Given the restrictions put in place to protect residents during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, it would be impossible for downtown Jacksonville’s First Wednesday Art Walk to go on as planned. The pandemic already forced Downtown Vision into canceling the monthly art festival in April and May.
But now, the organization is re-tooling its signature event in time for June’s “Bold City Pride” celebration, planning a weekly “art scroll” virtual experience in celebration of the city’s LGBTQIA+ community.
The Bold City Pride Art Scroll will be presented each week in June (June 3, 10, 17, and 24), with events at 12:00 PM and 5:30 or 6:00 PM on each day. It will be streamed live from the Downtown Jacksonville Art Walk Facebook page.
The festivities kick off at noon on June 3 with a live painting presentation by Nico Suave of Kids Mural Project. At 6:00 PM, Firewater Tent Revival will perform live, and the winners of the Color Our Logo Contest will be announced. The contest allows kids to creatively color the Downtown Jacksonville logo and submit their work for a chance to win one of three family members to MOCA Jax, MOSH, or The Cummer.
On June 10, artist Itzcali Huichol will discuss her story and showcase her hand-stitched accessories at noon. At 5:30 PM, Dansations Performing Arts Center will perform a virtual dance recital following an interview with Kim McDonough and graduating seniors. You’ll also be able to enter to win a piece of local art on the Art Walk Facebook page.
On June 17, a presentation by artist Jennifer Mangaoang is scheduled at noon, with a virtual cabaret by The 5 & Dime Theatre at 6:00.
And on June 24, at noon, downtown retailer Wolf + Cub will discuss how they got started and what the Bold City Pride celebration means to them. The month will be capped off at 6:00 PM by an evening with JASMYN and Metro to celebrate Pride Month.
For more information on the planned events, check out iloveartwalk.com.
