Visual Arts Center, Downtown – First Exhibit After Total Transformation

Photos by Katie DeSantis

The newly renovated Visual Arts Center (VAC) in downtown Panama City hosted the photo exhibit “Capturing Camelot” by Stanley Tretick. His photographs of the Kennedys, published in Life and Look from 1960 to 1964, helped define the American family of the early-sixties and lent Kennedy an endearing credibility that greatly contributed to his popularity. As a group, these pictures help us to understand the construction of the Kennedy myth, one that remains intact to this day.

This powerful exhibit featured over sixty vintage photographic prints by Stanley Tretick, who covered every president from Henry Truman to George H. W. Bush. Renovations to the VAC include: New hardwood floor, track lighting, restoration of exposed beam, ceiling and skylight in the Main Gallery and carpet replacement with custom tile work, custom-made glass/metal railings, replacement of curved glass-block wall with new glass that protects artwork from damaging light/heat in the stairwell as well as new custom tile work, and a raised ceiling in the lobby area. The entire building was rewired and freshly painted.