A.E. Backus Museum

2007 - 2008 Exhibitions and Events Schedule

Presenting Fine Art in a Fine Setting Since 1960


Florida: More Than Meets the Eye

September 29 - October 20, 2007

Sponsored by Seacoast National Bank

The wide variety of works in this exhibition do much more than portray sights of Florida. They somehow capture the elusive beauty that appeals to the viewer's emotions and senses. Artists included in the show are Nancy Asbell, Gregory Behymer, Petey Cox, Brad Phares and Anita Prentice. 

 

Season Opening Reception Members' Only: 
Friday, September 28, 2007 / 7 - 9:00 p.m.


26th Annual Four County Juried Show "The Best of the Treasure Coast"

October 24 - November 24, 2007  

Click here for application to exhibit

Sponsored by SunTrust

The Four County Juried show includes work by some of the best artists in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties. The 26th annual exhibition shows the great diversity and creativity of artists in this region. As we examine the large number of works in this exhibition, we are inspired by the variety of imagery and innovative ways in which artists express themselves. The selection process for this show is a tremendous undertaking, as more than 200 artists submit works of art. 

 

Costume Themed Members Reception: 
Friday, October 26, 2007 / 7 - 9:00 p.m.


The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

November 27, 2007 - January 5, 2008

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year is an exhibition that highlights some of the best artwork of the Museum's 2007 - 2008 Season. Artists featured in this lavish holiday show include Colleen Nash Becht, Janie Hinkle, Jackie Lanier, Lenore McNamara, Marie Morrow and Ginny Piech Street.

 

Members' Reception: 
Friday, November 30, 2007 / 7 - 9:00 p.m.


Looking Back: Vintage Paintings from the Florida Highwaymen

January 8 - 20, 2008

Sponsored by Art Link International

In 1950, a small number of African Americans began painting Florida landscapes as a livelihood. With encouragement from A. E. "Bean" Backus, these young Treasure Coast artists developed their individual techniques and rendered landscapes with beauty and allure. In 1990, the moniker Florida Highwaymen was ascribed. The rest is as they say history. Enjoy an exhibition of vintage paintings from some of the best private collections, as well as a variety of vintage paintings for sale.


Highwaymen Festival

January 12 & 13, 2008

Sponsored by Art Link International

Sixteen of the Highwaymen will be in attendance with their new paintings for sale. More Highwaymen gather together for this festival than in any other place or event. The newest book by Catherine Enns Grigas and newest film on the Highwaymen will be released at this year's festival.


Around the World in 80 Daze

Dinner Party and Auction

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Sponsored by Window of the Eye Creations

The museum goes international with this year's dinner party and live auction, which is inspired by Jules Verne's 1873 adventure novel by a very similar name. The route on our great adventure will include includes stops in London, Paris, Madrid and Tokyo. Don't miss the delectable foods, décor and entertainment all inspired by a voyage around the world. Tickets to the party and live auction are $100 per person.


Texture . Technique . Tradition

January 29 - February 16, 2008

Whether relying on texture (a tactile quality) or technique (the method of accomplishment), all of the artists in this exhibition are creating their own unique traditions and style of work. From collage to photography to sculpture, Ivo David, Jeremiah Jenner, Doug Macon, Tamara Rejimbal and Eduardo Gomez Rojas all have featured work in this show.

 

Members' Reception: 
Friday, February 1, 2008 / 7 - 9:00 p.m.


Unassuming Genius: A.E. Backus - A Great Twentieth-Century American Painter

February 20 - March 15, 2008

Sponsored by Sunrise Ford

For more than 17 years, the Backus Museum has presented a tribute A.E. Backus the "Dean of Florida Landscape Painters".  No other 20th century artist captured the Florida light quite like he could. Backus came into prominence as a national artist in the 1960s when his work was hung in President Lyndon B. Johnson's library in Texas and in the Senate offices in Washington, D.C. In 1993, he was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame.

      This show will feature some of the best works by Backus and, when it closes in March, will travel to ten other venues across the United States.

 

20th Annual A.E. Backus Art Festival

March 1 & 2, 2008  

Click here for application to exhibit

Sponsored by National City Bank

The annual Backus Arts Festival takes over Veterans Park in Historic Downtown Fort Pierce with an extravaganza for the senses. Over 75 artists, musical performances and tasty food grace the museum's oak shaded grounds for this two-day event.  

 

 

A. E. Backus Brunch & Painting Raffle

March 2, 2008

Sponsored by National City Bank and Sunrise Ford

Brunch served from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Brunch tickets sold at the door; no advance sales. Adults, $15.00, kids, $5.00. The "all you should eat" Backus Brunch is legendary. Feast on fresh fried mahi-mahi, scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, cheese grits, fresh squeezed orange juice and much more. Then at 12:30, the ticket will be drawn to reveal the winner of this year's original Backus painting Indian River Shores valued at $40,000. Over $3,000 in additional prizes will be awarded. Raffle tickets are $20.


Villas to Vistas: Images of Provence

March 18 - April 5, 2008

Sponsored by Integrative Healing Strategies

Many say that Provence is one of the most charming and romantic regions of France. It is a rustic paradise, peaceful and serene. Tiny villages, lush vineyards, beautiful villas and fields that are embroidered with trees and flowers have inspired artists for centuries. Susie Cassens, Chris Cozen, Sally Markell and Cathrina Sevos all have French-inspired pieces included in this show. A special retrospect of French impressionist paintings by Theresa Knowles will also be on view.    

 

Members' Reception: 
Friday, March 28, 2008 / 7 - 9:00 p.m.


The St. Lucie County High School Show

April 10 - April 12, 2008

Sponsored by Fort Pierce Utilities Authority and Kiplinger Foundation

This show presents the best artwork from the area's public and private high schools.

 

Members' Reception and Uncle Reg Scholarship Awards Presentation: Thursday, April 10, 2008 / 7 - 9:00 p.m.


The Eye of the Camera: Juried Photography Show

& Seacoast Community Calendar Competition

April 16 - May 3, 2008

Sponsored by Jiffy Photo, Seacoast National Bank & Canon

Open to both amateur and professional photographers, this exhibit is sure to bring fierce competition. Applications are available at the museum or on our website at  www.backusmuseum.com. Entry fee is $25 per piece.

 

Members' Reception: 
Friday, April 18, 2008 / 7 - 9:00 p.m.


Mood and Motion

May 6 - May 24, 2008

The collection of work in this exhibition explores the range of mood and motion that artists are able to evoke or create. Some objects, such as landscapes painting can be still and serene, while others like  bronze sculptures can stir up spirit and emotion. The show includes Jackie Brice, Charles Gruppe, Ruth Ellen Hoag, Brenda Truesdale and Rick Kelly.

 

Members' Reception: 
Friday, May 9, 2008 / 7 - 9:00 p.m.


PREMIER EXHIBITIONS

Hoyt C. Murphy Realty & Riverside National Bank

 

Fragile Nature: Photographs by Joel Sartore

May 27 - July 19, 2008

Ever wonder what it's like to go "On Assignment" for National Geographic? Wonder no more. Photographer Joel Sartore takes the viewer on assignment with the world's greatest magazine. It's a journey into the natural world across much of North and South America, from jaguars and macaws to gray wolves and grizzly bears. In Sartore's own words, you'll hear the stories behind the photos. In plain talk Sartore details why species become endangered, what are their chances of recovery, and most importantly, what we all can do to help.

 

Carlton Ward: Images of Natural Florida

May 27 - July 19, 2008

Carlton Ward Jr. regularly produces images for Smithsonian, National Wildlife, Africa Geographic, and Outdoor Photographer. He is an environmental photojournalist from Clearwater, Florida, with graduate training in ecology and anthropology. Through his photographs, he aims to promote conservation of natural environments and cultural legacies. At home and abroad, Carlton seeks stories where he can use photographs to make a difference.

 

Members' Reception: 
Friday, May 30, 2008 / 7 - 9:00 p.m.


Lecture by Carlton Ward and film on Joel Sartore: Saturday, May 31, 2008/1:00 p.m. Admission $5.00