SCHACKNOW
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
General
Information
SMOFA was created to provide a venue for artists, some well known and some obscure, to
share their work with the community. The Museum was founded by Max Schacknow, a self-taught, Brooklyn New York born artist, who realized how
difficult it was for unknown artists to showcase their talents. A successful
businessman for many years, Mr. Schacknow was unable to pursue his dream of
establishing a not-for-profit museum until his retirement at the age of 71.
He then spent several years laying the groundwork for this project. Real estate acquisition, site
redevelopment, staff training and program organization led to the public opening
of the Schacknow Museum of Fine Arts on June 1, 2000. The Museum is
a registered 501-(c)(3) charitable institution in the State of Florida.
Financial support comes from community based businesses, the general public
and Museum members. Even though he turned 90 years old in December 2012, Maxie devotes many
hours each day to the Museum's activities.
The 9000 sq.
ft Museum contains an Art Library, Member's Lounge, Media Room, Gift Shop
and three Classrooms. Scheduled programs include monthly social meetings for
Members and the general public, with refreshments and live entertainment or video presentations, children's art
instructional classes, rotating exhibitions of original works by area and
national artists, photographers and sculptors, a visiting scholars program for local elementary through
high school students and a seniors invitation program for organized groups of
senior citizens. On Saturday afternoons the Museum opens its facilities to
the "Circle of Friends," a social activity club for teens and adults with Down
syndrome, autism or other special needs.
The Museum
hosts annual shows displaying the art work of mentally disabled adults, inmates
at local correctional facilities and six exhibitions each year displaying the
works of artists from around the USA.
The Museum's
facilities are available to the community for rent. Many local groups hold
social, family, artistic, and educational meetings at the Museum.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.
The Museum is closed on Sunday & Monday
Admission Price: Members may visit the Museum free.
Adults: $5
Seniors and students: $3 Children under 12:
Free
The Schacknow
Museum of Fine Arts offers a lecture and a
guided tour of the Museum
facilities to community groups of 10 or more persons, for the nominal
price of $5 per person. Pizza
and soft drinks are provided.
Special evening programs may take place from time to time. Call the Museum
for the latest schedule of events. Regularly scheduled social events are
listed
here.
