Thanks to the support of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, JAX Chamber, JEA, and United Way of Northeast Florida, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens was able to provide high quality art experiences to a diverse cross-section of the community for free. The day included live music, an Ecumenical Prayer for Peace with local faith leaders and the FSCJ Chorale organized by OneJax, and pop-up art-making activities at the Cummer Museum. The Museum also hosted an art-making activity at the Ritz Theatre and Museum for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Foundation’s MLK Holiday Celebration. Free trolley service was available between the two museums, making both experiences accessible to the community. The Museum welcomed 1,131 visitors to its campus, many of whom were visiting for the first time, and more than 140 visitors at its booth at the Ritz Theatre and Museum.
“Today was our very first visit to the Museum and it was absolutely wonderful. The property on the river is breathtaking, the Museum staff is super friendly, the ‘Exploring with Kids’ guide made for an interactive experience, and there were lots of fun, hands-on activities for the children to enjoy. Thank you so much for opening the Museum’s doors on Martin Luther King Day so we could celebrate by enjoying one of Jacksonville’s gems.” – Dorsett & Nevin Families
Visitors used watercolor resist methods to create works of art depicting what peace means to them. More than 450 works of art were made by members of the greater Jacksonville community, and some have been combined to form Art Peace – a collective message of unity, from and for the community. The work is now on display in the Cummer Café. Drop by the Museum to see the installation in person!
