"Water. Life. Art." by Annelies Dykgraaf
The Beaches Museum is featuring the exhibit “Water. Life. Art.” by artist Annelies Dykgraaf. Her acrylic paintings and relief prints are inspired by the connections of the people, symbols, textile patterns and mythological motifs of her birth land of Nigeria, West Africa and her homeland of Jacksonville, Florida. Although on different continents, both Nigeria and Florida are located on coastlines of the Atlantic Ocean. In Nigeria, the Niger River allows fertile life to thrive just as the St. Johns River nurtures life in Florida. Along both bodies of water, people derive their culture.
The exhibit will be on display through Nov. 11.
Join museum supporters to protect its 1911 train
Visitors and those passing by the Beaches Museum may notice some activity around the iconic 1911 steam locomotive. Brought to the Pablo Historical Park in 1982, the locomotive was exposed to the harsh effects of the salt air until 1995 when it was refurbished and protected by the glass enclosure building.
Since that time, the building has been largely neglected due to the maintenance needs of the historic buildings in the park. Now, thanks to the leadership of the Museum’s Board of Directors and the assistance of Councilman Bill Gulliford, the Museum has partnered with the City of Jacksonville to refurbish the building.
“The Beaches Museum has become a valued treasure of the Beaches community keeping our history and memories vivid and alive. I am so very proud and honored to be a small part of its community-wide efforts,” Gulliford said.
Repairs, led by RG White Construction, Romano Brothers Roofing and McIntyre Stucco & Painting, will include a new roof, resetting windows and painting steel beams. Designed to increase the life of and accessibility to the building, the Beaches Museum will match the City’s contribution to the project.
“The locomotive is a destination for visitors of all ages and the building is very visible from Beach Boulevard,” said Chris Hoffman, Executive Director of the Beaches Museum. “We are grateful to all who are making these improvements possible so that the building can better reflect all of the great things we have going on in the Museum and the community.”
For more information or to contribute to the train enclosure project, visit beachesmuseum.org/donate/ or call (904) 241-5657 x113.
Blue Star Museums program ends Sept. 2
The Beaches Museum joined museums nationwide in participating in the tenth summer of Blue Star Museums, a program which provides free admission to our nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families.
Additionally, the Beaches Museum will offer a 10% discount on birthday parties for military children, 10% discount for weddings and 10% discount in the Museum store for military families. The 2019 program will end Monday, Sept. 2.
Military can find the list of participating museums at the Blue Star Museums website.
