Art & Culture Features
Creative Heroes behind the ‘Save Our Parks’ Response
By Sheri L. Webber On December 4th, while many Floridians were focused on the holidays and all that comes with the season of giving, Senator Gayle Harrell filed Senate Bill 80, the State Park Preservation Act, to halt the present and future possibility of constructing golf courses, pickleball courts, ball fields, and more in Florida state parks. Harrell’s legislation, if enacted, would ensure prioritization of “conservation-based public outdoor recreational uses” in state parks. The bill also requires public hearings for all updated...
read more1000 Friends of Florida Wants to Befriend You
An advocacy organization that holds the government accountable while educating citizens about a better future for all Floridians. By Kayla Byrd Founded in 1986, 1000 Friends of Florida is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that educates Floridians on government planning for land management and conservation projects. By working at the legislative level and providing input on proposed bills, 1000 Friends of Florida keeps citizens empowered and in the loop on the proposed ways the government intends to use their land. Headquartered in...
read moreAudubon Florida A Century of Conservation & Community
By Laura Riggs Florida Scrub-Jay, Helen & Allen Cruikshank Sanctuary, Florida Audubon Florida, celebrating its 125th anniversary, is a cornerstone of the state’s conservation movement. From its roots in combating the plume trade at the turn of the 20th century to its current advocacy for imperiled species and habitats, the organization has consistently championed science-based solutions to Florida’s environmental challenges. This commitment to scientific rigor and grassroots engagement defines Audubon’s approach,...
read morePhotographic Memory Mark Krancer: A Life Worth Living
By Kate A. Hallock Mark Krancer smiles a lot. On a photo assignment, he’ll tell his clients that he’s living the dream, but that wasn’t always the case. Krancer knows how addiction can put you in a bad place. He also knows how a positive passion can save your life. From drugs to digital camera, Krancer turned his life around 10 years ago to eventually create a successful business and achieve world renown. Robin Patton proudly claims she discovered Krancer. In 2015, as Memorial Park Association’s publicity chair, Patton began to...
read moreSt. Augustine Plein Air Paint Out April 23 – 27
The St. Augustine Art Association is hosting the St. Augustine Plein Air Paint Out from April 23 to April 27. Plein air, translated as “outdoor,” painting has been a common practice in St. Augustine for years and this event brings local art history into present day as artists converge on the streets and in notable locations while mingling with patrons. Works in progress and finished paintings can be viewed and purchased in the St. Augustine Art Association Wet Room, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the event. The Plein Air...
read moreSpring Show: An Evening of Art and Bold Color March 28
The Hillary Whitaker Gallery (HWG) announces the opening of its highly anticipated Spring Show on Friday, March 28th, 6 – 8 p.m. This exciting exhibition will showcase the works of three renowned artists: Erin Gregory, Laura Lacambra Shubert (shown at right), and Gretchen Warsen. The Spring Show will feature a diverse collection of paintings that explore various themes and styles. Erin Gregory offers a unique perspective on classical florals, infusing a multitude of color and layers. Laura Lacambra Shubert’s works have long been coveted...
read moreNortheast Florida Visual Artist Marsha Hatcher
Recognized With Ann McDonald Baker Art Ventures Award By Laura Jane Pittman On a sunny day in November, a small group gathers in the courtyard of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and are all smiles. Artist and local visionary Marsha Hatcher—the 2024 recipient of the Ann McDonald Baker Art Ventures Award—poses for photographs with the late Ann Baker’s daughters and son and staff from The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. Hatcher, who is also a long-term substitute for an advanced placement painting/drawing class at Douglas...
read moreA Season of Celebration: Honoring Heritage, Hope, and Harmony
By Steven Libman As we continue our 75th Anniversary Season, we are delighted to present a rich lineup of performances and educational events that reflect our commitment to diversity, remembrance, and musical excellence. In February we celebrate Black History Month with concerts that highlight the creativity, impact, and powerful voices of African American virtuosos. This winter also marks the presentation of Violins of Hope, a profound event that commemorates the resilience of Holocaust survivors through restored string instruments. Further,...
read moreCarson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
Gainesville’s Hidden Gem By Cinda Sherman / Photos by Rafael Hernandez @grip24 People often think of Gainesville as a college town surrounded by natural wonders and cold springs. Yet, it’s so much more. Gainesville has a strong and vibrant art scene that embraces the arts on almost every street corner. There’s the Harn Museum, one of the largest university art museums in the South, with permanent collections focused on Asian, African, modern, and contemporary art, as well as photography. The University of Florida’s Phillips Center features...
read moreFor the Love of Manatees
By Eva Dasher On a bright summer day, when the temperature hasn’t yet chased everyone indoors and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is teeming with excited children recently released from school, I peer into a tank at the Manatee Critical Care Center (MCCC) and spot two manatees gently swirling around each other in the lettuce-covered water. “We have two manatees in here right now. One is Applejack, we just microchipped her today because she is going to be released soon. She came here with two calves. One of them is at the Georgia...
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