Seeing Stars in the Laura Street Corridor

The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA), now in its 102nd year, celebrated the installation of “Jacksonville Stacked Stars” on the Laura Street sidewalk last month.

This monumental installation, created for MOCA’s Atrium Gallery to celebrate the museum’s centennial two years ago, features a brand-new work by Frank Stella (1936-2024), one of the most influential contemporary artists of his time.

The sculpture is the culminating piece in Stella’s iconic “Star” series, and MOCA views it as part of its efforts to transform Downtown Jacksonville’s cultural corridor with a defining work of American art.

“This is a historic moment for our city and for contemporary art,” said Caitlín Doherty, associate vice president, Arts UNF, and MOCA Jacksonville executive director. “We are thrilled to share this iconic work of art – the final major public work created by the artist – with our city. Its placement in the heart of our Downtown brings free, daily access to a masterpiece of contemporary art, inviting everyone to experience the power of art in their everyday lives.”

The acquisition was made possible through a public-private partnership with 90% of the funding provided by more than 50 private donors, including major gifts from Shanna Khan, president of the Khan Family Foundation, Inc., Lauren G. and Edward L. Baker II, and Joan and Preston Haskell, as well as support from the Duval County Tourist Development Council.

“As a family, we believe that investing in culture creation can only embolden the strength of Jacksonville and our collective future,” said Khan. “As Downtown Jacksonville continues to grow, Frank Stella’s iconic installation, ‘Jacksonville Stacked Stars,’ strengthens a sense of place and supports the long-term growth that we are committed to fostering in the heart of our city.”

Stella’s first solo gallery exhibition took place at New York’s Leo Castelli Gallery in 1960, during which he presented his renowned “Black Paintings.” In the course of his life, Stella’s work ranged from painting to printmaking to free-standing sculptures. He grew to become a pivotal figure in American modernism. His works helped lead the way to major developments, including minimalism, post-painterly abstraction and color field painting.

He created “Jacksonville Stacked Stars” specifically in honor of MOCA’s 100th anniversary, and according to UNF, it is one of just three public sculptures by Stella featuring stacked stars. The other two can be found at Hudson Yards and MoMA in Manhattan.

“‘Jacksonville Stacked Stars’ has the power to captivate and inspire, serving as a symbol of creativity and innovation for all who encounter it,” said Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan. “Its presence outside of MOCA will undoubtedly draw positive attention to Downtown and establish our city as a hub for artistic expression.”

Repositioned at the entrance to MOCA in the heart of Downtown, the work will anchor the Laura Street corridor with a vivid, sculptural landmark, supporting street-level activity, reinforcing Jacksonville’s creative identity and welcoming residents and visitors to explore Downtown’s art and culture.

“Placing this work on public view honors Stella’s decades of exploration while expanding access to art for students, families and visitors,” said Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti, interim president of the University of North Florida. “It underscores MOCA’s role connecting gown to town, its educational mission as a valued part of the University of North Florida and our commitment to the cultural life of our city.”

With Frank Stella’s works and installations successfully leading to record-breaking attendance at institutions in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., MOCA hopes “Jacksonville Stacked Stars” will spark positive recognition for Jacksonville on regional, national, and international levels while benefiting local businesses and driving cultural tourism in the Bold City.