Art & Culture
Spring 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 more25th Annual Chain of Parks Art Festival April 26 & 27
Expect a fun-filled outdoor cultural experience at the 25th annual Chain of Parks Art Festival, in downtown Tallahassee! Visitors will enjoy a weekend filled with unique works of fine art from over 150 national juried artists, 3D street art, live entertainment, children’s art activities, local heritage, delicious food, craft beer, and more. Nationally ranked in the Top 100 Fine Art Festivals by Sunshine Artist Magazine for 11 years running. In partnership with Leon County and Scott Carswell, the festival welcomes musical guest Wilco and...
read moreViolins of Hope
By Lorrie DeFrank Seventy lovingly restored string instruments that symbolize resilience and unity following indescribable horror will be showcased in a series of events in Jacksonville. Violins of Hope: Building Bridges Through the Power of Music will feature instruments that were played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust, each with its own story that will be shared to educate the community and inspire understanding. Presented by Jacksonville Symphony as a highlight of its 75th anniversary season, the project will...
read moreGold Star Restaurants
Making Jacksonville a Foodie Destination Our annual Gold Star restaurant list spotlights new locally owned dining options and old favorites that offer exceptional quality and consistency. As we continue to explore the diverse dining options in our community, we are reminded of the incredible resilience and dedication of the restaurant industry. This year’s Gold Star list is a celebration of those who have remained steadfast in their commitment to delivering exceptional quality and consistency, as well as those who have...
read moreEnhancing Education with The Arts
The arts play a pivotal role in education. Involvement in the arts supports a student’s social and emotional learning and empowers them to succeed inside school and out. Not only do arts programs motivate children to come to school, but they also help reduce stress, sharpen communication, and fuel social and emotional development. Jacksonville is fortunate to have a wealth of arts education programs across all art forms that allow our students to not only learn how to express themselves in the classroom but support their future career growth....
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 morePublisher’s Note
With a new year brings hope. Hope for the new year elevates feelings we experience when we foresee a path to a better future. Hope acknowledges the significant obstacles and deep pitfalls along that path. True hope has no room for delusion. Violins of Hope During the Holocaust all most people had was hope. Hope is a powerful desire that can have a profound impact on an individual’s life as well as the world at large. Examples of such hope are the 70 lovingly restored string instruments symbolizing resilience and unity following...
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 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...
read moreA Christmas Present for Jacksonville The “LIFE” Sculpture in Memorial Park
By Wayne W. Wood ‘Twas the first day of Christmas, under skies that were dark. The people all hurried to Riverside’s new park. They unveiled the winged boy who stood on the ball, And everyone gasped, “He has no clothes at all!” Hundreds of people gathered under threatening clouds at 3:30 p.m. on Christmas Day, 1924, to see the dedication of the new Memorial Park in Riverside and the unveiling of the much-anticipated bronze statue. As the covering was drawn from the monumental sculpture by two young girls, Mary Burroughs and Mary Bedell, a...
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