MARK AND MARGERY PABST VISITOR CENTER & GALLERY

Atlantic Center for the Arts’ Mark and Margery Pabst Visitor Center & Gallery, dedicated in January 2007, was conceived to serve ACA’s growing public. Sited on the grounds of this world-renowned international artists’ community, the building provides increased opportunities for the community to learn about and experience the artistic process and allows for new and expanded partnerships with public schools, universities, volunteers, environmental and tour groups.

Designed by architect Will Miller, who designed ACA’s original buildings in the late ’70s and early ‘80s, the Mark and Margery Pabst Visitor Center & Gallery honors the memory of Mark, who passed away in 2006. “Mark was an astute businessman, but he was also very nurturing to younger colleagues,” Margery said about her husband. “He loved Atlantic Center for the Arts because it nurtures artists, and he had a personal commitment to that philosophy.”

THE GALLERIES

Jean G. Harris History Gallery

The Jean G. Harris History Gallery portrays the remarkable history of Atlantic Center for the Arts, and documents the mission of the organization through a permanent exhibition – lighted panels that narrate the chronological history, a slide show of residency images, and a computer to log onto ACA’s website or research artists – the gallery is meant to enlighten and inform visitors about the important work of ACA, and the lasting contributions of artists’ communities to our nation’s cultural and environmental legacies.

The gallery was named in honor of Jeanie Harris, through the generosity of Trustee Ed Harris, for his wife, Jeanie.

Master Artist Gallery

A changing exhibition space that features work by ACA Master Artists, the annual Florida state university student exhibit, and themed shows.

Works by Master Artist James Siena

January 24 – March 21, 2009

Opening Reception 5 – 7 PM, Friday, February 20

Works by Master Artist Will Cotton

March 28 – June 13, 2009

Opening reception 5 - 7 PM, Friday, May 22

20th Annual University Student Exhibition

June 20 – August 29, 2009

Opening reception 5 – 7PM, Friday, June 19

Works by Master Artist Rineke Dijkstra

September 5 - November 7, 2009

Opening reception 5 - 7 PM, Friday, October 16

TBA

November 14, 2009 – January 16, 2010

Opening Reception (TBA)

The gallery was sponsored by Trustee Charlotte Everbach, Trustee Marcia Frey and husband Lou, and Trustee Beverly Lassiter and husband Roy.

Jack Mitchell Portrait Gallery

The Jack Mitchell Portrait Gallery showcases 180 Master Artist photographs spanning 22 years, from Atlantic Center’s inaugural residency in 1982 to the end of 2004. Individually these works are stunning visual images; collectively they convey the history of Atlantic Center’s artists-in-residence program in a dramatic and elegant display. The black and white portraits, framed to 16” x 14”, are a part of Atlantic Center’s permanent collection.

The gallery was named in honor of Jack, through the generosity of former Board Chair, Jim Pugh, and his wife, Alexis.

Gift Shop

The unique shop features items that relate to ACA including Master Artist books, archival residency posters, and ACA-logo items such as t-shirts, hats, coffee cups, potted plants, and magnets, as well as survival items such as bug spray and sunscreen. The best-selling item is Spruce Creek Wild Honey, produced and harvested on the grounds of ACA. For more information or to purchase items on-line, go to the Gift Shop tab.

The Gift Shop was named in honor of Helen Kolodinsky by former Board Chair Rick Kolodinsky, and his wife, Alison.

Stine Way

A 500 ft. public art and nature trail, which identifies 20 indigenous plants and animals was sponsored by Bob and Genie Stine.

Dial Vig Walkway

The entryway from the parking area to the front door of the Pabst Visitor Center & Gallery was sponsored by Patricia Dial Vig.

Sorensen Walkway

The path from the entryway to the outdoor sculptures, Celebration by ACA Founder Doris Leeper and Great Green Whale by Master Artist Gio Pomodoro and Associates, was sponsored by Gary and Barbara Sorensen.

ABOUT THE ARCHITECT

William Jerome Miller’s active architectural practice began in New Smyrna Beach, Florida in 1977 with the underlying design philosophy that the man-made environment should not be in contrast with nature, but rather should exist as a poetic result of the natural conditions that determinate how the design is composed. This philosophy is evident at Atlantic Center for the Arts, one of Will’s first commissions; the Bell Administration Building, the Whatmore Commons, the Master Artist cottages and the Urban Amphitheater were designed by Will and dedicated in 1982. The dynamic design of the Pabst Visitor Center & Gallery, constructed of formed-in-place concrete, glass and wood beams with a galvanized aluminum roof, is responsive to the site and to Atlantic Center’s legacy of environmental conservation and ecological preservation.