by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
It’s not just for volunteers any more.
The Museum of Contemporary Art debuted a new educational enrichment program Wednesday that allows the public to learn more about contemporary art and what’s going on at MOCA.
The first Wednesday of each month, “Art Matters” will present lectures on topics ranging from what’s important about MOCA’s exhibits to the museum’s permanent collection.
The permanent collection was the topic when avid art collector Preston Haskell, MOCA board of trustees immediate past president, shared his thoughts with around 50 people on the works the museum has acquired over the years.
Haskell said the collection has evolved, with its strongest areas being abstract art, figurative art and photography and an emerging pop art series.
He also said MOCA is developing a collection of video art, which is becoming an important part of the contemporary art genre.
Haskell then took the audience on a slideshow tour of the permanent collection exhibit which is on display in the second-floor gallery.
“The current installation is the best it’s ever been,” said Haskell. “It’s a slice of the best of the collection shown in several thematic areas.”
One of the more significant offerings, he said, is the collection of paintings by Robert Motherwell that were recently acquired.
“I never knew the artist but have long admired his work. I have several pieces in my collection, one of which is in my bedroom,” said Haskell. “I have the pleasure of seeing a Motherwell when I wake up in the morning.”
The exhibit also includes 29 prints by Pablo Picasso, who Haskell described as “the most famous, most important artist of the 20th century.”
The Picasso exhibit marks the first time all the prints in the permanent collection have been exhibited at the same time.
“The colors and composition are great and they make a wonderful grouping,” said Haskell.
He also commented on the current feature exhibit, “East/West: Visually Speaking.”
The exhibit, he said, combines with the permanent collection, exhibits by faculty and students from the University of North Florida and the “Imagination Squared” installation in the atrium to represent “the best exhibition this city has ever seen.”
Allison Galloway, MOCA manager of membership and public programs, said the series is a way for the museum to share its resources and offer an opportunity for people to learn about and increase their appreciation for contemporary art.
“It grew out of our docent development program,” she said. “There was so much interest that we decided to open it to the public.”
The next “Art Matters” lecture is Nov. 3 when Jenny Hager, an art professor at UNF, will discuss the work of Alexander Calder. MOCA Curator Ben Thompson will present “The Future of the Permanent Collection” on Dec. 1.
Both will be at 10:30 a.m. Museum members and nonmembers are invited and admission is free.
Visit www.mocajacksonville.org for more details.
356-2466