Celebrate our community's creative talent with us at Art Walk, on the first Wednesday of each month in Downtown Jacksonville. This November 5th, 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 more.
Art Tours | Local Art
Artist Interview | More Free Activities
F.A.Q.
# Art Tours of the Main Library
From Dea Sims, one of our volunteer docents:
"Yes, we give tours during Art Walk each month—but I think guests enjoy the history behind the art just as much as the art itself! The Ribault Landing canvas is a relatively reliable litmus test for our guests: how you pronounce “Ribault” is often a giveaway as to whether or not you are a Jacksonville native. "
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).
# 'Candlelight'
This December, The Artist Center Cooperative and the Jacksonville Artists' Guild bring us the exhibit 'Candlelight'. With rich color and moody compositions, 24 artists showcase their perspectives of the season and its contrasts.
As you tour the space, ask yourself if the artist has chosen to paint light itself or what light does. Have they chosen to connect to a specific holiday of this season, such as Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or Christmas. Are the figures depicted solitary and in shadow or in clusters and bathed in light?
The exhibition is free and open to all. There will be a reception during Art Walk, from 5:30 pm to 8pm.
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# Artist Interview w/ Abby Howard Murphy
Get to know this month's featured local artist.
Tell us about your exhibit.
Local Color is my solo show. There are 30 pieces, mostly plain air, with a few studio pieces. It's all Northeast Florida, lots of Jacksonville. Not just our fabulous skyline day and night, but tugs at Dames Point, Avondale sidewalks, Klutho Park, Riverside, Chamblin's and more. One is even a sketch from the library terrace with a view towards the river. It really comes from my love of our area and what grows here.
There's a reception during Art Walk, from 5:30pm to 8pm. Come by, there'll be holiday treats! It's hosted by the Jacksonville Artists Guild.
What would you like our library patrons to know about your work?
Most of the paintings were completed on site, out of doors, observing actual colors and the play of light in the moment. They celebrate my hometown and the natural world. I hope they resonate with viewers. Maybe trigger a fond memory or inspire them to get out and explore the wild spaces and living things that define their own hometown.
How has your practice changed over time?
I'm self-taught, a lifelong student. Started with oils in the 1990s and won some awards, but I was pursuing my career at the time. In 2016, I got into plain air painting. I'm more fearless with color now, but still developing my style. Won several quick draw awards, those two-hour painting challenges. Weather and light are unpredictable outdoors, so the finished product is always a surprise.
Anything else you'd like to share?
I'm a member of Oil Painters of America, Florida Artists Group, First Coast Plein Air Painters, and others. My work has been featured at various galleries and collected on four continents. The paintings displayed are for sale.
# More 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.
This week, Professor Andrew Kozlowski will be hosting the meetup and introducing the infinite zine and a flower zine. 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.
This month's games:
- King of Tokyo
- Kites
- Trash Pandas
- Allplay Fiction
# F.A.Q.
1. What time does Art Walk start? What time does it end?
Jacksonville Art Walk runs from 5pm. to 9pm, every first Wednesday of every month.
2. Where is Art Walk located?
Art Walk happens in downtown Jacksonville, and the Main Library is located on 303 N. Laura St.
3. What about cost? Is Art Walk free? Do I have to pay for parking?
Art Walk is free. The parking garage on Duval St. has $5 special event parking. All the events held in the library are also free.
4. Can I bring children? Is Art Walk kid-friendly?
Absolutely! We welcome kids of all ages.
