A.E. Backus Museum

2009 - 2010 Exhibitions and Events Schedule

Become a member of the Backus Museum for only $50 and enjoy free invitations to members' only receptions, advance notice of events, and a discount on gift store items. The Backus Museum is a non-profit organization and your contribution is tax deductible as allowed by law.


 

Homage to Impressionism

September 26 - October 17, 2009

Sponsored by Seacoast Bank

Featured artists Steven Babeckiand Ivo David - along with members of the American Impressionist Society - will pay tribute to French Impressionism painting. Colorful, abstract sculptures by Robert Coon will also be on view.


28th Annual Juried Art Exhibition "The Best of the Best"

October 21 - November 21, 2009

Click here for an Application

The juried art show includes work by some of the best artists from around the state.  Because of its popularity, the 28th Annual Juried Art Exhibition, formerly known as the Four County Juried Show, has expanded to include artists from beyond the region.  The selection process for this show is a tremendous undertaking, as hundreds of pieces will be submitted for judging.


 

Under the Mistletoe

November 25, 2009 - January 2, 2010

For many years, mistletoe has been a traditional part of holiday decorations; if only to provide an excuse for a stolen kiss.  This holiday season, make the Backus Museum one more part of your holiday tradition.  When you give the gift of art, you give a meaningful gift that lasts a lifetime.  Artists include Martin Cushman, Ahmed Eltemtamy, Therese Ferguson, Rome Heyer, George Paxton, Suzanne Ritter, Ada Swenson, Peggy Thomas and Barbara Dodge Zarrella.


 

Through Women's Eyes - By Women's Hands: An Invitational Exhibition

January 6 - February 6, 2010

Through Women's Eyes - By Women's Hands promises an outstanding line up of talented women artists.  More than 40 women artists from across the state will be featured with a wide array of media including painting, photography, stoneware and more.


Art in Bloom

January 29 - 31, 2010

Art in Bloom is a three-day celebration pairing original works of art and fresh flowers.  This special event features flower arrangements, from florists from around the Treasure Coast, inspired by and placed alongside paintings, sculptures and other decorative art objects.  The events will include a preview cocktail party on Friday night, a luncheon and demonstration on Saturday and Family Day activities at the museum on Sunday.


 

Tribute to Backus

February 10 - March 13, 2010

For more than 20 years, the Backus Museum has presented a Tribute to 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 Senate offices in Washington, D.C. In 1993 he was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame. Selected paintings from private collection on exhibition.


 

A. E. Backus Brunch & Painting Raffle

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Brunch served from 8:30 a.m. to noon, rain or shine.  Brunch tickets are $12.50 in advance and $15.00 at the door for adults.  (Children under 10, $5.00 available at the door only).  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.  Over $6,000 in additional prizes will be awarded.  Raffle tickets are $20 or three for $50.


 

Looking Back:  Vintage Paintings from the Florida Highwaymen

March 17 - April 10, 2010

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. Backus, these young Treasure Coast entrepreneurs developed their individual techniques and rendered landscapes with beauty and allure.  In 1990 the moniker Florida Highwaymen was ascribed; the rest, as they say, is 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

March 27 & 28, 2010

Sponsored by Art Link International

Many of the Highwaymen will be in attendance with their recent paintings for sale.  More Highwaymen gather together for this hometown gathering than at any other place or event.


 

Waves of Motion

April 14 - May 15, 2010

Sponsored by The Estate, Trust & Elder Law Firm, P.L.

This delightfully eclectic mix of artworks features diverse creations inspired by water, the seas and the skies.  Artists include Jim Kern, Sydney McKenna, Kenneth Muth, Joel Johnson and Marilynn Shepherd.


 

The Eye of the Camera:  Juried Photography Show

May 19 - June 26, 2010  

Sponsored by Jiffy Photo & Canon

Open to both amateur and professional photographers, this exhibit is sure to bring fierce competition.  Applications are available at the museum, Jiffy Photo and on the web at www.backusmuseum.com.

 


Regular Season Hours:
September 2
6, 2009 to June 26, 2010
Wednesday - Sunday: 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Monday & Tuesday: Closed

Summer Hours:
June 1
1 through 26, 2010
Friday - Sunday: 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Monday - Thursday: Closed

Closed to the Public/Hours by Appointment
June 2
6, 2010 to mid September 2010