Gestalt of the Berth is the culmination of the inaugural Artist-in-Residence program at Gulf Islands National Seashore. Selected artist, designer, and educator John Dougherty was tasked with forging a stronger connection between the local arts community and the park and he saw collaboration as the most effective approach.

The exhibition finds its berth in the exchange of ideas and perspectives from the diverse group of artists Doughtery invited to join him. Artwork on display spans a wide range of mediums including animation, augmented reality, alchemy, ballet, ceramics, design, drawing, embroidery, sound, Risography, and video. It also includes works inspired by a week-long stay at Ship Island, a remote barrier island off the Mississippi coast, accessible only by ferry.

The show features the work of John Dougherty and includes participating artists Nicholas Croghan, Poppy Garcia, Stoycho Hadziev, Joe Hobbs, Richard Humphries, Steve Matechik, Mia McCann, Keeley Morgan, Paul Myers, Nick Phoenix, Richard Rodriguez, and Eniko Ujj.