bonnet house museum & gardens blog

Bonnet House Begins its 2012 Lecture Series

bonnethouse — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:54:07 +0000

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens begins its 2012 Lecture Series Monday, January 9^th with an evening lecture from 6pm – 7:30pm. The first of three lectures is “Fort Lauderdale: A Brief History” with author and historian Susan Gillis. The second lecture is scheduled for Monday, February 6^th from 10am-11:30am with archaeologist and author Robert Carr on “The History of the Everglades”. The third and final lecture is with poets and authors Rick McKenzie and Roger Reep on Monday, March 5^th from 10am-11:30am and is titled “Poems of Animal Consciences”.

The cost is free for members and $5 for non-members.To reserve your seat, please contact Linda Schaller.at 954-703-2606 or lindaschaller@bonnethouse.org.

Learn the Art of Calligraphy, Watercolor and Acrylics on the Bonnet House Estate

bonnethouse — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:46:02 +0000

Learn the art of painting and calligraphy at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens this season. Two six-week and one four-week workshop will be offered beginning in January. The watercolor workshop begins January 11 and runs every Wednesday through February 15 from 9:30am – 12:30pm with Karen Eskesen. Nia Nakis will be teaching the outdoor acrylic workshop on Thursdays from January 12 through February 16, 9:30am-12:30pm. The calligraphy workshop with Tony Pastucci begins Tuesday, February 7 and runs through February 28 from 9:30am – 11:00am.

“The main house emulates a sense of charm and the surrounding grounds are home to a variety of tropical plants and wildlife native toFlorida” states Bonnet House Fine Artist and watercolorist, Karen Eskesen who returns once again to teach her very popular outdoor painting class.

Class space is limited to 15 students and the cost for each workshop is as follows: Watercolor, $114 for members and $126 for non-members; Acrylic, $114 for members and $126 for non-members; Calligraphy, $64 for members and $80 for non-members. For registration or more information, please contact Linda Schaller at (954) 703-2606 or lindaschaller@bonnethouse.org.

“Impressions: A Juried Art Exhibit” set to open Friday, February 10, 2012

bonnethouse — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:13:42 +0000

LXR Luxury Resorts and Ryder Systems, Inc. present Bonnet House Museum & Gardens’ 12^th Annual Juried Art Exhibit and Fundraiser Friday, February 10, 2012 at 6:00p.m. “Impressions: A Juried Art Exhibit” is set to open with a private showing for V.I.P. guests starting at 5:30pm. V.I.P. guests will be treated to champagne and hors d’oeuvres, preview the exhibition, and partake in a rare viewing of the exclusive private living quarters of Evelyn and Frederic Bartlett, Bonnet House’s former owners. The reception opens to members of the public at 6:00 p.m. Lois Schmatz and Kirk Imhof are co-chairing this year’s Impressions opening and Matt Carone will be this year’s juror.

The juried art exhibit showcases artists from throughout the nation and the artists’ personal interpretations of this country’s architecture, nature, or culture. All guests and participating artists are invited to cast votes for their favorite artist in the exhibition. The artist receiving the highest number of votes will receive the People’s Choice Award, awarded that evening. All of the artwork in the Impressions competition will be available for sale with 50% of the proceeds benefiting Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. The Impressions exhibition will be on display from February 10 through April 8, 2012 during Bonnet House regular tour hours.

Additional highlights of the evening will include fine food, fine wine and live entertainment throughout the house presented by 360˚ Catering. Invitations for Impressions will be mailed in January. If you would like to add your name to the mailing list or would like to enter your work to be considered, please call (954) 653-1551 or visit us online at http://www.bonnethouse.org/impressions/

16th Annual Young Artist Music Series Opens January 26 at Bonnet House

bonnethouse — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:08:22 +0000

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens kicks off its 16^th season of the Young Artist Music Series on Thursday, January 26^th. We are delighted to offer the Fort Lauderdale community what we consider to be the “best entertainment deal in town!” The first concert of the season will feature a performance by music students from the University of Miami’s Frost Opera Theater. Canapés and wine are served prior to the concert from 7:00-7:30 p.m. The one hour performance begins at 7:30 p.m., and dessert and coffee are served immediately following the performance.

The season continues on February 16^thwith Florida Atlantic University’s Latin Vocal Ensemble. On March 15^th we have performers from Palm Beach Opera, and for our fourth and final performance on April 5^th we have Florida Grand Opera’s rising stars.

Individual tickets range from $35 – $45 per performance and series tickets from $120 – $160. Ticket price includes wine, canapés, dessert, and coffee. Come and enjoy an evening under the stars like no other!

Bonnet House offers a special thanks to the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale graphic design honors class for designing the Music Series posters each year. Congratulations go to this year’s winner, Gretel Guisado.

What started as community outreach has become one of Bonnet House’s most treasured programs. We are looking forward to this very special 16^th anniversary series.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (954) 653-1553 or visit us at www.bonnethouse.org/exhbits&events.

Bonnet House Announces the Release of a New Book

bonnethouse — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:43:30 +0000

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens announces the release of a new book written by Kent Planck entitled Bonnet House: A Legacy of Artistry and Elegance. The release date is scheduled for Monday, November 14 with a reception at 6pm on the Bonnet House Veranda and Courtyard. This new book is a coffee table-book about the historic home and the artistic legacy of Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett. The book traces the history of the property and explores and depicts the decorative embellishments utilized by the Bartletts to create a truly unique home.

Author Kent Planck, a long-time Bonnet House volunteer and graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Journalism, vividly illustrates Hugh Taylor Birch’s love of South Florida’s pristine barrier islands, his gift of the Bonnet House site to daughter Helen and her artist husband Frederic, Bartlett’s art career and marriage (after Helen’s death) to Evelyn Fortune Lilly, Evelyn’s own period working as an artist, and Evelyn’s desire to see that the home be preserved. Kent Planck has donated his services as have several photographers.

The cost of the book is $35 and will be available online after November 14 at www.bonnethouse.org and in the Bonnet House Museum Shop and at various local cultural organizations and bookstores.

For more information about Bonnet House: A Legacy of Artistry and Elegance or Kent Planck, please contact Patrick Shavloske at patrickshavloske@bonnethouse.org or (954) 563-5393 ext. 140.

About Author

A native of Pekin, Illinois, Kent Planck holds a bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwestern University where he was elected a charter member of the Medill School of Journalism’s Hall of Achievement in 1997. He worked nearly 30 years in the field of communications before retiring in 1994 as Vice President of Public Relations at AT&T. A life-long history buff, Planck has held board positions at both Bonnet House Museum & Gardens and the Wellfleet Historical Society on Cape Cod where he has summered for more than 35 years. Now a resident of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Planck is a volunteer tour guide at the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society and tour guide and annual historic lecturer at Bonnet House. He is also a self-taught artist who exhibits his oil-on-canvas landscapes in both Florida and Cape Cod.

Orchid, Garden and Gourmet Food Festival at Bonnet House

bonnethouse — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:05:36 +0000

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens will be hosting its Orchid, Garden and Gourmet Food Festival featuring the 5^th Annual Orchid and Exotic Plant Sale December 3^rd and 4^th from 9:30am to 4:30pm! An exciting line up of orchid and exotic plant vendors will highlight this unique plant sale on the Bonnet House Grove. With free parking and a $5 entry fee for members and $7 fee for non-members- plant lovers and orchid enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see and buy an exclusive selection of orchids and exotic plants.

In addition to the unique collection of exotic orchids and plants sold by local vendors, the two-day event will feature plant accessories, garden art, supplies, lectures, demonstrations and a silent auction display. Also, added to the event this year are gourmet food trucks and a creative kids corner.

The event will take place Saturday and Sunday, December 3^rd and 4^th from 9:30am to 4:30pm. The entry fee is $5 for members and $7 for non-members for the fair and grounds and an additional fee of $10 for the self-guided tour through the house.

Event Features:

Orchid and Exotic Plants – Featuring over 30 vendors including bamboo, butterfly garden plants, fruit trees and much more.
Orchid Supplies - Vendors to provide all you need to plant and grow orchids.
Gourmet Food Trucks – Food trucks throughout the property offering edible bites from cheese sandwiches for kids to grilled fish and Italian fare for adults.
Garden Art - Attractive and unusual orchid and/or garden related items from several vendors.
Lectures – Educational lectures and how-to demonstrations on caring for your garden and preparing healthy meals for the entire family.
Kids Corner – Part of the fruit grove will be turned into a creative corner for children featuring face painting and balloon art for kids.
Orchid Displays & Silent Auction – Various orchid displays created by the participating vendors will be available for auction.
Green Market – Herbs, organic fruit and vegetables and helpful tips on gardening will be available from local growers.
Food and Wine – Food and wine will be onsite during the entire event.
Self-guided Tours of the House and Grounds – Stroll through the grounds and house at your leisure and experience the charm and beauty of the Bonnet House estate.
Rest Areas – Where you can sit and relax in the shade.
The Bonnet House Gift Shop – Near the main house, offers a unique choice of snacks and bottled juices, as well as a variety of interesting books, jewelry and array of gift items.
Lots of Free parking – The entrance to the parking lot is on N. Birch Road off of Sunrise Blvd. between A1A and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Best of the Artists Series – 3rd Opening Reception Thursday, August 11 at 6pm

bonnethouse — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 13:32:25 +0000

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens in collaboration with St. Lawrence Gallery present the 5th Annual Best of the Artists Series featuring works from 20 Bonnet House Fine Artists. The third of five exhibitions opens Thursday, August 11 at 6:00pm with a free wine and cheese reception. All of the exhibitions feature works of various media including watercolor, oil, acrylic and photography and a percentage of all art sale proceeds will benefit Bonnet House and its programs. Each exhibition will run for four weeks with the final exhibition featuring the Best of the Artists from the four previous shows. The exhibitions are free and open to the public and will include raffle, a wine & cheese reception and beautiful art. The receptions for each show will begin at 6:00pm on the first night of each exhibition as well as the closing night of the final exhibition.

The remaining exhibitions schedule is as follows:

Third Exhibition: Thursday, August 11 – Wednesday, September 7 – Featuring works by Annie Garrick, Rita Houldsworth, Marilyn Johansen, Joan Keirstead and George Dolan.
Fourth Exhibition: Thursday, September 8 – Wednesday October 5 – Featuring works by Mary Belle Cordell, Nia Nakis, Tammy Seymour, Robin Strauss and Sandy Dolan.
Fifth Exhibition: Thursday, October 6 – Thursday, November 3. This show will include favorite pieces voted on by all the attendees from the previous four shows.
Best of the Artists Closing Reception: Thursday, November 3 at 6pm. Best of the Artists Series winners will be announced.

St. Lawrence Gallery is located at 3556 N. Ocean Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale two lights north of Oakland Park Blvd. on the east side. For more information, please contact Monica Estevezat (954) 563-5393 ext. 127 or St. Lawrence Gallery at (954) 566-8011 or visit www.bonnethouse.org or www.stlawrencegallery.com.

Free Historic Trail Audio Tours Now Available at Bonnet House

bonnethouse — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:35:50 +0000

Bonnet House Museum & Garden is pleased to announce that it has expanded its programming to include a cell phone audio tour. With service provided by OnCell, the new audio tour enables the public to access additional information about the estate’s Historic Trail through their cell phones. Ten historic stops take visitors from prehistoric times to the 1930s and 40s when Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett spent the winter months creating art and enjoying their winter retreat. A local phone number – 954.233.0785 – leads visitors to a welcome message with options such as instructions, museum information, and information about current happenings. The audio tour may be accessed from any location free of charge, but is best experienced as part of a visit to the estate.

As with many cell phone audio tours, there is a feedback feature that works a lot like leaving a voicemail message. It can be accessed by dialing the general phone number – 954.233.0785 – and then pressing the asterisk key (*), followed by the 0. With this new format, Bonnet House encourages its visitors to try the audio tour and leave your feedback, whether it’s positive or negative! Comments can also be posted on our blog by clicking on the comments link, or on Bonnet House’s Facebook page.

About Bonnet House:
Bonnet House is located one block south of Sunrise Blvd. between Ft. Lauderdale Beach Blvd., (A1A) and the Intracoastal Waterway at 900 North Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. Bonnet House is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10am-4pm and Sunday, 11am – 4pm. Admission prices are $20 for individuals, $18 for senior citizens, $16 for children ages 6 – 12 and $10 for the grounds only. Group tours are also available at a discounted price. For more information, call (954) 563-5393 or visit the estate’s website, www.bonnethouse.org.

5th Annual Best of the Artists Series opens this Thursday, June 16 at 6pm.

bonnethouse — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:19:45 +0000

Nia Nakis - Springtime at Bonnet House 2010 Best of the Artists Winner

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens in collaboration with St. Lawrence Gallery present the 5^th Annual Best of the Artists Series featuring works from 20 Bonnet House Fine Artists. The first of five exhibitions opens this Thursday, June 16 at 6:00pm with a free wine and cheese reception. The five exhibitions will once again feature works of various media including watercolor, oil, acrylic and photography and a percentage of all art sale proceeds will benefit Bonnet House and its programs. The exhibitions are scheduled to run from June 16 through November 3 with the final exhibition featuring the Best of the Artists from the four previous shows. All five exhibitions are free and open to the public and will include raffle, a wine & cheese reception and beautiful art. The receptions for each show will begin at 6:00pm on the first night of each exhibition as well as the closing night of the final exhibition.

The exhibitions schedule is as follows:
First Exhibition: Thursday, June 16 – Wednesday, July 13
Second Exhibition: Thursday, July 14 – Wednesday, August 10
Third Exhibition: Thursday, August 11 – Wednesday, September 7
Fourth Exhibition: Thursday, September 8 – Wednesday October 5
Fifth Exhibition: Thursday, October 6 – Thursday, November 3. This show will include favorite pieces voted on by all the attendees from the previous four shows.
Best of the Artists Closing Reception: Thursday, November 3 at 6pm. Best of the Artists Series winners will be announced.

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Bonnet House Museum & Gardens –900 North Birch Road,Fort Lauderdale
Open for tours Tues.- Sat. from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; Sundays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
www.bonnethouse.org

centennial summer savings

bonnethouse — Thu, 26 May 2011 15:35:28 +0000

In honor of Fort Lauderdale’s 100th birthday Bonnet House is offering discounted days this summer. Explore this whimsical estate with murals on the ceilings, faux marble on the walls and floors, and balustrades that are really paintings. Stroll the tropical gardens on 35 acres of a pristine barrirer island where ancient Tequesta indians, early European settlers and shipwrecked sailors once roamed. See one of the finest orchid collections in the continental U.S., and catch a glimpse of playful monkeys, majestic swans, wading birds and an occasional manatee.

Centennial Family Days
Saturday, June 11, July 9 and August 13
10am – 4pm
1/2 price for Adults, Free for children 12 and under

Centennial Discount Days
Wednesday, June 22, July 27 and August 24
10am – 4pm
1/2 price for everyone