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 | Featured Artist | Exhibits
More Free Activities | F.A.Q.
Art Tours of the Main Library
From Dea Sims, one of our volunteer docents: 
"My favorite? Kathryn Freeman’s murals—two huge canvases that turn the stairwells between the 2nd and 3rd floors into a community treasure hunt. When the artist was designing the murals, local school children were invited to submit ideas of what to include, so you’ll find very Jacksonville touches: cows in the Cummer gardens, kids fishing off Memorial Park, even Eartha White leading a children’s choir! Look closer and you’ll also spot surprises—Balto the sled dog trotting on a Florida sidewalk, Hedwig the owl from Harry Potter flying across the riverfront, and more than twenty tiny mice, all reading books. And from right here on the third-floor landing? Best view in the library. The Children’s Library is directly across the courtyard, and that fountain is beautiful—yes, a fountain on the second floor!"
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).
Artist Interview Dr. Beysa Aslan
Get to know this month's featured local artist at Beaches Branch.
Tell us about your exhibit.
I'm an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of North Florida. I study lightning modeling to estimate the change in the electric potential due to lightning and conducts data analysis in various areas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I combined two passions—mathematics and crocheting—as a creative outlet while isolating at home with my children. The result is many of the mathematical objects you will see at the exhibition. As I shared my work with friends and colleagues, my passion for demonstrating the beautiful intersection of mathematics and art only grew. I especially hope my creations help students see the fun side of mathematics and spread the message: 'Math is fun!'
What would you like our library patrons to know?
Crochet makes math tangible. You can touch it, twist it, and see it from every angle. The best way to enjoy the exhibit is to scan the QR codes next to the pieces. You’ll discover how every creation is deeply connected to fascinating mathematical concepts. Three-dimensional pieces can be found in the display boxes at the entrance of the library. Two-dimensional works are displayed in the back. Let math come alive—through loops, patterns, and the art of crochet. Enjoy!
How has your art practice changed over time?
I initially followed directions from books and blogs to recreate works created by others. Over time, I realized that I enjoy the challenge of recreating mathematical designs by crocheting them in a circular manner. As a result, most of my recent work has been two-dimensional. I also enjoy crocheting designs that have cultural significance for my heritage, as this helps me connect to my roots and culture.
The exhibit will be up February 2nd to the 27th at Beaches Branch and I will have an opening event on Feb 7th 12-2pm. Come by!
Exhibits
The 2026 Northeast Florida Scholastic Art Awards (NEFSAA) Gold Key Exhibition begins on February 12th at Main Library. There are hundreds of pieces of award-winning student art on display - so much so that you'll have to visit the first three floors to see it all.
For more than 100 years, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have supported the future of creativity by offering millions of students in grades 7-12 the opportunity for recognition, exhibition, publication and scholarships. For the past 15 years, NEFSAA has been the regional visual art affiliate for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards -- offering recognition, celebration of, and college scholarship offers for visual art students in our area.
The 2026 NEFSAA season collected and adjudicated 3,284 student submissions. This year 1,735 awards were distributed, including 297 Gold, 518 Silver, and 920 Honorable Mentions. Gold Key winners at the regional level automatically go on to the national competition.
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.
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.
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.
