Artist Joy Leverette went to the inaugural One Spark in April 2013 with an idea already coalescing in her mind about creating a performance art space Downtown in an empty storefront.
She visited the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville’s booth at the festival and learned about the Spark Grant Program that was created to activate and program the Spark District in the core of Downtown.
Four months later, Leverette was one of four artists introduced as the first Spark Grant recipients. Her “Looking Lab: Art in Empty Storefronts” was unveiled April 2 at 47 W. Adams St.
“I had the idea to live in an empty storefront as a performance and I want to advocate for affordable Downtown residential options for artists,” she said.
Part of the Spark grant criteria is to fund projects that will
have the greatest impact and multiple outcomes, so Leverette’s project includes two other installations –– a gallery space at 107 E. Bay St. and the “Windows of City Hall” exhibit that includes visual art and dance performances.
The artist spends much of her time in the space along Adams Street, but it’s not a 24/7 exhibit.
“I do have a family and a part-time job, so I’m allowed to leave,” Leverette said.
An easel is set up near the window, where Levertee paints, and the space is decorated with some of her work. The furnishings and décor are provided by Agnes Agatha Homemaker Shop.
A live webcam is part of the exhibit and may be viewed at lookinglabjax.com.
The next step for the space will be installation of video monitors that will show the activities of life such as cooking, hair washing and painting, Leverette said.
Until May 8, Looking Lab will offer a street-level glimpse of the daily routine of an artist.
“It’s sort of the same, but kind of different every day,” said Leverette.
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