Artists Pick Artists in LaVilla, Public Art Exhibition Celebrating African American Musicians from Jacksonville
Location: 905 W. Forsyth St, Jacksonville, Fl 32204
LaVilla birthed the music heritage of Jacksonville’s African Americans. The outdoor exhibition, Artists Pick Artists in LaVilla, celebrates that 120 years of musicians through portraits by contemporary Jacksonville artists.
The celebration of the musicians and painters was initiated by Paul Sifton of 927 Events and Catering, at the other end of the block. After boarding up the windows for renovation of 905 Forsyth, he wanted to do something colorful related to the neighborhood. The Public Art Program of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville and ArtRepublic curated the exhibition. Vystar and Bee Friends Farm contributed the funds for the artist fees.
🎵 Yungeen Ace (1988 – ), Hip Hop Singer/Poet, by Tatiana K
🎵 Paten Locke (1979-2019), Hip Hop Singer/Poet by Grace Bio
🎵 Jackie Moore (1946-2019), R&B Composer/Singer by Annelies Dykgraaf
🎵 Von Barlow (1943 – 2020), Jazz Drummer by Jennifer Veal
🎵 MaVynee Betsch (1935-2005), Opera Singer by Kevin Arthur
🎵 Ray Charles* (1930-2004), R&B Composer/Singer by Marsha Hatcher
🎵 Sam Jones (1924-1981), Jazz Bassist by Rio David
🎵 Blind Blake (1896-1934), Ragtime & Blues Singer by Jarett Walker
🎵 J. Rosamond Johnson (1873-1954), Operetta Composer/Singer by Krishna Achath
The Downtown Investment Authority owns the property and welcomes the conversion of the building into downtown’s first independent grocery. The future operators promise a grocery store with a purpose: improve people’s lives and health. After renovation, the portraits will grace the interior of the grocery. The exhibition foretells the recognition of African American history in LaVilla through future developments such as Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing park and historic markers on the Emerald Trail.
* All of the musicians except Ray Charles were born and/or raised in Jacksonville. Ray Charles got his professional start at the @ritzjax.