MUSEUMS
One of photographer Jon Kral’s first published photographs was an essay
he did on Fort Pierce crop duster Harold Williams, whom he nicknamed
“Happy.” The photo is part of Kral’s exhibition, Insight: Photography of Jon
Kral, that runs Nov. 20-Jan. 3. Kral, Jon. Happy, 1970. Archival pigment
print, 13x19.
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SEASON OF THE ARTS
JON KRAL
“It has been an anchor for the artistic community,” says
Adams, who notes that generations of artists were inspired or
taught by Backus. Backus’s profound influence has remained,
although Adams admits keeping his legacy alive is harder as
time goes by.
“People still respond to his idyllic scenes of Florida,” Adams
says. “But those scenes are more precious now. You only
find them in the state parks, and of course, the Everglades. It
is a challenge, but hopefully, we can meet that challenge.”
With more than 30,000 visitors annually and a number of
community outreach activities, the museum has continued in
the humanitarian and open-door spirit of Backus.
It will open its new season at 50 percent capacity, and
the opening receptions that marked each exhibition will
be adapted to social distancing requirements. Much of the
fundraising done through public events has also been put on
hold, but underwriters are now sponsoring entire seasons
of shows, instead of individual exhibitions, a move that has
helped the museum financially.
“We have had to be innovative and we have been really
pleased with the supportive response of the community,” he
says. “With everyone’s help, we can get through this.”
Oct. 10 – Nov. 13
The Best of the Best Juried Exhibition
Each year, the museum honors its roots as a community
gallery by encouraging artists to share their best works in a
special exhibition. This annual fine art competition showcases
exemplary works in different media by amateur and
professional artists that demonstrate exceptional quality, skill,
creativity, and presentation.
Nov. 20 – Jan. 3
Insight: Photography of Jon Kral
During his 18 years with the Miami Herald, Jon Kral earned
a reputation as an outstanding photojournalist covering decades
of unprecedented growth, social and political upheaval
and natural disasters both home and abroad – it was the best
street education a photographer could receive. Whether on
assignment or following his muse, Kral has always focused
on his documentary interests, with a special affinity for
people, places, and capturing the right moment. He has been
published in major publications including, Time Magazine, US >>
Through the Eye of the Camera Juried Exhibition, which will run next year, is an annual show that features the work of many area photographers, including
Mike Ricciardi, who took this photo, Hawkfish on His Perch. Digital photograph on metal.