Shannon Blankinship
The Year of the River is an initiative by Cultural Fusion Jax bringing together more than 50 institutions to raise awareness of the St. Johns River as the “cultural current” of our city and an important driver for economic development, recreation, tourism and quality of life throughout Northeast Florida. @CulturalFusionJax #yotr
One of the most unique collaborations surrounding the Year of the River lineup of activities is the Envirofest, a family friendly event centered on raising environmental awareness through the arts, education, and music. This event is a partnership between the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and the City of Jacksonville’s Environmental Protection Board, which develops regulations necessary for administration and enforcement of the city’s environmental laws. The EPB conducts investigations of complaints, takes testimony in matters under its jurisdiction, and provides a hearing platform for environmental matters within the city. Together, these two partners have created a free unique riverfront event.
Kids of all ages will have the opportunity to participate in recycled art projects, take tours from Museum educators, create community art projects, and learn about water conservation. A book reading from Wings, Worms, and Wonder: A Guide for Creatively Integrating Gardening and Outdoor Learning by Kelly Johnson will connect kids to the fun of gardening. Including art and science together in the outdoors allows for a much deeper and more lasting appreciation for our world, including natural assets here in north Florida like the St. Johns River. The river is more than the science and chemistry that constitutes its water quality. The river is also an inspiration for artists and musicians. We should protect it for all of these reasons.
Not only will families be able to enjoy live music in the incredible Historic Gardens, but they will also be able to see Reflections: Artful Perspectives on the St. Johns River before the show closes. Reflections has invited local artists Emily Arthur, Sarah Crooks Flaire, Jim Draper, Doug Eng, David Engdahl, Brian Frus, Tiffany Melanson, Hiromi Moneyhun, Allison Watson, and Barry Wilson to reinterpret works of the Museum’s Permanent Collection based on their own style and perspective. This is one of north Florida’s most powerful exhibitions of the year.
Kids activities will include programs from:
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection
- Florida Yards & Neighborhoods
- Friends of Northeast Florida Community Gardens
- GastroJax
- Melrose Avenue Preschool
- St. Johns Riverkeeper
- Wings, Worms and Wonder
Mark your calendar and visit www.cummermuseum.org for more information.
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