6/10/02
Florida International Museum Presents Ahoy Maitz -
Original Artwork on the Golden Age of Piracy
By Celebrated Artist Don Maitz
Opens June 26

St. Petersburg, Florida (June 10, 2002) Florida International Museum announces the original artwork of noted artist Don Maitz will be featured in the exhibition AHOY MAITZ, June 26 -- September 2, 2002. This exhibition of artwork presents the Golden Age of Piracy through facts and imagination. Over fifty works will be on display using oil paint, acrylic, pen and ink, watercolor and pencil. As the original and continuing artist of the popular Captain Morgan Spiced Rum character, Maitz has produced fourteen paintings of the character in the red suit.

“ The use of vibrant colors and realism, plus his humorous style of illustration will delight visitors of all ages,” said Kathy Oathout, vice president of Florida International Museum. “AHOY MAITZ coincides with the Tall Ships/Americas’ Sail event in St. Petersburg, so this is something the entire family will enjoy.” The AHOY MAITZ exhibition originated at the Key West Museum of Art and History at the Custom House in November of 2001.

Maitz has received worldwide recognition for his artwork including two Hugo awards and a Howard Award for “Best Artist” and a silver medal from the Society of Illustrators. Maitz’s work has been reproduced for National Geographic Magazine and has been exhibited at the San Diego Maritime Museum and Orlando History Center. His work is associated with fantasy and science fiction literature worldwide and he has worked as a conceptual designer on the animated film Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius. For examples of his work visit www.paravia.com/DonMaitz.

The Florida International Museum is the permanent home of the largest private collection of Kennedy family artifacts in the world. Also on permanent display is The Cuban Missile Crisis, an interactive presentation that gives visitors the impression that they have gone back in time to the year 1962.

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.