Department of State Opens Art Exhibit to celebrate America250FL

The exhibit features selections from the Risner Collection

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. –

Secretary of State Cord Byrd announces the opening of “250 Years of Florida Art” on display at the State Capitol in Tallahassee in the 22nd Floor Capitol Gallery.  The exhibit is open until September 26, 2025.

“The 250 Years of Florida Art” Exhibit showcases Florida’s natural beauty in a variety of artistic styles spanning decades,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd.  “The art connects America’s past and present, reminding us why preserving art and history is important for inspiring future generations.”

The exhibit contains 24 reproductions of works by various artists depicting scenes of Florida springs, beaches, forests and rivers.  Featured artists include Guy Harvey, Mary Ann Carroll, Martin Johnson Heade and Christopher Still.  The artwork is from the Risner Fine Art Collection, part of the collections of the Museum of Florida History.

 

Beginning in 2017, Florida resident and art collector Ron Risner donated more than 160 paintings to the Museum of Florida History for all Floridians to enjoy. The exhibit was developed by the Division of Arts and Culture and the Division of Historical Resources to commemorate the upcoming America250FL celebration and anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“250 Years of Florida Art” is on display until September 26 on the 22^nd floor of the Florida Capitol.  Hours of operation can be found at https://www.floridacapitol.myflorida.com/.

For more information about America250FL, visit our website at https://america250fl.com. 

For more information about the Risner Fine Art Collection, visit https://museumoffloridahistory.com/explore/collections/risner-fine-art-collection/.

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About the Division of Historical Resources

The Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources (DHR) is responsible for preserving and promoting Florida’s historical and archaeological resources. The Division Director’s office oversees a grants-in-aid program to help preserve and maintain Florida’s historic buildings and archaeological sites, and coordinates outreach programs such as State Historical Markers. DHR directs historic preservation efforts throughout Florida in cooperation with state, federal, and tribal agencies, local governments, private organizations, and individuals. The Division Director serves as the State Historic Preservation Officer, acting as the liaison with the national historic preservation program conducted by the National Park Service. The Division is comprised of three Bureaus, Archaeological Research, Historic Preservation, and Historical Museums. For more information, visit: FLHeritage.com.

About the Division of Arts and Culture
The Florida Department of State’s Division of Arts and Culture is Florida’s legislatively designated state arts agency. The Division promotes the arts and culture as essential to the quality of life for all Floridians. To achieve its mission, the Division funds and supports cultural programs that provide artistic excellence, education, access and economic vitality for Florida’s communities. For more information, visit dos.myflorida.com/cultural.

About the Museum of Florida History

The Museum of Florida History is the state’s history museum that collects, preserves, exhibits, and interprets evidence of past and present cultures in Florida and promotes knowledge and appreciation of this heritage. With exhibits and programs for all ages, the Museum has something for everyone to enjoy. For more information, visit museumoffloridahistory.com.

Florida’s Semiquincentennial Advisory Commission

The Florida Semiquincentennial Advisory Commission aims to ignite patriotism and deepen understanding of the Declaration of Independence’s foundational principles: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.  Through celebrations, America250FL will inspire civic engagement and foster a profound appreciation for America’s historic journey as the most powerful and influential nation on earth.  The Commission will honor our military and veterans, recognizing their sacrifices in safeguarding our freedoms.  This landmark commemoration will not only boost tourism but also leave a legacy for generations of Floridians.  For more information, visit https://america250fl.com/.