Celebrate our community's creative talent with us at Art Walk, on the first Wednesday of each month in Downtown Jacksonville. This April 1st, the Main Library stays open until 9 p.m. for the festivities. Pick up a Map & Guide to the Main Library on your way in. During your visit, you'll find plenty of public art, a huge vintage map collection, and activities for everyone.
Art Tours of Main Library
From Dea Sims, one of our volunteer docents:
"I’m always amazed at how many regular library users have never made it all the way up to the Map Room on the fourth floor! It’s a hidden gem in downtown Jacksonville—absolutely stunning at night (and just as beautiful during the day). What a wonderful gift the Ansbacher family has given to our community. One of my favorite pieces is the oldest map in the room—be sure to ask a Special Collections librarian to point it out; it’s right at eye level."
Augusta Savage, Al Held, Kathryn Freeman, Lee Adams, Jerry Uelsmann. Do you know that works by these artists and many more are on permanent display at the Main Library? Come take a 20-minute docent-led tour during Art Walk and rediscover these remarkable paintings, sculptures, and photographs. Tours start every half hour starting at 6 p.m. Meet the docent by the Art Tours sign in the Pajcic Promenade (the entry/hallway on the first floor).
Interview with Teresa Cook
This month's featured artist is Teresa Cook. See her work on display on the third floor of Main Library. 'See Jacksonville' will have a reception during Art Walk, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Tell us about this exhibit.
This exhibit is a celebration of my love for Jacksonville and my ability to express it in various ways, including through my tiny art. This series is a collection of Jacksonville, encompassing both the past and present, and the profound impact I’ve had on the city over my 39 years of living here. Some of the larger paintings feature tiny paintings inside, so take a closer look with a magnifying glass. Each watercolor painting represents a different aspect of my life, showcasing the places I’ve experienced and the places I aspire to visit.
You've had exhibits at the Ritz Theatre, the Cummer Museum, teach classes at MOCA, and you're at the Riverside Arts Market. Why exhibit the library?
The Main Library holds a special place in my heart as a hub of connection and learning. With “See Jacksonville,” my goal is to connect the city and allow more people to discover this exhibition.
How has your practice changed over time?
Over the years, my painting practice has evolved, incorporating my instructor background into each piece. This allows viewers to learn more about me by examining specific details within each painting. I want to provide new insights and foster a deeper appreciation for my art. I believe that every opportunity is a chance to teach and share knowledge.
Is there anything you'd like our patrons to know?
I want the patrons to get to know me better. Besides being a watercolor artist, I’m also a local art instructor for children and adults. I teach at the Ritz Theatre, where I conduct a Holocaust program for Duval County schools, and at MOCA, where I lead their Autism Creates program every third Saturday, Watercolor Flow every fourth Saturday, and live paint the guests every third Wednesday. I also perform live painting at weddings, corporate events, and more. Additionally, I own and create MINIS, a MINI®️ that showcases my tiny art in the back. I also have a “Backyard Studio” where I host private watercolor lessons and teach art to children. Lastly, I recently released my “Jacksonville Watercolor Coloring Book,” which is available online or at Happy Medium Books Cafe.
World's Oldest Skatepark
Kona Skatepark is one of the most iconic skateboarding parks in the world, and you can experience it here, in Arlington. In Skating the World's Oldest Skatepark, a short documentary (produced in 2025), professional skateboarders Dalton and Kanaan Dern team up with their brother and filmmaker, Destin Dern, to give a history lesson on Kona and how it has survived three economic recessions and all the ups and downs of the action sport industry to become the "longest privately owned skatepark" in the world via Guinness Book of World Records
Attend the 27-minute screening during 1st Wednesday Art Walk at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, at the Main Library. A 30-minute conversation will follow with Martin Ramos, owner of Kona Skatepark.
Free Activities
Monthly Zinester Meetup
Do you read zines? Make your own comics? Drop by Zine Zone on the first floor of the Main Library every first Wednesday of the month from 6 - 8:30 p.m. It's a space where zinesters, writers, artists and more meet to network, learn new skills, do group projects, and make art.
If you haven't already, this is also a good time to browse or donate to the Zine Collection.
For more info, visit jaxlibrary.org/zines.
Smash Bros. Tournament
Join us from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Teen Room (on the first floor) for a Super Smash Bros. Tournament for teens (ages 12-18) on the big screen TV.
Board Games
Looking for other adults to play board games with? Join us from 6-8 p.m. in the engagement space on the first floor. Just look for the big red carpet between the gallery and the Zine Zone. Note: Participation from beginning to end is not required and players can join/leave at any time.
