Fort Pierce, FL, August 4, 2025 –
The A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of its Call to Artists for the 2025 edition of its annual juried art exhibition, The Best of the Best. This long-standing community favorite celebrates diverse artistic talent across the region and offers a dynamic platform for both amateur and professional artists to showcase their work.
Entries will be accepted by advance appointment Wednesdays through Sundays until 3:00 pm, from September 3 through September 26, 2025. Artists may enter up to three works per 15-minute appointment; additional entries require separate bookings. Entry forms and guidelines are available online at www.BackusMuseum.org or at the Museum beginning September 3, located at 500 North Indian River Drive in Historic Downtown Fort Pierce.
Artists are invited to submit in one of four media categories:
- Oil & Acrylic Painting
- Watercolor (including gouache and tempera)
- Varied Techniques (including mixed media, pastel, drawing, printmaking, graphics, collage, and computer-generated works)
- Three-Dimensional Works
The exhibition offers cash awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category, as well as the coveted Best of Show title. Visitors will also vote throughout the run for the People’s Choice Award, announced at the end of the exhibition.
Accepted artists and award winners will be announced online by Friday evening, October 3, 2025. The exhibition kicks off the Museum’s 2025–2026 Season with an Opening Reception on October 4, from 6:00–8:00 pm, followed by Free Admission on Sunday, October 5. It will remain on view during regular hours through November 14, 2025.
Competition entry is $30 per artwork. Appointments must be scheduled in advance online through the Call to Artists link at www.BackusMuseum.org/juried-shows. A full prospectus outlining submission guidelines, presentation requirements, and eligibility details is available.
ALL DATES AND PROGRAMMING SUBJECT TO CHANGE; PLEASE CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR ANY UPDATES OR CANCELLATIONS.
About the A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery
Since its founding in 1960 and the first day the doors opened in 1961, the A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery has been a center and catalyst for creativity and culture in our region. The Museum houses the nation’s largest public presentation of artwork by Florida’s preeminent painter, A.E. “Bean” Backus (1906-1990), and also continues its more than sixty-year tradition of exhibiting and celebrating the paintings of the original Florida Highwaymen, who got their start here. In addition, the Museum organizes and hosts changing exhibitions from artists of regional, national and international acclaim. The Backus Museum was recognized as the 2022 Best of the Best Community Choice Award for Best Art Gallery; and the 2021 Best Tourist Attraction – 2018 Best Museum / Best of the Treasure Coast by the readers of Indian River Magazine.
Preseason Hours beginning September 3: Wednesday – Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM; Sunday, 12 Noon to 4 PM. Admission is $5 per person; AARP, AAA, and Veterans with appropriate ID receive a $2 discount. Students with school ID, children under 18, active duty military, and current members are always free. Visitors are asked to follow the latest public health guidance for the safety and comfort of guests, staff, and volunteers.
