We are open for artists.
We are open for poets.
We are open for zinesters.
We are open for readers.
#We are open for Art Walk
Celebrate our community's deep pool of creative talent on the first Wednesday of each month in Downtown Jacksonville! The Main Library is directly across from James Weldon Johnson Park, from one of Art Walk's three major hubs of activity. We host student art shows, teen open mic nights and more! Plus, it's the perfect time to take a self-guided tour of murals, maps and public art found throughout your library headquarters.
Don't forget to pick up a Map & Guide to the Main Library on your way in!
#Art Exhibits
The Written Word: Featuring 26 Local Artists
“If a picture is worth a thousand words, then is a word or even one letter worth a thousand pictures?.” - Sarah Crooks, juror
The Main Library and The Art Center (TAC) and The Jacksonville Artists Guild present: The Written Word, running June 1- July 31 in the first floor Gallery at Main Library. Each piece is inspired by an artist's favorite piece of the written word whether a book, quote, poem, historic love letters or song lyrics.
There are 56 pieces in all.
Natural Narrative: Art by Marsha Hatcher
Natural Narrative is a series of images that blend photography and drawing together to create stunning images that explore the relationship between nature and humanity and the ways in which we interact with and impact the natural world around us.
Marsha Hatcher is an African American visual artist born and raised in South Georgia. She has called Jacksonville, Florida, her home for the past 35 years.
Natural Narrative is presented by The Art Center Cooperative, Inc. and runs May 19 - July 19 on the second and third floors of the Main Library.
#Drop-In Activities
D&D Movie and Crafts in the Teen Room
Did you miss any of our Dungeon Master Summer Academy craft activities like DIY Dungeon Tiles or Fantasy Maps? Join us Wednesday, July 5 during Art Walk from 5 - 8 p.m. for a night of makeup D&D crafts and writing D&D adventures while watching the new film: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves! Snacks will be available (while supplies last).
Note: The event begins at 5 p.m. The movie screening starts at 5:30 p.m.
Tabletop Players Welcome
Our "Tabletop Tuesday" group will be doing a Dungeons & Dragons one-shot adventure for adults from 6 - 8:30 p.m. in the Zine Zone during Art Walk. No experience is required. Just bring your creativity!
You can also catch them Tuesdays from 4 - 5:30 p.m. for all kinds of tabletop adventures, games and workshops for new players.
Zinester Materials Exchange
Make, trade, read and discuss zines with local zinesters and comic makers at our monthly Zinester Meetup.
The group meets in the Main Library "Zine Zone" from 6 - 8:30 p.m., next to the Zine Collection and across from the first-floor gallery. It's the perfect time to check out the Zine Collection or submit your zine or self-published comic to the library!
For more about the Library's Zine Collection, visit jaxlibrary.org/zines.
#Bicentennial Bell
The Jacksonville Historical Society unveiled the new 225 lb bronze Bicentennial Bell last month during Art Walk. If you missed it, good news: The bell will remain on display here until a permanent site is secured.
Although similar to the Liberty Bell, the commemorative nature is different... instead of ringing for freedom, the Bicentennial Bell marks a milestone in Jacksonville's history, while also heralding the city's bright future," Gibson Evans told Action News Jax.
