Friday, December 1, 2017

'Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens' presents ‘Champagne & Shopping’

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens presents its annual Champagne & Shopping event from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, December 7 and 8 at the Cummer Shop.  Guests will enjoy holiday music, complimentary champagne, and appetizers, as well as 20% discounts on every purchase, in addition to regular member discounts.  Champagne & Shopping offers a unique opportunity to purchase holiday gifts while also supporting the mission of the Museum.

This year the Cummer Shop is excited to host brands such as: Amelia Toffee Company, Not your Grandma's toffee; Brackish: Original feather bow ties; Italianissimo: Very Italian modern design jewelry; Los Angeles Trading Co: Lifestyle branded items; Melissa & Doug: Toys to ignite the imagination; Mierco: Fine European linens; Museum Coffee House: Brew your next masterpiece; Oberon: Adornments by Lynn Soloway; Tourance: Lush & lavish personal accessories; Wolf & Cub: Cool curiosities; and much, much more!

For further information, please contact the Cummer Shop at
shop@cummermuseum.org, call (904) 899-6035 or follow #ShopTheSeason on Facebook and Instagram for previews of exciting merchandise and details!  Purchases made during the event will support the Cummer Museum’s ongoing mission to engage and inspire through the arts, gardens, and education.

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
   
829 Riverside Avenue

   Jacksonville, Florida 32204
   (904) 356-6857
   
Hours of Operation & Admission

Jeanne Pellegrino “In The Spirit” opens at Thrasher-Horne Galleries

Famed local artist and teacher Jeanne Pellegrino will premiere her newest collection of paintings, “In the Spirit,” at the Thrasher-Horne Galleries.  The exhibit will continue from December 1, 2017 – January 15, 2018, during regular Gallery hours.  “In The Spirit” is a series of Abstract Expressionism and Color Field paintings harnessing the expressive language of color, both gentle and vibrant, to evoke emotional responses from viewers. Inspired by divine revelation, Pellegrino’s art reveals the intimate handiwork of the creator breathing life upon canvas.

Born in Toledo, Ohio, Jeanne Pellegrino pursued her B.F.A., and M.A. at Bowling Green State University, culminating in a Master of Fine Art from Florida State University. After teaching at Jacksonville University, she opened Pellegrino Studios of Fine Art in Orange Park. Pellegrino’s work has been featured in prominent collections including The White House, Florida National Bank, The Haskell Collection, and Jacksonville’s Mayor’s Collection. She was selected for the U.S. State Department’s Art in the Embassies Program, and has been featured in the prestigious Kottler Galleries (NYC). Her work has also been shown in the Cummer Art Gallery and is a part of the University of North Florida’s Art in the Library collection.

“To me, this is one of the most important openings I will have had because of the number of my students from over the years that will be able to attend,” said Pellegrino.  The exhibit will continue from December 1, 2017 – January 15, 2018, during regular Gallery hours of 10 AM
3 PM, with additional hours available by appointment.  Mrs. Pellegrino will also be selling limited edition prints of “America’s Grace,” her most famous work which is housed in the permanent collection of the White House.

Jeanne Pellegrino “In The Spirit

DATES: Now until January 15, 2018

LOCATION: The Thasher-Horne Ctr.

      St. Johns River State College
      
283 College Drive

      Orange Park, FL 32065


The Thrasher-Horne Center is a performing arts venue and conference center owned and operated by St. Johns River State College.  It is located on the Orange Park campus at 283 College Drive in Orange Park, Florida.

Charles Dickens’ classic: ‘A Christmas Carol’ returns to JAX

The Nebraska Theatre Caravan’s national tour returns to Jacksonville with its delightful stage production of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic A Christmas Carol, playing the Times-Union Center.  This fully staged musical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale has become a Yuletide tradition.  The story was adapted for the stage by Charles Jones.  The Caravan has been touring this adaptation of A Christmas Carol since 1979.  It is one of the most widely viewed productions of the Dickens tale in the nation, annually performing for more than 100,000 people in more than 60 cities across the country.

A Christmas Carol features a spirited ensemble of 23 performers who bring Dickens’ fable of redemption to life on a magical set created by noted designer James Othuse.  A full array of timeless carols such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Away In a Manager” and “Here We Come A-Wassailing” are interwoven within the classic story of a tight-fisted, middle-class merchant Ebenezer Scrooge and all the beloved characters from Dickens' 1843 novel.

The heartwarming tale depicts Scrooge, whose values are focused exclusively on profit and his conflicts with the struggling Cratchit family, whose tragic problems typified the working class during the Industrial Revolution in Victorian England.  The touching climax is based on Dickens' belief that the ills of a greedy world can be healed by brotherhood and unselfishness.

Exceptional voices, lively dancing and dazzling special effects like the mysterious spinning bed combine to create a spectacular holiday treat for the entire family.  The colorful scenery and elaborate costumes faithfully recreate the Victorian period.  You don’t want to miss this holiday spectacular event.


Christmas Carol
DATE:        TIME:
Thurs., Dec. 21. 2017  7:30 p.m.

SHOW TICKETS: affordably priced starting $29.75 for adults and $16 for children, plus applicable fees.  They may be
purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series 24/7 (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show along with the VyStar Credit Union), or by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.

LOCATION:Times Union Center Performing Arts

      
Moran Theater
      
300 West Water St
.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

'I'm A Star' Teens host 7th annual ‘Let’s Move JAX’

Healthy Food and Fitness Festival, organized by the I'm AStar Foundation youth which is the largest group to win $1000 at the 7th annual “Let's Move Jacksonville”, will hold a healthy food and fitness festival on Saturday, December 2, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Henry J. Klutho Park, located in Springfield at 204 W 3rd St, Jacksonville, FL 32206.  3rd street will be closed to allow for parking.

Families, groups or churches that bring the most people to I'm A Star Foundation's 7th Annual Let’s Move Jacksonville festival this Saturday will take home $1000.  The I’m A Star Teens design the event for the whole family, ages 1 to 100.  It’s free and open to the public.  Youth in the I'm A Star Foundation will give away free fruits and vegetables to all attendees.

Activities include: Free food
Free Farmer’s Market giving away local produce DJ/Music by 93.3 The Beat Jamz Line Dancing Bounce Houses Flag Football Kickball Cheerleading Camp Hula Hooping Hopscotch Basketball Double Dutch Skateboarding Bike Paths Nature Trails – Face Painting – Arts – Crafts – Space for Picnic Blankets  oga & Relay Races.

Since learning in a CDC Youth Risk Behavioral Study in 2010 that "this generation may not outlive their parents", youth in the I’m A Star Foundation plan this event annually to engage their peer group and combat childhood obesity.  City and community leaders of all kinds typically support the event, which has attracted upwards of 3000+ people.  Each year, I'm A Star Foundation awards the group who brings the most attendees with $1000.  Last year, Communities in Schools took home the prize.

About I’m A Star Foundation
Established in 2010, I'm A Star Foundation is a non-profit organization comprised of students (ages 12-18) who develop solutions to improve their communities.  An acronym for “Smart, Talented And Resilient” students, the Foundation draws 35 volunteer student servant leaders from middle and high schools across Duval County each year.

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Holiday Christmas time at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens


If the holiday spirit has come upon you, why not think about a donation to the Recovery of the historic gardens that were destroyed in Hurricane Irma this year.  There are also many exciting things to see and experience in the museum that you’ll be able to take the children and your family to, now that they will soon be out-of-school for Christmas vacation and visiting during this festive season.

Florida Blue Free Tuesday — Each Tues. evening from 4 to 9 p.m. Free.  No registration required.  Every Tuesday, enjoy free admission to the Cummer Museum and its historic Gardens, thanks to the generous support of Florida Blue. Guests can enjoy free admission to the Galleries and Gardens.  Each Tuesday evening, the Cummer Café is open for Tapas Tuesday sponsored by VyStar Credit Union.

Tapas Tuesday — Each Tues. evening from 5 to 7:30 p.m. | The Cummer Café.  Reservations recommended.  Tap into Tapas Tuesday sponsored by VyStar Credit Union at the Cummer Café. Every Tuesday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on the Cummer Café patio, take in the sunset while listening to local musicians with beer, wine, or artfully inspired tapas for sale at the Café.  Reserve your table by calling (904) 899-6022.

Weaver First Saturday Free for All
Sat., Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Free.  No registration required.  The first Sat. of each month at the Cummer Museum is FREE FOR ALL, thanks to the generous support of J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver. Guests can enjoy free admission, as well as art-making activities for all ages in the Cummer Gardens, live music, and a Docent-led tour at 2 p.m.

Bank Of America And Merrill Lynch Museums On Us
— Sun., Dec. 3 from Noon to 4 p.m. | Free to Cardholders.  No registration required.  The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens offers free admission on the first Sunday of the first full weekend of the month to all Bank of America or Merrill Lynch cardholders through the Museums on Us program.  Each cardholder receives one free general admission to the Museum. For more information on the Museum's programming and events, please call (904) 899-6038.

Champagne & Shopping — Thurs. & Fri., Dec. 7 & 8 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Free.  No registration required.  Enjoy complimentary champagne and appetizers while shopping special artisan merchandise brought in just for this two-day event. Free admission. Additional discounts available each day.

Art for Tots: Triangle Trees! Sat., Dec. 16 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Members $15 per pair, Non-Members $20 per pair.  Registration required.  Ages 24-36 months with accompanying adult.  Join us with your little one to explore holiday traditions, looking at triangle shapes. Using several techniques, they will create a winter landscape highlighting this basic geometric shape. Art for Tots is funded through the generosity of the Chartrand Family Foundation. Entry is through Art Connections. Class size is limited. For further information, please
email or call (904) 355-0630.

Art Adventures: The Cummer Family! Sat, Dec 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Members $10, Non-Members $15.  Registration required for ages 6 through 12.  Join the Cummer on the third Saturday of each month for studio classes.  This class will focus on the history of the Cummer Museum and its founders.  Students will view works depicting families from the permanent collection and create a work of art exploring what family means to them.  Projects will be completed within one class period.  Class size is limited. For further information, please
email or call (904) 355-0630.

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
   
829 Riverside Avenue

   Jacksonville, Florida 32204
   (904) 356-6857
   
Hours of Operation & Admission

‘Christmas Wonderland’ graces the Times Union Ctr. stage in JAX

Live on stage for one night only, FSCJ Artist Series is pleased to announce one of the most enchanting Christmas holiday spectacular shows ever “Christmas Wonderland”!  Your entire family can start Christmas in style as Santa and his merry helpers take them on an unforgettable nostalgic journey. Holiday favorite songs include: ‘White Christmas,’ ‘Winter Wonderland,’ ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,’ ‘Chestnuts Roasting by An Open Fire,’ ‘Jingle Bells,’ ‘’Away in a Manger,’ ‘O Come All Ye Faithful,’ ‘Let it Snow,’ ‘Silent Night,’ ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing,’ ‘Deck The Halls,’ ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,’ ‘O Holy Night,’ and many more Christmas standards.

Christmas Wonderland” features over a thousand glittering costumes, a dazzling cast and the highest kicking chorus girls this side of the North Pole.  Be amazed as a cast of 24 singers and dancers, who are hand selected from London, New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles transform the stage into pure winter wonderland magic.  With spectacular sets and scenery, the show parades its way through the wonder of Christmas and the excitement of the holiday season.

Christmas Wonderland is produced by Spirit Productions and David King, a multi award-winning and internationally acclaimed theatre producer who became known to American audiences through the megahit musical, Spirit of the Dance, which became one of the biggest dance shows in the world, with 14 troupes performing in 14 different countries on the same night, playing to more than 30 million people worldwide.  Spirit Productions owns The Palace Theatre in Myrtle Beach and The King's Castle Theatre in Branson, Missouri, where their shows play year-round.  Spirit shows have toured in more than 30 countries and they are the first producer from the Western world to have three consecutive tours in China, playing to over a million people.

Christmas Wonderland
DATE:        TIME:
Tues., Dec. 19. 2017  7:30 p.m.

SHOW TICKETS: affordably priced starting at $38.50 – $74.50, and may be
purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series 24/7 (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show along with the VyStar Credit Union), or by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.

LOCATION:Times Union Center Performing Arts

      
Moran Theater
      
300 West Water St
.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202