Staff Writer

For a couple of years the west corridor on the first floor at the Landing has been home to the Heart Gallery, which showcases portraits of children available for adoption, and Art of Hope Gallery, where disabled artist Tony Ryals paints and sells his work.

Those venues have been joined by two new art endeavors situated between Hana & Her Sister Jewelry and the Nine West Outlet. Both are part of the “Off the Grid” gallery partnership between Downtown property owners, the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville and Downtown Vision, Inc. It connects artists who need space to exhibit with property owners who have storefronts that aren’t leased. It gives the artists the opportunity to share their creativity with the world and affords the landlords a chance to improve the streetscape by eliminating empty spaces.

Studio 106 debuted at this month’s Art Walk. Joey Thate is one of eight artists who exhibit there and the only one who is currently creating a new painting on location.

“I really liked this space as soon as I saw it. There’s enough room to do large scale paintings,” he said.

Thate described himself as “primarily self-taught” as an artist. He moved to Jacksonville about a year ago to break into the art scene and had no idea that within a short time he’d have a gallery up and running.

“I think it’s amazing that the Cultural Council and DVI have made this kind of thing happen. I’m lucky to be here at the Landing because it’s the perfect spot for a gallery. It’s a hub,” said Thate.

Adrian Pickett is putting the finishing touches on the Landing’s latest art exhibit space this week. The gallery which bears his name opens Monday.

Pickett said his decision on the name was inspired by musical artist B.B. King. The legendary blues guitarist has become even more famous among local music fans for his tradition of inviting fans into his tour bus for a chat after every concert at The Florida Theatre. During one of those chats, King told Pickett something that inspired him to one day open an art gallery.

“He told me the reason artists don’t make a lot of money while they are alive is because they don’t get enough exposure. He also said I have to brand myself,” said Pickett.

His gallery won’t want for exposure with its location next door to Hana & Her Sister and across the hall from The Body Shop.

Pickett is also self taught and draws in charcoal and pastels. His work has a photographic quality not often found in the medium.

His goal is “To bring a different feel to the Landing,” he said. The location is paying benefits even before the gallery is open.

“I’m getting a lot of positive feedback about being at the Landing. Everybody in Jacksonville knows about it,” said Pickett. “I hope bringing more art here will help bring more attention to Downtown.”

One thing he’s sure will bring attention to his gallery is the portrait that will be in the front window on the gallery’s first day. It’s Pickett’s charcoal drawing of University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow.

Studio 106 is open Monday-Friday from noon-3 p.m. The Adrian Pickett Gallery opens Monday and will be open weekdays from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

For more information about the “Off the Grid” program and other Downtown gallery locations visit www.culturalcouncil.org.

mmarbut@baileypub.com

356-2466