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Bonnet House Blog

May 29
Love0

Bonnet House Fine Artists Opening Reception

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Step into a vibrant celebration of local creativity in the Gallery’s middle room, where the Bonnet House Fine Artists’ Exhibits showcase a rotating collection of works by talented regional artists.

Join us for each exhibit’s opening reception, where you’ll enjoy a sparkling wine welcome, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar offering beer, wine, and soda.

It’s a relaxed and inviting setting—perfect for connecting with the artists and fellow art enthusiasts. 

$5 Members, $10 Non-Members (Pre-registration is required)

Click here to purchase tickets.

Generously sponsored by:  Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Brody & Brody, P.A. & Mary Joe and Richard Brown.

May 29
Love0

Bonnet House Fine Artists Opening Reception

By

Step into a vibrant celebration of local creativity in the Gallery’s middle room, where the Bonnet House Fine Artists’ Exhibits showcase a rotating collection of works by talented regional artists.

Join us for each exhibit’s opening reception, where you’ll enjoy a sparkling wine welcome, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar offering beer, wine, and soda.

It’s a relaxed and inviting setting—perfect for connecting with the artists and fellow art enthusiasts. 

$5 Members, $10 Non-Members (Pre-registration is required)

Click here to purchase tickets.

Generously sponsored by:  Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Brody & Brody, P.A. & Mary Joe and Richard Brown.

May 29
Love0

Bonnet House Fine Artists Opening Reception

By

Step into a vibrant celebration of local creativity in the Gallery’s middle room, where the Bonnet House Fine Artists’ Exhibits showcase a rotating collection of works by talented regional artists.

Join us for each exhibit’s opening reception, where you’ll enjoy a sparkling wine welcome, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar offering beer, wine, and soda.

It’s a relaxed and inviting setting—perfect for connecting with the artists and fellow art enthusiasts. 

$5 Members, $10 Non-Members (Pre-registration is required)

Click here to purchase tickets.

Generously sponsored by:  Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Brody & Brody, P.A. & Mary Joe and Richard Brown.

May 29
Love0

Secret Fort Lauderdale Book Signing

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Secret Fort Lauderdale Meet & Greet and Book Signing with Author Christiana Lily

Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Did you know Evelyn Fortune Bartlett was the ultimate hostess for her guests to the Bonnet House? Learn more about the eccentric artist from the author of the brand-new “Secret Fort Lauderdale,” which highlights other obscure, weird and wonderful stories from Greater Fort Lauderdale. You just might leave with the recipe to Evelyn’s iconic cocktail!

$10

Register Here!

 

Sep 03
Love0

All-New Fine Artist Member Exhibit At Bonnet House

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

It is no secret that the Bonnet House estate has an extensive history here in South Florida. Most of us are already familiar with the artistic influence of the Bartlett and Birch families, as well as the fact that Bonnet House continues to serve as an important artistic and cultural hub of the Fort Lauderdale community. But despite the prolific artistic influence that the original owners had right here in Florida and throughout the country, they all had to work their way up from amateurs to become the renowned artists that they are known as today.

It is for this reason that we do our best to celebrate the variety of talented artists we have right here in our local community. Each quarter, Bonnet House showcases art created by amateur, semi-professional, and professional artists in South Florida. This quarter, from August 27th – November 24th, you can visit our Middle Gallery to explore mixed-media artwork created by Howard Blacker, Pam Breitberg, Ellie Davis, George Dolan, Sandy Dolan, Claudia Hafner, Cindy Jenkins, Carol Moore, Gerard Pastor, Barbie Pearson, Phoenix, Kent Planck, Dianna Silvagni, and Melissa Zanni.

Highlights of this quarter’s Fine Artist Member Exhibit include nature, still life, fictional and nonfictional subjects, and even our favorite historic home, Bonnet House. Each piece is for sale and supports both our talented local artists, and our museum. We encourage everyone to not only view the artwork, but consider purchasing a unique piece to decorate your home, or give to a loved one.

With so many fantastic local artists, there is no shortage of unique art for us to display. We hope that you take advantage of these rotating opportunities to support and enjoy the talents of local artists and creators. To learn more about visiting our quarterly Fine Artist Member Exhibit, or to see how you can have your art featured, click here!

Oct 06
Love0

Preserving Bonnet House

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

The Bonnet House property was purchased in 1895 by Hugh Taylor Birch. While the property had already experienced over 4,000 years of Florida history at the time it was purchased, the state of Florida looked nothing like it does today. Although much time has passed, the Bonnet House property still encompasses one of the last examples in South Florida of a native barrier island habitat. We are fortunate to be one of the few places in Florida to include five distinct ecosystems and an abundance of native plants and wildlife.

These five unique ecosystems include the Atlantic Ocean beach and primary dune, a freshwater slough, the secondary dune which includes the house site, mangrove wetlands, and a maritime forest. To complement the natural vegetation, the grounds also contain a Desert Garden composed of arid plantings, a hibiscus garden, and the main courtyard planted with tropical vegetation.

Our stunning variety of tropical vegetation includes but is not limited to mangroves, saw palmetto, blue porterweed, wild coffee, bougainvillea, and plumeria. Bonnet House also showcases various blooming examples of orchids in our greenhouses and throughout the estate all year round.

If you are interested in learning more about our fascinating ecosystems, and specific plant varieties, we encourage you to participate in our Education Programs . Our Educational Programming enlivens our mission statement and supports Florida’s B.E.S.T. Standards by offering onsite classes, field trips, and virtual lessons in Florida history, nature, art, and design.
These programs:
● Integrate character education
● Involve hands-on activities
● Provide various choices of curriculum enrichment
● Conform to the National Trust for Historic Preservation curriculum guidelines

Here at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, we pride ourselves on providing unique and interesting opportunities for our guests to learn more about our estate, its owners, and Florida’s beautiful ecosystems. But none of this would be possible without our passionate and engaging volunteers. These dedicated individuals help us to educate guests, and care for our many species of plants. Our volunteers are truly the heart and soul of Bonnet House and they make all of our goals come to fruition.

Whether it’s everyday operations, special evening events, or gardening, Bonnet House couldn’t operate as it does without our team of volunteers. Volunteers have a variety of different opportunities to serve at Bonnet House. If you have any questions or wish to join our team of volunteers at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, please call (954) 703-2606 or click here.

Jan 12
Love0

Artists & Artwork at Bonnet House

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

Bonnet House has had a long and varied history since its establishment in 1920. But today, the estate is a preeminent house museum dedicated not only to historic and environmental preservation but also to learning and creative expression. Both Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett were highly artistic individuals and ensured that art was featured prominently inside their estate. Today, guests have the opportunity to experience firsthand the artwork that so inspired the Bartlett family.

Both Frederic Clay Bartlett and Evelyn Fortune Bartlett were highly esteemed artists. Frederic’s work displayed at Bonnet House was influenced mostly by Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. He worked on mural projects in conjunction with American architects such as Howard Van Doren Shaw, and his easel work was acquired for the collections of several well-respected institutions including The Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh and the National Museum of American Art. Guests can find examples of his easel art displayed in the Bonnet House studio. Frederic’s murals and faux painting can also be found throughout the Main House.

But despite Frederic’s talents in creating art and collecting art, he often commented that his greatest artistic discovery was the innate talent possessed by his third wife, Evelyn Bartlett. With little formal training but a great deal of encouragement from Frederic, Evelyn began painting in 1933. For the next five years, she painted prolifically, and her work was featured in well-received gallery exhibits in cities such as Boston, New York, and Indianapolis. Today, guests can find Evelyn’s works proudly featured in Bonnet House’s Carl J. Weinhardt Gallery.

While enjoying the beautiful paintings on display at Bonnet House, don’t forget that the estate itself is a carefully crafted work of art in and of itself. After Frederic married Evelyn, the couple worked hard to add decorative embellishments throughout the estate in order to bring out the best in both the building and the natural environment surrounding the estate.

Next time you and your family are in the downtown Fort Lauderdale area, be sure to include a trip to the Bonnet House estate. You’ll be sure to find inspiration, and tranquility as you enjoy the artwork, and take in the natural scenery. To plan your next visit, click here or call (954) 563-5393.

Jun 26
Love2

Calligraphy Workshop – Basics

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Introduction to Copperplate Calligraphy with Monica Rachel Gordon

This beginner workshop will introduce you to the traditional and widely popular “Copperplate” script calligraphy, which is an elegant and formal cursive style of pointed pen calligraphy that originated in the 18th century and evolved from English Roundhand.

Monica will give you a strong foundation of the basic techniques from A to Z. We will be using a pen with a flexible steel nib dipped in ink to achieve the delicate hairlines and thick shades that create this beautiful and classic script. Whether you are an absolute beginner or an experienced calligrapher looking to learn a new style, all levels are welcome!


Five Week Workshop
Tuesdays, January 23 – February 20, 2024
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
$220 members / $240 non-members (All sales are final and non-refundable)
Materials included.

Apr 19
Love12

Fine Artists’ Summer Series at Frame ‘n Art by the Sea Gallery

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

George Rusovick, The Shell Museum

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens in collaboration with Frame ‘n Art by the Sea Gallery present The Fine Artists’ Summer Series featuring works from the Bonnet House Fine Artists. The first of four exhibitions opens Thursday, June 15 at 5:30pm with a free wine and cheese reception. The four exhibitions will 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 15 through October 19. All four 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 5:30pm on the first night of each exhibition.

The exhibitions schedule is as follows:

First Exhibition: Thursday, June 15 – Thursday, July 20

Second Exhibition: Thursday, July 20 – Thursday, August 17

Third Exhibition: Thursday, August 17 – Thursday, September 21

Fourth Exhibition: Thursday, September 21 – Thursday, October 19

Frame ‘n Art by the Sea Gallery is located at 229A E. Commercial Blvd., Lauderdale By The Sea, FL 33308. For more information, please contact Frame ‘n Art by the Sea Gallery at (954) 267-9202 or http://framenartbythesea.com/.

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