Director’s Message

Fall 2026

The headline of the August 6, 2026, front cover story in the 32963 newspaper reads, “A Special Concrete for a ‘Very Special’ Museum.” This summer, both 32963 and the Indian River Press Journal have chronicled the progress at the site of our future building and transformed campus.

At the time of this Quarterly’s publication, Members, guests, and passersby will begin to see the new building’s beautiful and resilient architectural walls rising just west of the current Museum facility. Made of concrete uniquely formulated for our project using locally and regionally sourced materials, these cast-in-place structures feature hand-finished surfaces that reveal textures and materials that are distinctly Vero Beach. (Turn to page 14 to learn more.)

We continue to build sound foundations inside the Museum as well. This issue’s “Mission Inspired” feature (see page 10) illuminates our early childhood education programs—learning experiences that are critical for fueling the growth of our community’s youngest residents. Here you will meet Megan and Hunter Roberts (no relation), who share how VBMA provides essential developmental building blocks for their boys, Henry, aged 5, and Simon, aged 4.

And we’ve crafted another stellar season of exhibitions, public programs, and signature events for you:

The internationally touring Hokusai, Hiroshige, Hasui: Japanese Landscapes in Print, makes its first U.S. stop at the Vero Beach Museum of Art from November 21, 2026, through February 7, 2027. This magnificent exhibition of more than 100 works was organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, which holds the finest and largest collection of Japanese art outside of Japan.

The exhibition’s influences inspire a not-to-be-missed calendar of public programs, ranging from the International Lecture Series—which this year begins in November—to Art of the Cocktail, Gala 2027: Cherry Blossoms at Night, special performances, Art Talks, classes, and more.

As is customary, family fun abounds every Second Saturday of the month, with free admission all day and Museum Studios programming—themed, docent-led mini tours of exhibition galleries and a connected art project in the Art School studios from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mark your calendars for the family-favorite Holidays at the Museum on Saturday, December 12, featuring all-ages programming from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

We hope to see you often in the months ahead.