by donald dusinberre imartsyfartsy@gmail.com
Honestly, Jacksonville’s art scene has been gaining momentum and talent over the last couple of years, and those of you who are reading this article probably know it already. But maybe you’re reading this and you’re not necessarily up on the arts; maybe you’re waiting for a table or avoiding the awkward banter of your hairstylist. No matter. You now have a key to enter the art world, beginning, of course, with the perusal of this article. If you finish it, you’ll learn just how fun and easy it is to see an art exhibition in Jacksonville. Let’s hope the folks already seated ahead of you order dessert, shall we?
We’re fortunate to live in a city so inclined to develop new and original ways to deliver new artwork by up-and-coming artists. Our more progressive fellow citizens have developed a variety of ways to authentically present the art of our most talented artists, and as a result, we’re usually a very short distance from good, new artwork. Not only do we have dozens of small neighborhood galleries, as well as local restaurants outfitting their walls with painterly wonders, but we also have the monthly downtown Artwalk and the annual Art After Dark at the Florida Theatre.
Hosted by the Florida Theatre on Friday, March 30th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Art After Dark features a number of fine local artists, including Jason Tetlak, Stephanie Shieldhouse, Ryan Ketterman, Chris A. Grisaffe, and Melissa Russell. This year’s Art After Dark will be the 11th annual exhibition, and, as always, all the artwork will be available for sale. Developed as a fundraiser for the Theatre itself, every purchase puts aside ten percent to the Friends of the Florida Theatre organization.
Remember, not every great work of art is at the museum. Some great art is brand new and featured at your favorite coffee shop or other non-art related establishment. Sure, museums are safe and easy, with the benefits of a consensus of experts who have decided that certain works have artistic value. You might feel comfortable with museums, but that doesn’t mean you’ll definitely like what they’re showing. They can’t possibly know about every piece of art, and classics are born every day. Inherently, art should cause one to experience an image/idea in a different way, and what better way to enhance that difference than by visiting an historic, fancy building. Downtown. At night. On a Friday.
Take advantage of an opportunity to define great art for yourself. Heck, if you don’t fancy anything you see, you can always go to the Landing and check out a 70’s cover band.
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