About

Acanthus Arts founders Brian Fick and Mary Yeager have worked in architectural conservation for thirty years and are Professional Associates of the American Institute for the Conservation of Artistic and Historic Works. They formed Acanthus Arts in 1996. Since then, both as Acanthus Arts and individually, they have sub-contracted to other companies including EverGreene Painting Studios, Thomas Moore Studios and the Garland Guild, as well as working their own Acanthus Arts projects.

The company provides all aspects of project management, condition assessments, paint investigation and documentation, and field conservation work on architectural finishes. In this capacity, they have worked projects of all types and sizes from private historic homes to state capitols, atmospheric theatres, mansions, courthouses and churches. They have worked on grand, formal buildings and vernacular structures. Acanthus Arts strives to preserve historic painted interiors in their greatest authenticity for future generations enrichment.

professional associations

  • American Institute for the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, Professional Associate

  • Indiana Historical Society

  • Indiana Landmarks

Awards

  • Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office - District of Columbia Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation 2015

  • Maricopa County Security Building - Best Restoration Project Southwest , Engineering New Record 2014

  • Saenger Theatre - Excellence in Historic Preservation Louisiana Landmarks Society 2014

  • Garrett-Jacobs Mansion (Engineering Club) - 1)Craftsmanship Award Building Congress and Exchange, 2)Baltimore Heritage Award 2012

  • Shrewbury-Windle House - Victorian Society of America Historic Preservation Award 2018

  • Tyson Church - Rosemary Prentice Award for Historic Preservation 2006

  • Reitz Home - Victorian Society of America Commendation 2003

  • Al. Ringling Theatre - Madison Trust for HIstoric Preservation Award 2016

  • Minton-Capehart Federal Building - AIA Chicago Design Excellence Award 2015

  • Unity Temple - 1)AIA Chicago Award for Excellence, 2)Landmarks of Illinois Richard Driehaus Award for Restoration 2018

  • Birch Bayh Federal Courthouse - Heritage Award 1999

©Acanthus Arts 2019