by Bradley Parsons
Staff Writer
Citing a lack of culture and a somber nightlife, Claudia Godina left Jacksonville 22 years ago for the more sophisticated trappings of the Northeast.
Godina was back in town Wednesday night for the first time in 15 years and what she saw happening downtown surprised her.
“I’m amazed; when I left in 1981, one of the big reasons was because there was absolutely no culture,” said Godina.
The Jacksonville Godina returned to Wednesday evening featured couples walking arm in arm down brightly lit streets, mothers towing children, bands, DJ’s, cocktails and local artists, displaying their best work with some of the City’s most picturesque locations as a backdrop.
For at least one night, downtown was alive. It was exactly what Tony Allegretti was hoping for when he helped plan Jacksonville’s first Wednesday Art Walk. The event showcased local art, often with local themes, in eight downtown locations. Allegretti said he hoped last night was a glimpse into downtown’s future.
“There were two main concepts behind the Art Walk,” said Allegretti. “One was to showcase what downtown has to offer after 5 p.m. We wanted pedestrians walking the City’s street fronts, stepping into some of our newer or revamped buildings.
“Second, we wanted to put on display this City’s deep pool of artistic talent.”
Each location offered a distinctly different flavor. Inside Historic Snyder Memorial building, soft piano music echoed through the dimly–lit, cavernous interior. Two blocks south, Reggae and jazz pulsed through the lobby of 100 Laura St. At the landing, a three–piece band called the Lightfoot Brigade produced a sound described by venue organizer Nikki Townsend as “smooth, funky, jazzy coolness.”
Also at the Landing, John Beard, a painter and newcomer to Jacksonville’s art scene put his work on display for the first time.
He said he used to laugh when his mom, also an artist, got pre–show jitters. Now, he was tasting them for the first time. He said he was heartened by the turnout and the reaction he received.
“I wasn’t sure how many people to expect,” said Beard. “But so far, we’ve had a really nice turnout and people have been very encouraging.
“When a City embraces artistic expression it contributes depth and culture; it attracts diversity, different forms of expression; it makes it a City worth living in.”