Captain John Destin Art Show

The Destin History and Fishing Museum will host a private collection showing of Captain John Destin works during the week of Founder’s Day. On May 5th, 6th & 7th. The public is invited to the museum to view this collection with photos and remembrances of his life. “Uncle John” was born May 5, 1897 in the old Destin homestead on Choctawhatchee Bay. His parents were George Destin and Emma Marler. He was the grandson of Captain Leonard Destin, the New England seafarer who came to East Pass, Florida and established the fishing village which was later given his name. The “olde salt” John Destin was a boat builder, fisherman, and artist. What makes his art so unusual is that he never had an art lesson and his artistic technique was a natural gift. His knowledge of ships and patience in the smallest detail created the beautiful works.
Another unusual trait of “Uncle John” is that he never made a penny on his many paintings. He simply gave them away—but only to his kinfolks and occasionally a very special friend. Today his works are prized possessions handed down from generation to generation and considered “folk art” in the art world. This is only the third time in Destin’s history that this private collection will be together. The first showing was November 11, 1983 when the Old Post Office Museum was dedicated and the second was March 14, 2006 at the newly opened Destin History and Fishing Museum.

An opening reception will be held on May 4th to commemorate his birthday.
If you own one of “Uncle John’s” pieces of artwork and would like to loan it for
this special art show contact Kathy Marler Blue at the Museum.