by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
The April edition of the First Wednesday Art Walk lived up to expectations with throngs exploring Downtown’s galleries, entertainment venues and businesses in perfect weather.
While Hemming Plaza was filled as usual with those who share their creative endeavors just once a month, several exhibits debuted and will be available for viewing for the next three weeks.
The Florida Bank on West Bay Street is showing a collection of art by children who are part of the Guardian ad Litem program. The bank provided blank piggy banks for the young artists to paint.
Branch Manager Tanya Guydos said the art will be in the bank lobby through the end of the month in recognition of April being “Financial Awareness Month.” April 21 is national “Teach Your Children to Save Day.”
The Zodiac Grill on West Adams Street is also serving as a gallery through the end of the month, showing paintings by attorneys and other supporters of Jacksonville Area Legal Aid.
Proceeds from the sale of the art will benefit the legal aid programs, said Deborah Reid, an attorney with Rumrell Law.
Retired University of North Florida art professor Paul Ladnier debuted an exhibit at his “Gallery L” at Independent Square during Art Walk.
“Artists Giving Back” is an exhibition and sale of work by Dottie Dorion, Larry Davis, Jim Draper, Raquel Rodriguez, Allison Watson, Tony Wood and Ladnier. Proceeds will benefit Volunteers in Medicine, a Downtown clinic that serves people who are employed but cannot afford health insurance. Dorion is a founder of the clinic.
The gallery is hosting a reception for the artists at 6 p.m. April 15. Jazz pianist Noel Freidline will perform.
Ladnier, who opened Gallery L on the second floor of the building seven years ago, said he has been part of the growth of Art Walk and the Downtown arts community.
“This gallery was ‘off the grid’ before anyone knew what that was. Even with the slow economy, Jacksonville is exploding artistically. When the economy starts to improve, we’ll be in a position to take advantage of it,” said Ladnier.
The next First Wednesday Art Walk is 5-9 p.m. May 4, rain or shine. For more information, visit www.downtownjacksonville.org.
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