Near & far
Museums to showcase dazzling treasures and Florida masters
BY DONNA CRARY
The arts scene sparkles this season with an exciting mix of exhibitions and events designed to inspire and delight art lovers. Stuart’s Elliott Museum will transport guests from the ancient splendor of Wonderful Things…The Return of King Tut, to the opulence and artistry of Fabergé eggs in Crowned in Jewels. For insight into the artistic process of a modern master, there’s Picasso and the Progressive Proof at the Vero Beach Museum of Art. The arts season culminates at the VBMA with American Made, an exhibition of 80 works that trace the rich history and evolution of American art. At the A.E. Backus Museum in Fort Pierce, Glory in Glass celebrates the enduring artistry of stained glass created by the Conrad Pickel Studio, as well as Collage Mirage: The Art of Derek Gores, an exhibit of bold Surrealist collages. And back by popular demand, The Highwaymen exhibitions return to the Backus and Elliott museums, with their timeless scenes of Florida’s natural beauty.
VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART
On Jan. 30, Vero Beach Museum of Art will host its annual gala, From Sea to Shining Sea, which kicks off American Made, an exhibition celebrating a variety of renowned American artists. In February, Isaac Mizrahi, American fashion designer and entertainment icon, headlines Fashion Meets Art, while the museum’s lecture series will feature speakers who explore American themes in conjunction with American Made. The season concludes with Construction: from Abstraction to Architecture, an exhibition examining how abstraction in art and design has shaped the development of architecture.
Picasso and the Progressive Proof: Linocut Prints from a Private Collection
This exhibition explores the printmaking work of renowned Spanish artist Pablo Picasso [1881-1973], in the final years of his life. Picasso and the Progressive Proof: Linocut Prints from a Private Collection showcases three prints — Portrait of a Young Woman after Cranach the Younger II, Pique II, and Bacchanal with Kid Goat and Onlooker — along with their various proofs, offering insight into Picasso’s distinctive printmaking techniques and his groundbreaking contributions to the medium. These works also reflect recurring themes that defined his long and prolific career, including his Spanish heritage, mythology and the Classical past, and his engagement with the European Old Masters.
Recent Acquisition Highlights
Through January
Recent Acquisition Highlights features a suite of 30 prints by leading American artists, entitled The New York Collection for Stockholm portfolio, along with 20 additional works. Encompassing conceptual art, Pop Art, early American landscapes and more, the works on view reflect the museum’s ongoing commitment to broadening its holdings and representing significant artistic movements and a rich array of perspectives.
Double Portraits
Through Jan. 11
Double Portraits features 47 photographs by 34 artists, each capturing the rich and ever-evolving American South through the concept of a “double portrait.” This exhibition examines the diverse ways artists depict human connection, presence, and absence within a shared frame. Organized into four sections — traditional portraiture, artists who incorporate vernacular photographic styles, themes of connection and care, and unconventional examples — these works demonstrate the many ways photography captures the complexities of human relationships, memory and identity. It is a layered and multifaceted portrait of the American South.
Jan. 31-June 7
In concert with the 250th anniversary of our nation, this exhibition features more than 80 works by renowned American artists, including Benjamin West, Sarah Miriam Peale, Edward Moran, John Singer Sargent, Mary Cassatt, Robert Henri and Charles Alston. Spanning 250 years with a particular emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries, the collection traces the evolution of American art and explores a diverse range of subjects, including landscapes, still lifes, genre scenes and portraits. The exhibition’s eight thematic sections demonstrate how American artists from the colonial era to the 20th century have supported the nation’s growth and progress.
Construction: From Abstraction to Architecture
Feb. 7-June 21
Since the early 20th century, artists have explored the concept of construction in various ways. Geometric abstractionists used rigid structures and grids as compositional frameworks, while the Bauhaus and Constructivist movements embraced art through the lens of engineered design, often inspired by industrial materials and architecture. Mid-century artists continued the exploration with structured geometric compositions, leading to Minimalism, where industrial materials and modular systems emphasized repetition and form. Today, contemporary art and architecture engage with these ideas, particularly by focusing on facades and the materials and technique used to create them. This exhibition examines construction’s influential role in modern and contemporary art.
SIGNATURE & FAMILY EVENTS
Holidays at the Museum
Dec. 13
Visitors will enjoy free admission to the current exhibitions as docents facilitate family-friendly tours and activities, themed around artworks on display. Children can create festive art projects in the studios and enjoy music and dance performances by local student and community groups.
GALA 2026: From Sea to Shining Sea
Jan. 30
At Vero Beach Museum of Art’s annual gala, attendees will enjoy cocktails, dinner and entertainment, and will be the first to experience the American Made: Painting and Sculpture from the DeMell Jacobsen Collection exhibition.
Fashion Meets Art with Isaac Mizrahi
Feb. 18
Fashion designer and entertainment icon Isaac Mizrahi headlines this season’s fundraising event. Best known for his namesake label launched in the 1980s, Mizrahi has also earned acclaim as a performer, host, writer and designer.
International Lecture Series
Feb. 23, March 9, March 23 & April 13
VBMA presents the arts and humanities lecture series in conjunction with the exhibition American Made: Painting and Sculpture from the DeMell Jacobsen Collection. The featured speakers will include: Fred Minnick, Wall Street Journal bestselling author, award-winning podcast host and bourbon critic; Conor Knighton, CBS Sunday Morning correspondent; Ashley Rose Young, historian and Smithsonian research associate; and Regina Palm, senior curator of modern art at the Norton Museum of Art.
Art in Bloom with Les Fleurs Founder Sandra Sigman
March 5
Art in Bloom celebrates its 16th anniversary with floral designer, author and Les Fleurs founder Sandra Sigman, as well as a display of floral creations inspired by the museum’s permanent collection and exhibitions.
Children’s Art Festival
April 11
This free, all-ages event is the museum’s annual celebration of the arts and art making. Attendees will enjoy art-making activities, music and dance performances, food trucks, art hunts and docent-led tours of the galleries.
For tickets and event information, visit vbmuseum.org.
A.E. BACKUS MUSEUM & GALLERY
Now in its 65th season, the Backus Museum continues its mission to promote the arts and honor the artistic and humanitarian legacy of its namesake artist, A.E. “Bean” Backus. This year’s lineup reflects that purpose with Journey, an exhibition of rare and never-before-seen works by The Florida Highwaymen, celebrating their enduring legacy. Fans can also experience the annual Highwaymen celebration weekend in February, with opportunities to view, learn about and purchase vintage paintings. And don’t miss the season’s fundraisers, All Things Florida in January at the Pelican Yacht Club, and Jazz Brunch @ The Backus in March. Rounding out the season, Through the Eye Of the Camera Annual Juried Exhibition, will feature top photography by award-winning artists.
Glory in Glass: The Conrad Pickel Studio
Through Jan. 4
Since 1947, the Conrad Pickel Studio has contributed a dazzling fusion of Old World craftsmanship and New World innovation to the resplendent and enduring traditions of stained glass. Created from the finest mouthblown antique glass, their leaded stained glass windows for religious, secular and public projects throughout North America embody the art and science of light. This new exhibition of luminous studio work presents examples of process and pièces de rèsistance and highlights a shining artistic treasure of the region.
Florida Highwaymen: Journey
Jan. 9-March 1
Journey unveils rare or never-before-seen paintings by the artists known as The Highwaymen, which examine their storied creative traditions through their rich and varied subjects. Revisiting the scenic categories described in 2009’s The Journey of the Highwaymen, this new exhibition examines the archetypal patterns the group employed and endlessly combined to majestic and stunning effect.
Collage Mirage: The Art of Derek Gores
March 6-April 26
The visual language of Derek Gores is expressed in energetic and lush compositions of magazines, maps, data and more, all recycled into striking and ingenious imagery on canvas. Balancing precision and playfulness, Gore assembles, layers and remixes both images and meaning with an eye for dynamic impact and wit. Each work invites discovery and offers a novel perspective with every scrap and detail.
Through the Eye of the Camera Annual Juried Exhibition
May 15-June 19
Amateur and professional artists whose creative media is digital and traditional photography will showcase their best work of flora and landscape, animals, people, portraits and open subjects in this perennial favorite regional survey. Entries are accepted by advance appointment, from April 15 to May 8.
SPECIAL SIGNATURE EVENTS
The Floridiana auction & luncheon
Jan. 25
The Backus Museum’s winter signature event brings the celebration of All Things Florida to the Pelican Yacht Club again this season. Attendees will enjoy unique experiences and items, an enticing menu of Florida-themed enchantments, live music, and a dramatic setting on the picturesque shore of the Indian River Lagoon.
Highwaymen celebration weekend
Feb. 13-15
The Backus Museum will host this event featuring a special exhibition of Florida Highwaymen art, gallery talks and opportunities to purchase vintage Highwaymen paintings.
Jazz brunch @ the Backus
March 22
This live jazz concert is the perfect accompaniment for a morning brunch of festive and savory fare. Seats avail-able on Jan. 28. For tickets and event information, visit backusmuseum.org.
ELLIOTT MUSEUM
Guests can embark on a journey to ancient Egypt in Wonderful Things … The Return of King Tut, showcasing replicas of treasured artifacts from Tutankhamen’s tomb. They’ll then step into a world of imperial elegance as the Elliott presents Crowned in Jewels, featuring more than 50 ornate, replica Fabergé eggs. A regional favorite, The Highwaymen — From the Streetcorner to the Smithsonian, highlights The Highwaymen’s iconic landscapes of 1950s Florida. The Audubon of Martin County will present Florida’s Natural Beauty, showcasing stunning photography of Florida’s birds, wildlife, and landscapes. Additionally, Coastal Colors Paint Out will feature plein air paintings of the historical House of Refuge, celebrating Florida’s cultural and artistic heritage.
Wonderful Things…The Return of King Tut
Through April 30
The Elliott Museum invites guests on an extraordinary journey back in time. The main gallery has been transformed into a breathtaking exhibition featuring replicas of prized artifacts from the tomb of Tutankhamen, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in history. Painstakingly recreated by master historians and artisans in Egypt, using authentic materials and centuries-old techniques, these artifacts are more than replicas, they are a tribute to the genius and grandeur of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship. This exhibit also features an AI avatar of British archaeologist Howard Carter, allowing visitors to ask their most burning questions about King Tut.
Crowned in Jewels: The Faberge Imperial Egg Collection
Through April 30
Step into a world of royal elegance, imperial intrigue and astonishing craftsmanship as the Elliott Museum unveils Crowned in Jewels — an exhibit featuring more than 50 meticulously-crafted replica Fabergé imperial eggs. Originally created between 1885 and 1916 for the Russian imperial family, these eggs were more than Easter gifts — they were dazzling secrets wrapped in gold, enamel and precious gems, each holding a surprise inside.
The House of Refuge at the Elliott
Through early 2026
While the House of Refuge is currently closed for restoration, the Elliott Museum has curated many of its most precious treasures including mementos from past keepers, household goods and artifacts recovered from shipwrecks. These important relics help tell the story of how the House of Refuge filled an important need in shipwreck rescue and salvage, beginning in March of 1876.
The Highwaymen — From the Streetcorner to the Smithsonian
Nov. 23- March 31
For almost 70 years, a group of 25 men and one woman left an enduring mark on Florida’s cultural landscape and far beyond. Known as The Highwaymen, these artists rose from humble beginnings to capture the unspoiled beauty of the Sunshine State. This exhibition encompasses the true feel of Florida in the 1950s, showcasing paintings of beaches, river scenes, red poinciana trees, birds, lagoons and swaying palms. Roger Lightle, of Highwaymen Art Specialists, Inc., provides more than 60 original paintings from his own collection with some available for purchase.
Florida’s Natural Beauty Juried Photography Contest and Exhibition
Jan. 26- Feb. 28
This annual juried photography contest and exhibition will be presented by the Audubon of Martin County at the Elliott Museum.
Coastal Colors Paint Out
Spring 2026
The 2nd annual Coastal Colors Paint Out exhibit presents original works inspired by the historical House of Refuge, Martin County’s oldest landmark. Created during a two-day plein air paint out, the collection reflects each artist’s unique perspective and appreciation of the site, celebrating the 150-year-old House and its surrounding coastal beauty. For event information, contact Catherine Larsen at clarsen@elliottmuseumfl.org.
SPECIAL EVENT
Unique Approaches to Painting
Feb. 16
Mary Lou Pults is a lifelong Stuart artist who paints the wild beauty of Florida’s land and waters. Through plein air oil paintings, she captures its bright, mysterious, ever-changing spirit. Her class will expound on techniques to elevate painting skills, introducing methods and styles that will help expand your artistic toolbox. Class is limited to 12 attendees.
