Located in the heart of Fort Pierce on the Treasure Coast, the Peacock House Art Foundation is breathing new life into local history while fostering a vibrant creative community. Tucked away in the historic Crain Estate, this non-profit organization is putting the Peacock Arts District on the map by preserving a unique architectural legacy and offering a creative haven for both local and international artists.
The foundation is dedicated to maintaining the rich history of the property, which was originally the private residence of Jaxson and Mary Crain. Jaxson, a skilled tile worker by trade, left his permanent mark throughout the estate. His intricate craftsmanship is still prominently displayed today, covering the property seamlessly from the ground to the ceilings. The couple was known for their extensive worldly travels, reportedly circumnavigating the globe nine times. Along the way, they brought back extraordinary, one-of-a-kind items for their Florida home, including a stunning gazebo imported directly from India that features delicate, miniature peacock details.
Today, the estate remains a remarkable time capsule. Foundation representatives estimate that the property remains ninety percent unchanged from when the Crains lived there.
A lot of things we want to keep original. Yeah, we don’t want it to be very commercialized.
Visitors can step back in time while exploring rooms that retain their mid-century charm, such as the masculine-styled smoking and bourbon room featuring distinct paneling, stained glass, and direct access to a patio bar.
The estate is perhaps most famous for its namesake residents: a massive flock of peafowl. Local lore suggests the Crains originally introduced seven peacocks to Fort Pierce in the 1970s. Today, that founding group has multiplied to a flock of over one hundred birds roaming the lush grounds. The star of the property is Bob, a beloved peacock believed to be sixty years old. Known by his distinct limp, Bob is a celebrated fixture at the estate, receiving daily hand-feedings from his own special bowls. The peacocks create magical moments for visitors, often gently eating right out of the hands of delighted children on tours.
Beyond historical preservation, the Peacock House Art Foundation is a thriving cultural hub. The estate hosts an artist-in-residence program, providing simple yet elegant on-site accommodations to attract creatives from around the world. For the local community, the foundation features a comprehensive art lab welcoming children and adults of all skill levels.
Art Director Krystal Masters leads customized, one-on-one classes ranging from sculpting to watercolor projects, such as a popular rainbow pet portrait workshop. Masters emphasizes the mental health benefits of the creative process.
Art is a form of therapy and it distresses people… leave happy and haven’t been on their phone scrolling.
For those looking to explore this Treasure Coast gem, guided tours of the vibrant architecture and lush gardens are available to the public.
Plan Your Visit to the Peacock House Art Foundation:
Whether you are an aspiring artist looking for a hands-on workshop, a history buff eager to explore the preserved Crain Estate, or a family hoping to hand-feed a resident peacock, the Peacock House Art Foundation offers an unforgettable cultural experience just a short drive away.
