The Vision Behind A Vision for Art

The Vision Behind A Vision for Art
A Vision for Art, the fundraiser and multi-day art show, has become an annual tradition which draws a big opening night crowd, pictured are Chloe Wood with Christina Crapps, Jennifer Bechan, Diana Fanning, Ginger Longmire, Rebekah Hagan, Bebe Alexander, Emily Magevney, Stephanie Davis and Nina Human. The story about its humble beginnings and coverage of the latest showcase begin on page 34.

In the fundraising world where the commonplace of silent auctions prevails, Episcopal School of Jacksonville, St. Marks Campus has managed to compose a creative, colorful assemblage that brings the city together through the medium of its people. 

A Vision for Art is a multi-day art show that curates art from established and emerging artists from Jacksonville and beyond. The event has successfully raised more than $165,000 for the elementary school to date, even with a year off during the pandemic. But even more importantly than its fundraising success is the way the event has focused on blending the brushstrokes of the neighboring communities.

2019 Event Chairs - Kelli Chunn, Susan Kwartler, Caroline Pope, Liz Parks, Bebe Alexander, Emily Magevney, Michelle and Kevin Calloway
2019 Event Chairs – Kelli Chunn, Susan Kwartler, Caroline Pope, Liz Parks, Bebe Alexander, Emily Magevney, Michelle and Kevin Calloway

“This event started with the purpose of welcoming members of the Jacksonville community and beyond to the St. Mark’s Campus, while promoting exceptional artists and art education,” said Bebe Alexander, Art Instructor, Episcopal School of Jacksonville, St. Mark’s Campus and 2022 Art Curator. “I am grateful to the many artists who are willing to share their talents, while supporting our wonderful school.”

Kevin Calloway, founder of Space 42, who helped curate the art for the inaugural show in 2019 and participated in the artist selection process for 2021, credited Alexander as the “heart and soul” of the event, and highlighted the special interactions the show affords to both artist and buyers.

“A lot of the artists actually show up,” said Calloway. “It’s a one-of-a-kind event where you, as a patron, get to come and have a great party, look at art, and also meet the artist there. There’s a great interaction between the art viewer and the artist.”

In the beginning, each of the 40 artists were provided a 9’ x 9’ wall, and instructed to bring enough art to fill their gallery space. But one small pivot by the event team the following year yielded them a 36% increase in sales.

“We learned very early on that we were selling work like crazy. So last year, we told them they could bring more work to replenish the wall. We had a lot more art, which showed, because we weren’t even open as many days because of Covid,” said Alexander.

The event continues to grow still. The 2022 A Vision for Art, presented by Joan and Preston Haskell, was held in April and showcased an impressive 500 carefully curated pieces from 43 artists, including featured artist Erin Gregory. The show also boasted special collaborative pieces between the students of each grade level and select artists in its “A Future for Art” student artist series.

And bringing people together remains the focus of the event.

2021 Event Chairs - Susan Kwartler, Melissa Vogt, Bebe Alexander, Caroline Pope, and Kelli Chunn
2021 Event Chairs – Susan Kwartler, Melissa Vogt, Bebe Alexander, Caroline Pope, and Kelli Chunn

“I think this even does a really good job of making the city smaller and introducing people from different neighborhoods to each other, and I think that’s a really great part of the event,” said Calloway. “In this really crazy way, this small little school has broken down barriers throughout the city.”

“A Vision for Art would not be possible without the professionalism, organization, and tireless effort of so many volunteers and sponsors who support this event,” said Susan Kwartler, Director of Development, Episcopal School of Jacksonville, St. Mark’s Campus. “St. Mark’s Campus extends its gratitude to everyone who has given their time, talent, and dedication in helping to make this event a success in so many ways.”

By Lindsey Gast
Resident Community News

Dan and Suzanne Scheu with Jon and Meg Sacks
Dan and Suzanne Scheu with Jon and Meg Sacks
Nic Mandolini with Anne Brent, Shannon San born and William Stokes
Nic Mandolini with Anne Brent, Shannon San born and William Stokes
Greg and Beville Anderson
Greg and Beville Anderson
Preston and Joan Haskell, Presenting Sponsors, with The Rev. Adam Greene, Head of School, Episcopal School of Jacksonville
Preston and Joan Haskell, Presenting Sponsors, with The Rev. Adam Greene, Head of School, Episcopal School of Jacksonville
Beverly Reilly with Caroline Close
Beverly Reilly with Caroline Close
Mary Beth and Greg Woelfel
Mary Beth and Greg Woelfel
Drew and Lee Haramis
Drew and Lee Haramis
Missy Ketchum with Jennifer Donahoo
Missy Ketchum with Jennifer Donahoo
Billy and Barbara Ketchum with John Ragsdale
Billy and Barbara Ketchum with John Ragsdale
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