Museum of Contemporary Art in Jacksonville, FL {and Art Walk}

All of my life I've lived in Jacksonville, FL. Well, there were those three years we left to live in Fort Campbell, KY but, other than that, I've lived in Jacksonville my entire 33+ years. In all of those years I had never been to the Museum of Contemporary Art, or MOCA, in the center of Downtown Jax. The thought of museums didn't excite me. I was under the impression they were all filled with boring paintings and hard-to-understand sculptures.

Recently, I've heard a lot of buzz about MOCA Jacksonville and it's right next door to the downtown library that we've been frequenting these last few weeks. We didn't go in on those days because I knew I wanted to plan a special trip.

When I heard that the mural in the atrium would be going away soon I knew I needed to pick a date and make it happen. I was NOT going to miss seeing this amazing piece of art in person!

This larger than life mural in the atrium of MOCA was painted by local artist, Shaun Thurston. With spray paint. Let that set in for a sec. He created this huge piece of art with spray paint.  

"When you watch Thurston work, the spray can seems like an extension of his fingers. He controls the stream of paint with the precision of a brush." - via mocajacksonville.org

"Crystals need the right conditions to grow. Moisture, temperature, light, materials, and time combine to form orderly repeating patterns. But without a conducive environment, crystals may not grow at all. Similarly, artists need favorable surroundings to flourish. 

For Shaun Thurston, the current climate in Jacksonville is advantageous for the creation of art -- like crystals that branch and spread, popping up in unexpected but fortuitous locations. This metaphor encompasses his Project Atrium: One Spark exhibition, connecting crystal imagery with street art -- two passions that took root during his childhood." - via mocajacksonville.org

The mural will be gone on July 6th, unfortunately. But, I am SO glad I made the time to go downtown and check it out in person. If you missed it, no worries! You can find murals of Shaun's in other parts of Jacksonville. You can even find random crystals painted throughout downtown Jacksonville!

There's so much more to MOCA than the mural. Of course, you'll be captivated as you enter the museum, since it's just inside but, keep going. 

Now until August 24th you can see New York Times Photographs. 

The exhibition comprises eleven individual modules, each of which focuses on a notable project or series of projects that have been presented in the pages of the Magazine. While by no means comprehensive, the projects featured mirror the Magazine's eclecticism, presenting seminal examples of reportage, portraiture, as well as fine art photography. Using visual materials drawn from different stages of the commissioning process -- shot lists, work prints, contact sheets, videos, tear sheets, and framed prints -- the Magazine's collaborative methodology is revealed from initial idea to the published page, and, in some cases, continues beyond Magazine publication when an exploration that began as an assignment has become a part of a photographer's ongoing work. - via mocajacksonville.org

After seeing all there is to see inside MOCA {even the 5th floor kids area!} we ventured outside to the Art Walk that pops up the first Wednesday evening of each month across the street in Hemming Plaza. 

Local artists come and set up their artwork to sell.

The crowd is very diverse and eclectic and A L I V E with energy! Everyone is there to experience local arts, crafts, fare, live music...and, of course, have a good time!

Hemming Plaza by day is filled with the hustle and bustle of downtown professionals and a few folks that hang out and play games in the streets. But, on Art Walk night the Plaza is transformed into a F U N atmosphere!

This sign next to a makeshift sandbox made me laugh. Notice all of the adults standing around. They didn't want their children to become a lucky recipient of a Redbull and Kazoo. 

Live music. I love going to events around town that involve live music. It can transform a crowd. One minute everyone is sitting around twiddling their thumbs...when the band starts to play they get up and DANCE!

While we were there last week my husband made the comment that MOCA Jacksonville and the Art Walk are the types of events you would look for if you were going to be staying in our city. So, when you find yourself in Jacksonville look up MOCA and be sure you come on the first Wednesday of the month.

Here are a few shots from my Instagram that I took the night we were there.

I am a new MOCA Media Mogul and will be sharing local events with you over the next few months. I'm so excited to have been asked to become a part of this program. Come along and follow the fun!