“Eternal Summer” features paintings, prints, photographs and more that celebrate the theme of summer in Florida.
Aptly nicknamed “The Sunshine State,” Florida experiences more than just a few short months of summer. For Floridians, summer is a way of life (much like air conditioning). It comes as no surprise that tourists flock from all over the world to experience all that Florida has to offer. With nearly year-round warm temperatures, our “eternal summer” charms visitors and residents alike with striking flora and fauna, cool and refreshing bodies of water, and endless outdoor adventures and leisure activities. All of this and more has served as inspiration for the artists featured in “Eternal Summer.”
Curated from the permanent collection, the modern and contemporary paintings, prints and photographs tell myriad visual stories about what it means to experience summer in Florida. Many of the artists are Florida residents, and the influence that our surroundings have had on their work clearly shines through. The local and regional springs served as inspiration for Margaret Tolbert’s paintings, as well as Bruce Mozert’s iconic vintage photographs. The unique Everglades, and the animals found within, captured the lenses of photographers Mac Stone and Martha Strawn. More lighthearted observations on sports and leisure are made by printmaker Clayton Pond, while Abigail Perlmutter’s gentle black and white photographs of plant life and water evoke feelings of calm and relaxation. The aqueous yet incredibly detailed watercolor by noted realist Janet Fish reminds us that an adventure is just around the corner.
Through the sunny perspectives of fashion, nature, leisure and sports, this multi-media exhibition showcases modern and contemporary art.
Artists included in the exhibition are: Albert Ernest “Bean” Backus, Howard Behrens, Jill Cannady, R. Gregory Christie, Mari Conneen, Darryl Curran, Frank Dienst III, Janet Fish, Jonathan Green, Nancy Holtman, Suda House, Michael B. Karas, Sloane Keats, Lennie Kesl, Kiki Kogelnik, Joseph Konopka, Los Carpinteros, Susan Martin, Bruce Mozert, Dianora Niccolini, Abigail Perlmutter, Peter Pettegrew, Clayton Pond, Chick Schwartz, George Snyder, Christopher Still, Martha Strawn, Mac Stone, Margaret Ross Tolbert, Jerry Uelsmann and Stokely Webster.
(pictured, top)
Janet Fish (American, b. 1938), “Roadmap,” 1988, Watercolor on paper, 34.25 x 45.75 in. Aid for the Arts, via Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) 2021 Transfer.
(pictured, bottom)
Untitled, late 1980s, cibachrome print, 19 3/4 x 15 5/8 in. Anonymous gift. Image courtesy of Swann Auction Galleries.
Exhibition Events
Summer Shindig for Appleton Members
Friday, June 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
All Appleton members are invited to a family-friendly seasonal shindig to celebrate the opening of “Eternal Summer.” Learn more