PROGRAMS
DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING FOR VISITORS OF ALL AGES
MOCA Jacksonville offers a wide variety of program options that empower visitors of all ages to engage more deeply with the art, artists, and ideas of our time. From art classes that let participants explore new skills and media to lectures and discussions that keep conversations going long after the program ends, MOCA is dedicated to providing opportunities for discovery and learning.
Many of our programs occur on a consistent schedule with new themes each month, some follow a less regular schedule, and others are single occurrences. Learn more about our recurring programs below and keep an eye out for unique programs throughout the year.
For questions about programs, please contact mocaeducation@unf.edu.
PROGRAMS FOR ALL
EVERY SATURDAY // 11 A.M. - 5 P.M.
Thanks to the generous support of VyStar Credit Union, our community now has greater access to contemporary art. All visitors receive free admission on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FLORIDA BLUE FREE MUSEUM NIGHTS
1st & 3rd Wed // 5-9 P.M.
Museum Nights @ MOCA now feature free admission thanks to the generous support of Florida Blue! Enjoy extended hours from 5-9 p.m., the MOCA Bar, and free activities.
CHILDREN
INSTILLING AN APPRECIATION FOR CONTEMPORARY ART
Through its educational initiatives, MOCA Jacksonville serves the community, inspiring a love of the arts and creativity in thousands of children annually.
A generous gift from J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver has empowered the museum to ensure quality educational programs at MOCA for years to come. The J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Educator for Family and Children’s Programs is responsible for designing school tours for thousands of students, crafting lesson plans for MOCA Jacksonville’s outreach programs, designing innovative art-making activities, creating curriculum for MOCA’s Art Camp, conceiving in-gallery interpretative and activity guides for children of all ages, and empowering families to connect and learn while visiting the museum.
CAMP @ MOCA
MOCA offers seasonal art camps that are full of creativity for kids ages 6-14! Children make new friends and learn art techniques in a variety of media through hands-on learning in a fun and engaging environment. Camps are available during Spring, Summer, and Winter school breaks.
KIDS ART LAB
Kids ages 6-10 join MOCA Educators for fun and engaging art activities inspired by a monthly theme. Each session includes gallery admission, plus an interactive and creative project that kids can bring home—but don't worry the mess of creation stays in MOCA's studios. Join us for Kids Art Lab the second Saturday of each month at 12:30 p.m. MOCA Members save 50% on Art Lab admission.
MADE @ MOCA
Led by professional art educators, Made @ MOCA takes place during each First Wednesday Downtown Art Walk as part of Florida Blue Free Museum Nights program. This dynamic drop-in art-making experience is designed for creators of all ages, skills levels, and abilities. The program is free to the public.
FAMILY DAY
One Saturday each Spring and Fall MOCA Jacksonville opens its doors to families for a day filled with arts education. Enjoy free admission, gallery access, art activities, and additional programs with community partners.
AUTISM CREATES
Autism Creates is an educational initiative designed for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other exceptionalities. The classes harness art and art-making activities as a means of promoting expression and social interaction between children with ASD and their teachers, caregivers, and peers through activities in the classroom studios and galleries. While children with ASD often struggle with verbal communication, social relations, and sensory development, creative art-making activities enable them to foster new means of self-expression and communication.
Monthly workshops are hosted on-site at MOCA Jacksonville for children with ASD, ages 6 and older, and their families. Families will explore the galleries, create art, and participate in sensory activities. Join us the second Saturday of each month from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
This program is supported by the Edna Sproull Williams Foundation.
These programs are supported in part by the Winfield A. Gartner Memorial Fund for Children’s Programs.
TEENS
ENGAGING THE NEXT GENERATION OF MUSEUM ENTHUSIASTS
Teens lead the way in programming at MOCA Jacksonville with a variety of ways to engage. From designing their own programs to completing volunteer service to growing as young artists, the museum is the place for teen programming that inspires.
TEEN ART COUNCIL
This volunteer group serves to empower local middle and high school students by creating programming for teens, by teens. Members of Teen Art Council meet bi-weekly to learn about the museum, engage with different departments, develop mission-driven projects, and plan a new annual event for teenagers. As Teen Art Council members create and implement programs, they will open doors to new audiences. Members also earn volunteer hours for their participation that count toward college and scholarship requirements.
TEEN TEACHERS
This volunteer program provides teens with the opportunity to assist museum educators in facilitating Summer Camp @ MOCA. Camp is geared toward children ages 6-14 and includes time in the studios and galleries with inspirational and engaging activities that explore the world of contemporary art. Teen teachers will assist with art making activities. Themes include painting and printmaking, murals and public spaces, photography, and so much more! Volunteer hours count toward requirements for college and scholarships. Shifts are available during all camp weeks and volunteers are asked to commit to at least 2 weeks of service.
EMERGING ARTIST PROGRAM
The Emerging Artists Program is a studio art course for teens focused on painting and drawing, open during Fall and Spring semesters. Classes include group critiques with peers and visiting professionals, presentations with lectures introducing numerous concepts, guidance for applying to schools, and help with professional practices. All experience levels are encouraged to apply!
ADULTS
EXPLORING THE ART, ARTISTS, AND IDEAS OF OUR TIME
MOCA Jacksonville provides creative, innovative, and inviting learning experiences for all ages. We offer opportunities for all skill levels. Whether you are a novice looking to learn something new or an experienced craftsman looking to refine your skills, we have something for everyone.
IDEAS OF OUR TIME LECTURE SERIES
IRREGULAR SCHEDULE // 7 p.m.
This free lecture series provides a forum for creative dialogue with artists, educators, and others around some of the most vital and important art and ideas of our time.
STUDIO PRACTICE
2ND SATURDAYS // 12 p.m.
This monthly series of hands-on, practical art classes empowers students of all levels to learn and create in varying media with the instruction of a local artist.
HERE COMES TOMORROW: CINEMA OF THE LAST CENTURY
3RD WEDNESDAYS DURING FLORIDA BLUE FREE MUSEUM NIGHTS // 6:30 p.m.
As MOCA Jacksonville celebrates its 100th anniversary, we look back at the last century of artistic expression in film. With a particular focus on films that imagined the future, this year long series explores decade-by-decade, the hopes, anxieties, and dreams of filmmakers and audiences from the 1920s to the present day.
Here Comes Tomorrow Cinema Schedule
ART OF THE FIGURE WORKSHOPS
1ST & 3RD SATURDAYS // 3 p.m.
This life drawing series, led by local artist William McMahan on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, is designed for artists of all levels of experience. Learn and practice general proportion and key anatomical landmarks by studying a live model. A focus will be placed on creating dynamic figures, demonstration and practice of gesture drawings, and intentional consideration of different levels of finish. Bring your own materials to draw. Newsprint and charcoal are recommended for gesture drawing, but any drawing medium is acceptable for the longer poses.
ARTFUL MOVEMENT WITH YOGA 4 CHANGE
3RD SUNDAYS // 10 a.m.
Join us for yoga in the galleries the third Sunday morning of each month for an artful yoga practice. In collaboration with local non-profit Yoga 4 Change, Artful Movement is an all-levels yoga class that takes place in the galleries at MOCA Jacksonville. Experienced instructors will lead each class, offering modifications to poses to allow every student to participate at their own level. These classes are designed for all ages and practice levels. Please bring your own yoga mat.
SEIZE THE CLAY CERAMICS WORKSHOP
2ND & 4TH SATURDAYS // 2 p.m.
Join artist and sculptor, Mark Lester, in MOCA's 5th floor studio for a monthly ceramics workshop. Develop your hand building and glazing skills in this recurring class for artists of all abilities. Low-fire clay, tools, and basic glaze options are provided. Students are welcome to bring additional tools and low-fire glazes. Kiln firing of 1 small piece completed in workshop included for each class attended.
CERAMICS OPEN STUDIO
2ND & 4TH SATURDAYS // 2 p.m.
MOCA's Ceramics Open Studio is for ceramicists looking for a place to create and connect with peers. Ceramics Open Studio hours take place in a MOCA workshop equipped with throwing wheels and a range of tools available to students. Work during these hours is self-directed and all clay and glaze should be brought by the student. Registration includes 1 kiln firing for a single piece under 10lbs.
COFFEE WITH A CURATOR
IRREGULAR SCHEDULE // 11 a.m.
This intimate event offers conversations with a museum curator and guest speakers about current exhibitions at MOCA. Guests can enjoy coffee and snacks from Setlan Coffee Co., and time in the galleries.
VENDORS
Opportunities for Local Artists
Art Walk Tabling Artists
The First Wednesday of Every Month // 5-9 p.m.
Join MOCA during Downtown Jacksonville's First Wednesday Art Walk! Tabling Artists can set up and sell their wares in MOCA's lobby. The museum offers free admission during Art Walk and sees some of its highest attendance during these evenings. Space is limited. For more information and to apply for a spot, contact Troy Walden at troy.walden@unf.edu.
Studio Practice
Second Saturday of Every Month // 12-2 p.m.
Studio Practice is a monthly series of hands-on, practical art classes where adult students of all levels learn to create in varying media with the instruction of a local artist. MOCA is always looking for artists to share their skills with community, whether they be painting, collage, printmaking, creating a comic book, or even shadow puppets! To learn more and apply to lead a Studio Practice workshop, contact Matthew Patterson at matthew.patterson@unf.edu.