Heritage Publishing, Inc. © 2014
Jacksonville’s Art Scene: The Junction of Many
By Heather Anne Sams and Jen Jones It is indeed significant that Interstate 10, which unites east
and west across America, converges with Interstate 95, America’s north and south expressway, right at the bridges of Jacksonville’s Downtown. Jacksonville is truly a junction of cultural exchange—made evident in its diverse and talented arts community. Whether you moved here for business or the weather, most of the dwellers on the First Coast came from someplace else. Those flavors from other lands make for a wonderful cornucopia of talents, influences, preferences and styles that make the art scene in Jacksonville uniquely diverse, varied and like none other. Throw into the equation a supportive business community and an active lifestyle, and Jacksonville is uniquely suited to provide wonderful activities for the culturally active and community-minded citizen. Whether you are looking for a cultural center or museum to spend a sunny afternoon, or you are seeking an entertaining art opening to stimulate your “new collector” palate, Jacksonville is the perfect destination.
At the core of Downtown Jacksonville is a diverse
collection of contemporary architecture and beautiful, historic structures. A revolutionary program that blends the same elements is the “Off the Grid” program administered by Jacksonville’s Downtown Vision, Inc. and the Cultural Council of Jacksonville. Emerging artists and artisans are encouraged to apply for reduced rate leasing arrangements for vacant spaces in the downtown corridor.
These spaces are transformed into artist studios and are open during the city’s monthly Artwalk (held the first Wednesday of each month). Formerly vacant, dilapidated spaces become centers of creativity and vitality while artists are supported and encouraged in their new businesses.
No visit to Jacksonville’s cultural scene would be complete
without a jaunt to the nearby Riverside and Avondale boroughs. The Riverside Arts Market takes place, appropriately, under the Acosta Bridge in Riverside each Saturday morning. Samplings from local artists, artisans, growers, crafters and the like are sprinkled about in a beautiful, park-like setting immediately on the west bank of the St. Johns River.
Just a skip down the road and one finds oneself in the heart
of Avondale with galleries, pubs and shops to occupy the most discriminating tastes. If you want to participate, interact and absorb the diversity of the creative process, one must not miss the cooperative studios located on the corner of Roselle and King streets. This area is affectionately called CORK (corner of Roselle and King) and is located in a redevelopment zone filled with large warehouses and wonderful, local breweries and restaurants. CORK is a collection of artists’ studios of varying sizes depending on the space and the imagination of each of the individual tenants. One artist may want a large loft space to construct large scale installations, while another artist may have a small intimate setting for creating privately. There are private and collaborative spaces for artists of varying disciplines and experience levels.
Don’t forget to round out your Jacksonville experience by
taking in the samplings of creative organizations and businesses. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Science and History are all located within a small radius and are easily accessible to one another. A myriad of local galleries and public art studios abound in the area and are worth perusing whether you’re seeking a memorable purchase of local culture or that special work to adorn your fireplace.
_________________________________________________________________ Top: First Wednesday Art Walk, photo by Tiffany Manning Bottom: Photo courtesy of the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville
140 First Coast Relocation GuideTM 2014
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