RBG, Our Torchbearer by Marsha Glazière (2019)
Personifying RBG as the Statue of Liberty, which depicts Libertas, the Roman goddess of liberty, made perfect sense to me as a way of honoring the essential values of integrity and liberty for all that Ruth Bader Ginsburg embodied and fought for.
Art As Action
In March, 2020, the world changed. Here in the United States, along with elsewhere across the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down businesses, schools, and even natural spaces like beaches and parks. With the exception of healthcare and other essential workers, most of us hunkered down and lived our lives moving very little and in small orbits. But, traumatic events were still unfolding as spring turned to summer, and new tragedies of racial injustice took place that sparked a surge in protests for equity. Within this swirl of inaction meeting action, artists everywhere were commenting on the times just as they have historically done.
The Critical Importance of Philanthropic Support and Participation in the Arts as an Investment
Art museums are community anchors. They bring people together, help the community address challenges in times of crisis, and serve as beacons of light and hope that provide connection and conversation.
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens began with one woman who firmly believed that art, in all forms, provides a lasting and positive impact on society. Nearly 60 years later, the museum continues to promote Ninah Cummer’s legacy by connecting Jacksonville’s diverse community to the arts and each other.
Theatre Intermission
In March, Theatre Jacksonville hit pause on its celebratory 100th season to begin navigation of uncharted territory. Responses to their recent survey made it clear—no one wants to do anything to jeopardize the health and safety of themselves or anyone else. People are the organization’s lifeblood, no one is expendable: not the camp students, patrons, actors, sound and lighting technicians, stage hands, set and costume designers and builders, ushers, or the board members.
Two Schools of Creative Thought
As Jacksonville University’s Linda Berry Stein College of Fine Arts celebrates its 60th year, it continues to focus on the future by creating two schools within the college. The Stein College will now contain the School of Performing Arts and the School of Art & Design. “This decision helps sustain our long and successful traditional fine arts education history and remain a relevant, contemporary and forward-looking institution,” says JU provost Dr. Chris Sapienza. “It is another step in our trajectory to also become a premier educational institution.”
Life Unfolding: Art as Respite
Hillary Whitaker Gallery is highlighting two artists this fall, Christina Foard and Wyanne Thompson, whose works beckon with vibrant color and shape. While primarily abstract, the works give hints from life that add to their narrative qualities and ability to connect with viewers through their unfolding stories.
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