Looking To the Past To Create Our Future
The Art of the Jessie By Caitlin Flynn Buildings echo the past, even as they await the future. One of Jacksonville’s most iconic buildings, the Haydon Burns Library, had strong historic and architectural roots in the community. But in 2005, after a new Main Library opened, it lay dormant. Until 2013. That’s when the ghosts of the past were swept away and the Jessie Ball duPont Fund Board of Trustees invested in its renovation....
The Eyes of the World
FROM D-DAY TO V-E DAY A Night of Heroism, Humanity, and Hope Experience a one-night-only musical, multimedia event that brings the final months of World War II to life while raising funds for Wolfson Children’s Hospital on September 30th. Boston Pops at Symphony Hall Wednesday, May 29, 2024 in Boston. (Photo by Winslow Townson) The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to V-E Day Keith Lockhart, conductor John Monsky, historian and...
Inaugural JAX Contemporary: MOCA Jacksonville Arts Triennial Ignites the City’s Creative Spirit
By Ylva Rouse Senior Curator, MOCA Jacksonville Photos by Camille Garzon A palpable buzz of excitement filled the air at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Jacksonville on the night of April 10, as participating artists from the greater Jacksonville area, together with family and friends, streamed through the doors for the inaugural “JAX Contemporary: MOCA Jacksonville Arts Triennial” opening celebration. More than 750 members of...
The Conversation Cady Huffman Tony Award-winning actress, singer, director, and producer
On August 23 and 24, the Florida Theatre and Theatre Jacksonville will present their second annual Broadway musical in concert, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, starring acclaimed artist Cady Huffman, who will be in town to play the role of Pseudolus. Huffman has so many theater, film, TV, digital, music, and directing credits that it’s impossible to list them all. Highlights include her performance as Ulla in The...
Saving the Blue Heart: The Ichetucknee River Story
Words by Betsy Schifanella Photos by Tom Schifanella Sacred Waters With early morning mist rising from the crystal-clear run, only birdsong breaks the morning quiet, while spider webs drip with dew. This is a magical paddle over a swirling aquatic garden. Nine named blue-holed springs, frolicking otters, manatees, wading birds, a myriad of fish and maybe even an alligator, make the upper portion of the Ichetucknee an intimate...
The Art of Belonging: Celebrating 10 Years of the Jessie Ball duPont Center’s Mission
As the Jessie Ball duPont Center—known as The Jessie—celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025, we reflect on how this beautifully restored mid-century modern architectural landmark has become a vibrant engine for community engagement, cultural dialogue, and nonprofit collaboration in downtown Jacksonville. Originally serving as the main public library, The Jessie now stands as a testament to the vision and legacy of the Jessie...

