Jacksonville’s Art Galleries: A Guide for Students and Visitors

Jacksonville, Florida, is a city with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. One of the ways to explore and appreciate this heritage is by visiting the art galleries that showcase the works of local and national artists. Whether you are a student or a visitor, you can find art galleries that suit your interests and preferences. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the art galleries that are located on the campuses of Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) and the University of North Florida (UNF).

Kent Gallery

The Kent Gallery is located on the westside campus of FSCJ, at 11901 Beach Boulevard. It is open from Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free. The gallery features rotating exhibitions of contemporary art by FSCJ students, faculty, alumni, and guest artists. The gallery also hosts lectures, workshops, and receptions that provide opportunities for learning and networking. Some of the past exhibitions include “The Art of Recycling”, “The Art of Healing”, and “The Art of Diversity”.

Wilson Center for the Arts

The Wilson Center for the Arts is located on the main campus of FSCJ, at 11901 Beach Boulevard. It is open from Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free. The center consists of four venues: the Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Performing Arts, the Art Gallery, the Studio Theatre, and the Lakeside Room. The Art Gallery showcases works by FSCJ students, faculty, alumni, and guest artists in various media, such as painting, photography, sculpture, and ceramics. The gallery also hosts special events, such as artist talks, demonstrations, and receptions. Some of the recent exhibitions include “The Art of Fashion”, “The Art of Nature”, and “The Art of Technology”.

University Gallery

The University Gallery is located on the campus of UNF, at 1 UNF Drive. It is open from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free. The gallery exhibits works by UNF students, faculty, alumni, and guest artists in various disciplines, such as painting, drawing, printmaking, graphic design, photography, sculpture, and installation. The gallery also organizes educational programs, such as lectures, workshops, tours, and publications. Some of the current and upcoming exhibitions include “The Art of Social Justice”, “The Art of Animation”, and “The Art of Collaboration”.

If you are interested in exploring the art scene in Jacksonville, these galleries are a great place to start. You can enjoy the creativity and diversity of the artists, learn about their techniques and inspirations, and support their endeavors. You can also discover new perspectives and ideas that can enrich your own artistic expression. Whether you are an art lover or an art maker, you will find something that appeals to you in these galleries.

There are many other art galleries in Jacksonville that you can visit and enjoy. Here are some of them:

• The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens: This is one of the largest and most diverse art museums in the Southeast. It houses a historic garden and extensive artworks from ancient to contemporary times. You can explore the permanent collection, which includes masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, Winslow Homer, Norman Rockwell, and more. You can also check out the temporary exhibitions, which feature various themes and media. The museum also offers educational programs, events, and tours for all ages.
• Southlight Gallery: This is an art gallery that sells local fine arts. It is located in the heart of downtown Jacksonville, in a historic building that was once a bank. The gallery showcases works by over 30 artists, who work in different styles and techniques. You can find paintings, sculptures, photographs, prints, and more. The gallery also hosts monthly art walks, where you can meet the artists and enjoy live music and refreshments.
• The Vault at 1930: This is a unique art gallery that showcases contemporary, abstract, and impressionist artworks. It is located in a former bank vault that was built in 1930. The gallery features works by local and national artists, as well as international artists from Europe and Asia. You can admire the original vault door, the marble walls, and the antique chandeliers as you browse the artworks. The gallery also offers custom framing, art consultation, and delivery services.
• Ritz Theatre & Museum: This is a historic theatre and museum that shows arts that showcase African-American culture. It is located in the LaVilla neighborhood, which was once known as the “Harlem of the South”. The theatre hosts live performances, such as music, dance, comedy, and drama. The museum exhibits artifacts, photographs, documents, and memorabilia that tell the story of the African-American experience in Northeast Florida. You can also learn about the local legends, such as James Weldon Johnson, Zora Neale Hurston, Ray Charles, and more.

These are just some of the art galleries that you can find in Jacksonville. There are many more to discover and appreciate.

Some of these galleries have virtual tours that you can access online. For example:

• The MOCA Jacksonville offers 360-degree virtual tours of its exhibitions, with clickable works that display more information and enlarged images. You can also book a live guided virtual tour with a museum educator for your group. You can find the link to the self-guided virtual tour on their website.
• The CoRK Arts District has a virtual tour of its studios, where you can see the works of various local artists. You can also learn more about their backgrounds, styles, and projects. You can access the virtual tour from their homepage.
• The Google Arts & Culture platform has a collection of virtual reality tours of art galleries from around the world, including some in Jacksonville. You can explore the artworks in immersive 3D, zoom in on details, and listen to audio guides. You can browse the virtual tours by theme, location, or partner institution.

MOCA Jacksonville, allows you to book a live guided virtual tour with a museum educator for your group by contacting the education team at mocaeducation@unf.edu or 904-620-3212.

The admission fees for MOCA Jacksonville vary depending on the type of membership and the time of visit, The admission fees are as follows:

• General admission: $8 for adults, $5 for seniors, military, and students with ID, free for children under 2.
• UNF students, faculty, and staff: Free with valid UNF ID.
• MOCA members: Free with valid membership card. Membership starts at $60 for individuals and $125 for families.
• Vystar Free Saturdays: Free admission for everyone on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Museum Nights: Free admission for everyone on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

However, the admission is currently free for everyone while the elevator is under renovation, which is expected to last until November 18, 2023. This means that there is no upper level access during this time, and only the first and second floors are accessible by stairs.