From the first juried show in 2007, the permanent collection was started, with the intention
to eventually move the Institute into Santa Fe and open the first Museum of Encaustic
Art. The digital Encaustic Arts Magazine was also created at that time. EAI then began the
careful selection of work from artists showcased in the juried exhibitions and featured
artists from the magazine. As a non-profit, funds were scarce for purchasing work, so it was
with the support and faith of artists that the collection began. The collection was exhibited
in the EAI Members’ Gallery, as well as in other high visibility venues such as displays at the
Albuquerque International Airport.
In 2015 the Institute moved to Santa Fe, NM. In 2017, with a permanent collection of over
250 art pieces, the Museum of Encaustic Art (MoEA, moeart.org) was opened — the first
encaustic art museum in the world.
We then embarked on our next mission — to curate a museum exhibition, representing all
fifty states. 50 States/200 Artists is monumental for several reasons. First, for the amount of
art represented (200 artists’ work), and second, the unique and intriguing ways in which
encaustic/wax art is expressed. Finally, there has never been an exhibition of encaustic/
wax art pieces of this scale and scope for the public to experience in one place.
This exhibition and our permanent collection have only been made possible by the
generous contributions of all the artists who donated a piece of their beloved art to the
museum collection. That in itself has been extraordinary, and we cannot thank them
enough. Thank you to all of our sponsors: R&F Handmade Paints, Enkaustikos
paints, Ampersand, Artist Greenbord, Artisan’s Art Supply, Vent-A-Fume, Sculpture House,
and to every volunteer over these past fifteen years who has helped us in every way
possible. Thank you, Kari Gorden, for your dedication and artistic creation of the Encaustic
Arts Magazine over the past eight years and this catalog. Thanks also to the Encaustic Art
Institute members who have supported us through their membership and volunteering,
and to our steadfast board members. Finally, all these accomplishments and this incredible
artistic journey would have never progressed as smoothly as it has without my wife
Adrienne Mehrens’ administrative guidance and patience with all that has been put
together until now. Trust me, it has been an enormous undertaking.
We are very proud to have accomplished our goal, and feel it will be looked upon as the
beginning of many great exhibitions for the Museum of Encaustic Art - making encaustic/
wax art the “art of the 21 st century. “ Thank you one and all.
— Douglas Mehrens
Encaustic Art Institute, Museum of Encaustic Art