Ft. Pierce Plein Air Event

I moved to and lived for almost 20 years in Ft. Pierce on the east coast of Florida. My children grew up there and still consider it their home town. Though I did not know it at the time, that move would change my life forever.

Nationally recognized Florida landscape painter, A.E. "Bean" Backus was a native son of Ft. Pierce. He became my mentor, teacher and personal friend. Because of Beanie I developed into a professional painter with a busy career.

Although I moved from there many years ago I still return to support the local arts community as often as possible, as hommage to Beanie.

So, today I am trekking back to participate in the Second Annual "Souvenirs of Downtown" Invitational En Plein Air Event. Sponsored by Main Street Fort Pierce, Inc. it is held in Historic Downtown Fort Pierce April 22-24.

Paintings produced during the paint out will be for sale, wet, right off the easel or may be purchased at the two FREE- OPEN TO THE PUBLIC RECEPTIONS---Thursday April 23 and Friday April 24, 5-8PM at the Platts/Backus House (122 A.E. Backus Avenue).

A portion of the sales goes to Main Street Fort Pierce, Inc and the renovation of the Platts/Backus House. This is a Historic Building originally owned by the doctor who delivered Bean in 1907. It later became Bean's home and studio and is where I worked with him for almost 10 years.

I sincerely hope you can attend...watch artists at work....and take home a "Souvenir".

Mention this Blog Post and I will give you a little "Thank You" Gift for supporting the arts.