Archaeological finds have shown that Jacksonville was inhabited as early as 2500 BC. Since then the city has developed solid footing in the financial and distribution areas of the economy, and serves as a venue for many theatrical and musical events.

ART GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS

• At the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA), visitors can view a range of constantly changing exhibitions showcasing the work of today's artists. Pieces by the likes of Joan Mitchell, Hans Hofmann and Ed Paschke are held in the permanent collection, while exhibits such as "Art of the 1980s" and "The Human Object As Toy" are displayed in attached rooms. The building itself is historic, in the Art Deco style, originally serving as the Western Union Telegraph Building.

• See a strong collection of European and American paintings at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. In addition to the works of famous Dutch, Italian and French sculptors and painters, the museum features a collection of much sought-after Meissan Porcelain. The museum itself was established in 1961, with the gardens dating to as early as 1903. In recent years, the gardens were added to the National Register of Historic Places.

• For a different take on the arts scene, the Riverside Arts Market runs on Saturdays from March to December each year. Featuring a spectacular array of handmade pottery, jewelry, artworks and foods, the regular event draws visitors from all over to visit the impromptu exhibitons set up below the Fuller Warren Bridge. With artists known nationally stopping by to display their wares, there is always something to see or buy.

• At the CoRK Arts District, artist studios and gallery space intertwine to provide more than 80,000 square feet of artistic endeavor within the 1920s-era warehouse. Though the galleries are not always open to the public, appointments can be made, and regular events open the doors to the community. The building houses the workspaces of more than 50 artists.

• Stellers Gallery
• J Johnson Gallery
• Avondale Artworks
• Museum of Science and History
• Southlight Gallery
• Fairfax Gallery
• Jacksonville Children's Museum
• Beaches Museum
• Jacksonville Museum of Military History
• University of North Florida Fine Arts Center
• Alexander Brest Museum & Gallery
• Clay County Historical Society
• Karpeles Manuscript Library Jacksonville Museum

Jacksonville, Florida.

ARTISTIC INSTITIUTIONS

• The nationally recognized Art Institute offers hands-on degrees in the culinary arts, graphic design, fashion design, animation and more, with more than 40 campuses around North America. The Jacksonville campus serves as a branch of the Miami International University of Art and Design.

• At Flagler College students can study theatre, advertising, art history, illustration and more. The college's Department of Art and Design offers four selections for art and design majors and six minors. Founded in 1968, the college is located in St. Augustine, within the Jacksonville Metropolitan Area, on the grounds of the former Ponce de Leon Hall and hotel, which was built in 1888.

• Study visual arts, theatre, music or dance at Jacksonville University. With visual art focuses in ceramics, animation, sculpture, photography, glass and more, the university offers programs to suit any interest. Founded in 1934 as a two-year college, the institution officially became a university and began awarding 4-year degrees in 1958. Today, six colleges offer over 70 degree programs. The College of Fine Arts is integrated with the Alexander Brest Museum and Gallery.

• The College of Art and Design at the University of North Florida gives students the opportunity to study photography, ceramics, art history, sculpture, and more. A leader in the green building movement, multiple buildings on the university's campus have been LEED-certified. The campus' own Fine Arts Center houses the Department of Music, as well as a 1400-seat performance hall and multiple rehearsal rooms.

• Take life drawing classes at Art Center Co Operative
• Study music at Edward Walters College
• Begin a career in the culinary arts or graphic design with Florida Technical College
• At the Murray Hill Art Center, learn pottery and sculpture with the Art League of Jacksonville
• Have fun with oils and acrylics at Painting With A Twist
• The Jacksonville Center for the Arts offers workshops for youth and established artists

NATIVE ARTISTS

There are plenty of artistic people originally from, or currently living in Jacksonville, Florida!

• Multi-talented artist Mildred Thompson worked as a painter, sculptor, photographer, drawer and printmaker.

• John Pacheco is a glass maker who designs stained glass windows.

• Figurative painter Ilan Aronovici creates realistic interpretive pieces with strong color.

• Actors Ashley Greene, of Twilight fame.

• Supermodel Yoanna House was an America's Next Top Model winner.

• Famous caricaturist to the stars, Ken Fallin

• Singers Johnny Van Zant and Ronnie Van Zant of Lynard Skynyrd.

ART AND CURLTURAL EVENTS

Annual Events

• For more than 35 years, the Art and Antiques Show has been a staple of the Jacksonville event scene. Held as a fundraiser for the local Children's Hospital, the show features exhibits and retail booths showcasing the finest arts and crafts the area as to offer, over a three day period. Since the event began, it has raised more than 20 million dollars for the hospital.

• The World of Nations Celebration lets guests travel the world without boarding an airplane. An array of venues and locations around the city host various local cultures, who bring out the best of their art, food and music to share the wonders of their heritage with visitors. Spanning four days, the event celebrates countries such as Kenya, India, Peru, Syria and Nigeria.

• Founded in 2003, the Jacksonville Film Festival runs for three days in May, and showcases the independent films of artists around the world. The festival achieved wide recognition after its second season, when the movie premiered - Napoleon Dynamite - became a cult hit. The event shows films from more than 20 countries around the world.

Other Events and Sights to See

• First Friday Art Walks
• Jacksonville Landing
• Douglas Anderson Writer's Festival
• Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
• Hanna Park
• Kingsley Plantation
• Florida Theatre
• Friendship Fountain
• Natural Life Music Festival

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