Riverside Arts Market

The local blogs and news sources have been all over the opening of the Riverside Art's Market so there's little we can say that hasn't already been covered. Regardless, the addition of an art/craft/produce market of this magnitude to the Jacksonville scene is more than appreciated and we wouldn't want to give the impression that we were neglecting the area's latest step towards creating a vibrant local culture.

Every Saturday from 10am to 4pm, the area underneath the Fuller Warren Bridge in Riverside explodes into a hive of commerce. The number of booths far exceeds what you may estimate on first glance but the magnitude of the affair becomes far more apparent as you make your way back towards the water. Fresh produce, paintings, sculptures, plants, apparel, crafts, food, and entertainment, all produced by local (or semi-local) people. If you want to discover what Jacksonville is all about then this might be a good place to start. You may be surprised at what your neighbors have been up to.

Parking is a bit spotty. Unless you have difficulties, I'd recommend stashing the car a good distance from the festivities and enjoying the pleasant walk to the market. Maybe if city officials see people attempting to walk around town they might put some money towards facilitating such activity. One can only hope.

Be forewarned, the market will be packed and I, for one, hope it continues. Though it may be a little anxiety inducing for us agoraphobes, the large crowds only guarantee that this service will be perpetuated. For those fond of taking their quadrupeds with them on such ventures, it appears that [well-behaved] dogs are welcome. This, of course, means that there's a definite poo on shoe risk. And trust me, this is not just a theory but, quite unfortunately, a tested fact.

You've heard it everywhere else and now here. Arts, crafts, plants, produce, and lots of food to be had at the Riverside Arts Market. You may even recognize many favorites from the Beaches Green Market and the St. Augustine Farmer's Market. Fun for the whole family. Bring the dog (and please bring a plastic bag). Oh, and bring cash.

Riverside Arts Market
Saturday, April to December
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Under the Fuller Warren Bridge

Art Walk

On the first Wednesday of every month downtown Jacksonville museums, galleries, restaurants, bars, and businesses play host to Art Walk, a parading of Jacksonville's more creative side featuring various works of art by local residents.

I've been aware of Art Walk's existence for a couple years now and had been planning to go for the past few months but something always came up or it simply slipped my mind. Firmly resolving to attend the June 6th festivities, I recruited two coworkers to accompany me in my adventures and headed off towards downtown.

While not teeming with people (does downtown ever get crowded?) I was surprised to see so many people walking the city streets. Downtown Jacksonville always seems so desolate or post-apocalyptic and that is a major part of its appeal to me but it was nice to see a sizable amount of people wandering around. We meandered through a few galleries, whispering our opinions, listening to the musicians on the sidewalks, and grabbing food and drinks here and there but my mind was mostly occupied with the task of just absorbing the dynamics of it all. I'm not fond of crowds and large gatherings but this was a different situation, a much more fascinating romp than the typical mass assembly. Perhaps the atmosphere was so much more enjoyable because there was really no single point of focus nor a single motivator. Multiple reasons to be there and many things to do.

My favorite part of the experience was the wonderful opportunity it afforded me to wander around downtown and observe the strange mingling of modern and historical architecture, boring and beautiful buildings, and crumbling structures amid new construction.

There is never a cost for admittance and you can probably snag a few snacks and drinks for free or a small donation but be prepared to do a lot of walking. As I understand it, there's typically an after party and this time it was at Mark's on E. Bay Street where turning in your flyer got you one free drink, a nice cap to the night.

Now that I've experienced Art Walk and discovered how enjoyable it can be I'll be sure to make arrangements to attend in the coming months.

Art Walk
100 N Laura St. (art walk headquarters)
Jacksonville, FL 32202