[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 27 (Thursday, March 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E310]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E310]]
                 IN RECOGNITION OF A.E. ``BEAN'' BACKUS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 4, 2004

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize one of America's 
greatest artists, A.E. (Bean) Backus, who I'm proud to say was a native 
and lifelong South Floridian. On canvas, he captured the very essence 
of our State's natural beauty.
  I count myself among Bean Backus' admirers for portraying Florida as 
it was and as it should be.
  From his earliest days on the Indian River, when he was given a set 
of watercolors at the age of eight to a lifetime body of work of over 
6,000 paintings, Bean has left his indelible mark on all who have 
followed in the Backus style.
  His works are collected and exhibited in Florida and around the 
world, each telling a story of South Florida's unique natural heritage. 
Most of it has disappeared from daily public view, left only to 
preserves and weekend nature trips, but through Bean it is kept alive 
in the homes of those fortunate to own a Backus or visit one in a 
museum.
  If you squint your eyes and use your imagination, you can see Florida 
the way Bean Backus saw it. Today, the land where shopping centers and 
housing developments stand surrounded by traffic was once a place where 
roseate spoonbills fed and the only sound was the rustling of the 
Everglades' grasses. Wetlands have become parking lots, and marshes 
became mansions along our once pristine waterways. Thanks to Bean's 
visual legacy, their memory is kept intact for our children, 
grandchildren and great grandchildren.
  Recognized as the ``Dean of Florida Landscape Painting'', he is the 
standard to which other Florida landscape artists aspire. His subtle 
mastery of light and color are copied by many but equaled by none. His 
Fort Pierce studio was always alive and open, with 50 students, 
children's art classes, the curious, those who just wanted to debate 
the news of the day or perhaps wanted to pick up a brush and try 
painting.
  Bean Backus is the inspiration behind the much acclaimed African-
American artists known as The Highwaymen, and counted them among his 
friends. His compatriot, the legendary author Marjorie Stoneman 
Douglas, was also a close friend. Though a frequent dining companion of 
Ian Fleming of James Bond fame, he was most comfortable sharing a 
sunrise breakfast with the fishermen, workers and tall tale tellers in 
his hometown.
  Today, we can best appreciate Bean Backus at the gallery named in his 
honor in Fort Pierce that receives tens of thousands of visitors each 
year. It boasts the largest permanent collection of Backus paintings 
and annually each spring showcases a large selection of additional 
Backus paintings from private collections. According to Bean's wishes, 
admittance has remained free and is supported solely by private 
donations.
  Mr. Speaker, occasionally when the light is right, in the early hours 
you can almost see Bean at his easel near a window in the gallery 
recreating the best of Florida for the world to enjoy. Thank you Bean 
Backus for keeping alive the real Florida, forever.

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