Art Perspectives
Holiday Pops with the Gainesville Orchestra
December 15 An EMMA Concert Association holiday tradition, the Gainesville Orchestra will perform favorite holiday music from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, December 15 in Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, downtown St. Augustine. Free parking at the St. Johns County Council on Aging, with a complimentary trolley to and from the venue. This event is held during Nights of Lights, a perfect way to view some of the lights in downtown while on the shuttle. Based in Gainesville, Florida, the Gainesville Orchestra is led by Maestro Evans Haile, who is...
read moreChristmas in the Cathedral District
Thru Dec. 26 The Cathedral District in downtown Jacksonville has festive, family-friendly events planned for the month of December, featuring historic churches lit up, bells ringing, a live nativity scene, and holiday music, plus a special three-weekend spectacular light show—”Let There Be Light.” Take a self-guided driving tour of the Cathedral District’s historic churches and landmark buildings, illuminated with thousands of lights. Enjoy audio narration as well as music by the Jacksonville Symphony. “Let There Be Light” takes place each...
read moreIlluminating Nature
Dec. 3, 7, 10, 14 and 17 Explore the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens in a whole new light. Join the museum for a magical outdoor experience, as more than a dozen sculptures will be illuminated and placed throughout the 2.5 acre-historic riverfront gardens— perfect for a festive evening of enjoyment with refreshments from the Cummer Café. This event is free to the public, and registration is required. 4 to 9 p.m., 829 Riverside Avenue, 356.6857,...
read more19th Annual Gingerbread Extravaganza
December 4 – 22 The 19th Annual Gingerbread Extravaganza, hosted by the Jacksonville Historical Society, will enthrall visitors of all ages as they ooh and aah over dozens of delectable gingerbread creations built by amateurs and professionals. The event includes decorated trees, a silent auction, contests, and a holiday shop. Your holiday celebration won’t be complete without a visit. Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for seniors and those with health concerns; 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. for the general public....
read morePAM Jam
Thru December 5 PAM Jam is a platform for poets, artists, and musicians to collaborate and showcase their talents. Art galleries and writers’ groups become PAM Jam partners, and participants are paired to create new works. “The rules are … there are no rules,” and what emerges is a story told through multiple creative genres. Some pairs publish books together, some turn a poem into a song, and some continue to collaborate. Participants can join events and sell their work through partner organizations, which raise funds for scholarships...
read moreDowntown Festival & Art Show
Nov. 6 – 7 The streets of historic downtown Gainesville will transform into a masterful blend of art, music, and entertainment during the 40th Annual Downtown Festival & Art Show on November 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Described as one of Florida’s premier fine arts festivals, the art show draws 80,000 people to peruse the original artwork of 200 of the nation’s most talented artists, enjoy continuous entertainment on three stages, and delight in a variety of international cuisine and classic festival fare. The festival also...
read moreTom Schifanella: Faces of the Alcazar
Oct. 29 – March 7, 22 “Faces of the Alcazar” presents a compelling glimpse of life behind-the-scenes at Henry Flagler’s Alcazar Hotel. Through large-format photographic prints, the exhibition documents fragmentary clippings from early-20th century motion picture magazines pasted to the walls of the Alcazar staff quarters by the immigrant staff who lived and worked at the hotel. The crumbling magazine remnants remain a haunting visual record of the dreams and aspirations of the forgotten individuals who served the wealthy visitors wintering...
read moreSt. Johns Riverkeeper 20th Annual Oyster Roast
Friday, November 19 Held each year to benefit the St. Johns Riverkeeper, the oyster roast is one of the First Coast’s finest fundraising events, featuring live music and food—including, of course, plenty of oysters—by local restaurants. St. Johns Riverkeeper is a nonprofit watchdog organization dedicated to defending the St. Johns River and advocating for its protection. This member-supported group serves as an educator, advocate, and trusted voice for the entire St. Johns River and its nearly 9,000 square miles of watershed. The group plays...
read moreWalk in Peace—A Visual Journey by Don Trousdell to Commemorate the 20th Anniversary of 9/11
September 3 – 24 This exhibition features bold paintings, painted shoes, architectural iconography, and interactive installations that chronicle the history and imagery of peace. The paintings represent graffiti-like art, political commentary, religious ideals, and cultural symbolism in colorful images—all created to inspire and inform people of all ages and backgrounds. This will be the last time this exhibit will be seen in its entirety, as select groupings will be for sale. St. Augustine Art Association, 22 Marine Street, St., (904)...
read moreArt by Bike
What better way to enjoy local public art than by riding a piece of art while viewing it? Ron Rothberg’s Art Bikes offer self-guided public art tours by bike. But these aren’t just any bikes; these are electric bikes designed by local artists. Known as ebikes, these bikes do the work for you, giving you freedom to explore our city’s art, architecture, parks, and points of interest without breaking a sweat. New, custom bikes are being designed every month, and a visit to the Art Bikes website shows photos of the unique creations. Arbus...
read more