by Monica Chamness
Staff Writer
Ever wondered what it is artists do behind closed doors? Works of art certainly don’t appear out of thin air and few people have the opportunity to witness the creative process.
The Women’s Center’s annual Open Doors Artists Studio Tour offers a glimpse into the creative process of several Riverside and Avondale artists.
Part fundraiser, promotional campaign and art festival, the tour is scheduled for Sunday from noon to 5 p.m..
Conceived by Jane Craven, president of the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art, the tour serves to enlighten the public about the museum, expose them to various art forms and generate dollars for the Women’s Center of Jacksonville’s general fund.
“A lot of supporters of the Women’s Center are also supporters of the arts,” explained Craven. “I thought it would be a great opportunity to have a tour in Jacksonville.”
A self-guided tour that stretches over three miles, participants may walk, bike or drive to each of the artist’s homes/studios on the tour, checking out their completed pieces and observing the creative process. There is no set order on how residences can be visited.
The homes of two art collectors, including Craven’s, are also on the tour.
“We picked this area because of the large population of artists,” said Craven.
Included in the tour are artists Sarah Crooks, Nofa Dixon, Hope McMath, Barry Wilson, Liz Burns and Tom Hager.
“They were chosen because of they are professionals that have been working in the field for a long time. They are among the best examples of professional artists in Jacksonville,” said Craven.
As many different mediums as possible were incorporated, including photography, painting and print-making categories.
Attendance averages 400-500 people, subject to the weather. The bulk of the regulars on the tour live in the immediate vicinity, surrounding neighborhoods or the beaches.
The possibility of expanding the tour to other areas of town is currently under debate.
“There are other enclaves in Jacksonville we would like to explore but there are no firm plans yet,” said Craven. A committee will be forming soon to discuss the possible expansion.
The tour could be viewed as serving a financial, social and even educational function.
“It demystifies their working process,” said Craven. “They’re explaining what they’re doing while they are working on pieces. People don’t hesitate to ask questions.”
Advance tickets, which includes a map, are being sold at the Women’s Center in Riverside, Edge City on Park Street, Tania’s Personalized Hair Salon and Hom in San Marco. On Sunday, tickets can be purchased at Fuel Coffeehouse in Five Points for $10 with all proceeds split between the Women’s Center and the artists.
“The tour provides an awareness of what the artist’s work looks like,” said Craven. “When they visit the studio, the patron is able to make a personal connection. The next time that person goes to a gallery, they are more likely to recognize that work and buy a piece.”
Fuel will provide complimentary refreshments for attendees.
In addition to finished works available for sale at each artist’s home, a drawing will be held at Fuel for two donated pieces with tickets costing an additional $10 or three for $15.