12/03/02
Florida First Lady Columba Bush Unveils Cultural Exchange
at Florida International Museum

St. Petersburg, Florida (December 3, 2002) The Florida International Museum is pleased to announce that Governor Jeb Bush and his wife, Columba, will unveil a magnificent exhibit of neo-surrealist art on Tuesday, December 10th. Mrs. Bush will introduce a spectacular collection from Mexican painter Enrique Chavarria, which will travel from the private collection of Dr. David and the late Bryna Prensky to St. Petersburg.

The exhibit ENRIQUE CHAVARRIA: Journey Into the Subconscious will open for display at the Florida International Museum with a private reception from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.

Governor and Mrs. Bush are scheduled to introduce and unveil the exhibit to the general public at 7:00 PM. The paintings will remain on display through February 9, 2003. The exhibit is the cultural component of the Gulf of Mexico States Accord (GoMSA) 2002 Annual Conference taking place in St. Petersburg December 8-12th. The exhibit is made possible by the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs.

The majority of Enrique Chavarria’s paintings have resided in a private Palm Beach home since the 1970s, and therefore, most Mexicans have never seen the works of their countryman. In time, art historians, critics and experts will determine the true value and historical significance of the paintings, but for now they are sure to captivate viewers with their beauty and uniqueness. This is only the second time that this collection of the artist’s work has been on public display.

Florida International Museum is the permanent home of the John F. Kennedy Collection and through Fall 2003, The Cuban Missile Crisis: When The Cold War Got Hot. On display through February 23, 2003 is Memories of Maas Brothers, sponsored by RJ Bunbury Company, Inc.

Regular admission is $12 for adults, $11 for college students and seniors 65+, $6 for students. Children under 6 are free. The museum is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Last entry to the museum is at 4 p.m. daily.

For more information please contact the Florida International Museum at 727-822-3693 or visit www.floridamuseum.org.

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The Florida International Museum is a non-profit educational institution supported, in part, by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Florida Arts Council, State of Florida, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the City of St. Petersburg. Other major sponsors include Progress Energy, Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, and St. Petersburg Times.