Laura Street near Hemming Plaza became a combination of First Wednesday Art Walk and International PARK(ing) Day on Friday when seven artists set up temporary galleries in parking spaces along the street.
The inaugural “Park Your Art” was a way to showcase the work of local artists and bring awareness to nonprofit organizations, said Casie Casula, Museum of Contemporary Art website manager and graphic designer.
She’s also a past president of The Contemporaries, the museum’s auxiliary group for young professionals and the sponsors of “Park Your Art.”
Artists paid $25 for each space, with proceeds benefiting the museum.
“Instead of paying to park a car in the space for a day, we parked art in the space instead,” said Casula.
Each installation was an opportunity for the artist to display his or her work and each exhibit had a theme related to a local nonprofit.
Photographer Stephanie Sperber exhibited her work at the Learn to Read space. She said giving away books at the exhibit and distributing information about the organization helped people understand the importance of adult literacy.
“It’s also a great way to get people to come Downtown,” she said.
The Contemporaries host social and art appreciation events each year, including the signature New Year’s Eve party, “333NYE.”
This year’s theme will be “Welcome to the Future.” The highlight of the evening will be an interactive video-game installation along with dancing, cocktails and a midnight ball-drop countdown.
For more information about The Contemporaries, visit mocajacksonville.org/membership or call 366-6911, ext. 207.
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