Evelyn C. McDonald
Arts & Culture Reporter
December 7, 2016 6:15 p.m.
I’m not sure if it’s a trend but new businesses are springing up along 8th Street and Atlantic Avenue. One of these businesses is Studio 914, an art space on the first floor of the old school house at 914 Atlantic Ave. Gallery owner Sandra Dawson has an eclectic mix of artists and art works in every price range.
The gallery has four rooms filled with an array of artistic works including Paul Massing’s abstract paintings and Susan DeWolf’s stained glass pieces. Sandra Dawson’s work includes abstract art on canvas and clothing, and jewelry. Gib Kurtz is an artist who reclaims old wood and uses it to fashion trees, bird and animal sculptures, magazine racks, and such. I particularly liked his wooden Christmas ornaments labeled Chris-Moose. There are several other artists who exhibit in the gallery along with Sandra.
Sandra said, “One of STUDIO914’s goals is to promote art appreciation and awareness to the entire community but with a special focus on providing scholarship programs and creative platform for children to learn art and exhibit their work.” There are exhibits of art from Emma Love and Yulee Primary students. In January, there will be an exhibit from Callahan Intermediate and later a collaboration with drama students currently working on circus poetry. In addition, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons there is an after school art class where students can learn about art principles and art history.
Sandra’s feeling is that a gallery should be an interesting space for people to visit for a variety of reasons. One of her associates is offering a meditation class on Tuesday nights at the gallery. There will be tips and techniques for practicing meditation and at the end of the sessions, using insights to inform the creation of art.
The gallery will also conduct contests or special exhibits for the community each month. December’s contest was an ornament making where the ornaments had to have a “Victorian influence” to go hand in hand with the Dickens on Centre festivities. The best ornaments will be on display at the gallery’s “Victorian schoolhouse windows” to be considered for the Dickens window decorating contest. The next contest on December 10 and 17 will be painting on glass. Participants are invited to bring a wine glass and Pixie Larizza, a Jacksonville artist, will provide instruction on painting glass.
The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday and will be open from 5:30 to 8:30 this Saturday for the Second Saturday Artwalk. There’s a parking lot next to the building so it’s easy access. Stop by for a visit or email Sandra at [email protected] for more information on the gallery or visit www.studio914.bigcartel.com
Evelyn McDonald moved to Fernandina Beach from the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C. in 2006. She is a chair of Arts & Culture Nassau, a city commission charged with support of the arts in Nassau County. She serves on FSCJ’s Curriculum Committee for the Center for Lifelong Learning. She is also the chair of the Dean’s Council for the Carpenter Library at the UNF. Ms. McDonald has MS in Technology Management from the University of Maryland’s University College and a BA in Spanish from the University of Michigan.