

“I've only recently started painting after my mom's passing since it was a hobby of hers and I wanted to ‘take the brush and paint’ to continue something that she liked to do in her spare time. Painting has helped me to focus my thoughts on being creative, and I know she'd be proud that I picked up her hobby.”

What do you typically paint? Do you mostly work with watercolor?

“I might typically paint a beach scene, shellfish, or just a typical woodland scene using watercolor. I've only dabbled in using watercolor since there is a big learning curve in the many techniques involved with painting in this medium.”

You’re also a talented photographer, what inspires you/what imagery do you like to capture most?

“I'd say I certainly like to walk along a beach to capture that split second of beauty by the sea, but my favorite pictures that I've taken have to be ones I took while visiting Yosemite National Park. So, capturing grandiose landscapes is something quite amazing that I like to take with a camera.”

Where do you see your journey as an emerging artist taking you?

“I'd like to continue to learn the techniques of watercolor in order to better express an image in my mind or reproduce a scene from nature.“

What are you looking forward to in most in 2026? (personally and/or professionally!)

“For 2026, I hope to continue to hone what I continuously learn in painting and photography. As always, for my aquaculture work at CCE, I look forward each year to the improvements I can make in producing shellfish and providing a resource from our local waters that in turn improves water quality.

Thanks for asking me to be an artist of the year for B2B!”

~ Mike

Counting + measuring juvenile clams at the Mattituck Creek FLUPSYs

Showing off oyster larvae in the hatchery, ready to be taken to a set tank to produce spat-on-shell

Giving a tour of one of our Southold shellfish hatcheries, to help engage the public in our restoration work