'From Asia to the Americas:' The Art of Jean Wagner Troemel

It’s no exaggeration to say the late Jean Wagner Troemel was an art visionary. Her life’s work as a fine artist, advocate, educator and philanthropist transformed St. Augustine’s cultural community and left an indelible mark on the broader world of art.

This summer, the St. Augustine Art Association will host “From Asia to the Americas: The Art of Jean Wagner Troemel,” a posthumous exhibit of rarely seen original large- and small-scale paintings that represent the artist’s travels and adaptations of various artistic movements. The works will be sold to fund the Jean Wagner Troemel Best in Show award in perpetuity.

The exhibit opens at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 20, with a benefit auction featuring one-night-only starting bids of $95 to celebrate the 95th anniversary season of the St. Augustine Art Association. The Destination Art Auction includes both silent and mystery art auctions, tour guides, refreshments and more.

“When Jean established the Best in Show Award a decade ago, she knew the recognition would catapult winning artists to new heights and elevate the local art scene,” Elyse Brady, executive director of the St. Augustine Art Association, said. Every month, the St. Augustine Art Association presents the cash prize to an exhibiting artist who demonstrates outstanding artistic achievement.

Troemel’s long career was defined by stylistic experimentation, intrepid globe-trekking and a fascination with people of all cultures. She produced scores of paintings exploring landscapes, surrealism, abstract expressionism, cubism and impressionism, and she painted over 600 portraits of historic figures, local personalities, and even pets. A Fellow of London’s Royal Society of Art, Troemel’s prized works are included in collections worldwide, including the Mennello Museum of American Art, a subsidiary of the Smithsonian.

Born in Michigan in 1921, Troemel was introduced to art as a child in South Florida by Italian painter Nunzio Vayana. Her studies continued in New York at the Art Students League and National Academy of Design. She lived in Dallas; Los Alamos; Albuquerque; and Winter Haven, Florida, where she founded the Ridge Art Association in 1950.

After moving to St. Augustine in 1969, Troemel set about making art and making change. She painted prolifically in her art studio on South Street, founded the PAStA Fine Arts Gallery in 1984 and spearheaded the First Friday Art Walks. She served as president of the Florida Artists Group (FLAG) and ultimately turned her advocacy into philanthropy, supporting emerging artists and art organizations before her death in January 2018, at age 96.

From Asia to the Americas: The Art of Jean Wagner Troemel will be on display free to the public through August 25, at 22 Marine St. Works will be available for sale until the show ends. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. and Sundays, 2 to 5 p.m. Docent-led tours are offered daily.

Tickets for the Destination Art Auction are $35. Space is limited. For reservations call 904-824-2310. To learn more about the artist and auction, including a preview of the works for sale, visit staaa.org/jeantroemel.