Jenny Parker: #ibelieveinMOCA for the power of art

Jenny Parker cares deeply about MOCA Jacksonville's educational mission. As a member of The Contemporaries, she's seen the important work MOCA does to reach children from diverse backgrounds though its tour program, Art Fusion, Voice of the People, and Art Aviators. She also loves exploring the exhibitions and the Art Explorium with her young daughters.

Throughout the end of the year, we're asking people like Parker to share why they support MOCA.

Jenny Parker: #ibelieveinMOCA for the power of art from MOCA Jacksonville on Vimeo.

Tell us a little bit about you.

I moved to Jacksonville almost five years ago. I'm originally from Indiana, but I've lived in France, Tanzania, North Carolina, and Kenya. I own a Pure Barre (boutique fitness studio) in San Marco, and I also teach business communication for University of North Carolina Chapel Hill's online MBA program (MBA@UNC). I love taking my girls (Ellana, 6, and Sofina, 4) to the beach as much as possible, and I enjoy frequenting my favorite local restaurants with my friends.

#ibelieveinMOCA because …

MOCA was one of the first organizations I became involved with upon moving to Jacksonville. I have enjoyed seeing the growth of the Museum and the fantastic exhibitions that I've been able to visit over the past few years. I enjoy taking my girls to the Museum often and showing them that art means something different to each one of us.

Why do you support MOCA?

I most admire the educational aspects of the Museum and how MOCA is affecting the lives of many children in the Jacksonville community. I also have a deep respect for MOCA since all the exhibitions are self-curated.

Why do you think MOCA is important to the community?

Art is an extremely important form of expression within our community. I believe that art brings us together in many different ways. Most importantly, however, I enjoy seeing how MOCA is able to work with many children from diverse backgrounds.

What did you do last time you were at MOCA?

I was just at MOCA a couple of weeks ago. I ate with some friends at NOLA MOCA, and we then toured each floor of the Museum. In particular, I enjoyed the current photography exhibition.

What are some of your favorite MOCA exhibitions or artworks and why?

My all-time favorite was the Smoke and Mirrors exhibition. I think my girls and I went to see the exhibition three times! We were amazed at the complexity and ingenuity of the items in the exhibition.

Why would you tell your friends to support MOCA?

I would tell my friends to support MOCA for several reasons, but the most important aspect of MOCA to me is the education that it provides for so many in our community.

We need your help

Make a donation to MOCA Jacksonville, then share why #ibelieveinMOCA on your social media pages. Are you a member? Join MOCA and receive valuable perks while supporting access to the arts for everyone.

About the artwork

Shaun Thurston's work has been commissioned for walls throughout Jacksonville and Atlanta, and his artwork has been included in exhibitions at The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and Art Basel in Miami. His Project Atrium mural for the One Spark festival in 2014 uses crystals as a metaphor the environment required for creativity to spread. He completed four satellite murals around downtown Jacksonville as studies leading up to Project Atrium, linking Thurston's street aesthetic and the formal Museum space.