Great small museum. We learned a lot about Bean Backus and The Highwaymen. We also learned about…read morethe impact he had on the local area and beyond with his art and his open door policy with anyone and everyone. We spent a solid two hours there and it was enough to see everything this time of year. The only thing is they didn't have a "special"/rotating art exhibit so that may have shortened our time there some. If you're in the area then I recommend coming here. It's worth the money and the stop.

This gallery is named for A. E. Backus (1906-1990). He was a self taught artist who was well known…read morefor his Florida landscape paintings. Later on he went on to teach art and a student of his and 25 other African American male artists and one woman influenced by his style became known as the highwaymen. They were a group of artists around the Fort Pierce area who quickly created Florida folk art featuring landscapes from oil paints on Uppson board used as roof sheeting. From 1950-1980 they would anonymously sell the art out of the trunks of their cars on A1A and US 1 from Daytona to Miami. The museum and gallery was established by Backus in 1960. In addition to housing the art of A.E. Backus the gallery contains the only permanent multi media exhibition of Highwaymen art. Art by Backus and the Highwaymen are available for purchase in the gallery. The museum also has four wings that display charging artist exhibits. During the year the museum hosts many events like lectures, brunch, and bingo. The outside of the building is covered in murals inspired by the Highway Men landscapes. Behind the the museum are sculptures in the park that runs along the Indian River Lagoon. Admission is $5. Students and service members with ID are free, and the first Sunday of the month is family day and it's free. A Highwaymen painting in 1950 sold for $25, now they are in demand by collectors and can command $5,000. If you can't afford to purchase one coming here to view the museums collection is the next best thing.

Was driving A1A in Fort Pierce and saw this beautiful rustic art…read more This art is really cool made up of cedar wood and has a lot of details including several levels . They are Nautical creations . There is so much details in them it's hard to describe . Some of the art work has kitchens, and living space . The art work is three-dimensional. Had the opportunity to meet the artist his name is Dale Beam and he told me he had travel the entire world and this is how he gets his ideas . I would love to have his art work in my home as a conversation piece. I plan on coming back and purchasing this beautiful art work. Come check it out , it's really different art .

From the owner: The Art Connection was started as a gallery to allow new and emerging artists a place to show and…read moresell their artwork alongside established artists. We currently have 23+ local artists displaying their artwork at very affordable prices. Each artist has their own unique style and mediums. Many of our Resident Artists accept commissions and are offering private classes in our new classroom.

Did you know you can take a tour of the historic Crain House in the Peacock District of Fort Pierce…read morefor only $6? This is such fun thing to do if you have a free hour. I have admired this house for years. Every time I came through Fort Pierce I would always make a point to stop off in the parking lot and visit with the dozens of peacocks who lived there. I couldn't help but wonder about who lived in such a beautiful and unique house. I think I learned about the tours from a Facebook ad. As soon as I found out I could tour the house I always admired, I made a beeline for Fort Pierce. Important information you should know, tours must be booked online and they are only offered on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 11 AM. You meet at the building over, the Art Gallery. The tours are given by the non profit Peacock House Art Foundation Inc. which was founded in 2022. They work with both private and public agencies to support the arts in Fort Pierce. One of the ways they do that is with their artist in residence program which brings artists from all over to Ft. Pierce. Their goal is to build Ft. Pierce into a hub of art and culture. The tour was led by two sweet and lovely ladies, Krystal Masters and Emily Fingerhut. We started off in the Art Gallery where we were available to view the artwork of local and visiting artists. From there we headed on to the house portion. The veranda on the back of the house is stunning. The peacocks who live on the property are the legacy of Jack and Mary Lee Crain. The couple moved to the area in 1952 and fell in love with the birds. The peacocks have stayed around the Crains' home ever since. Jack operated American Travel out of the building. They also owned Buccaneer Building and Tile Company. Jack bought and imported tiles from their travels which is why there is so much beautiful tile work around the home. Jack enjoyed coin collecting, traveling, and collecting knives, swords, fine art and paintings from around the world. He and Mary Lee traveled around the world nine times. Jack died in 2016 and Mary Lee in 2019. We were only able to tour the first floor of the home because there are visiting artists living on the second floor. The next portion of the tour focused on the beautiful garden with its many statues which they rent for weddings and the back lawn area where they hope to launch an artisan market. We were given food to feed the tame peacocks. Bob the Peacock is always waiting for his food by the garden door. I even got to see a nesting peahen on her eggs. The tour concluded in the art studio where they offer youth and adult classes. Adult classes come with wine. I was really impressed with the students work. I am so glad I finally got to experience this wonderful property. You can see the Peacock House's art influence spreading all over this part of Ft. Pierce, making it more beautiful. I highly recommend this tour. On my way out I got to see a Peahen with her two peachicks which was the perfect ending to my visit.

The tour was nice and the artwork and art artifacts were amazing. Collected a few peacock feathers…read moreand got to feed a peacock. A great experience for a small donation of six dollars. They also offer art classes, kid, classes, and adult sip and paint classes.