Elysa Adams: Voices of Moncrief
May 10 - September 8, 2024
Elysa Adams, the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville’s 2024 University of North Florida Student Artist-in-Residence, is a multidisciplinary artist born and raised in Jacksonville. She is majoring in Printmaking, Painting, and Drawing, with a minor in Psychology. Adams seeks to create art that is not only visually striking but also passionately engages in vital conversations. With Voices of Moncrief, Adams presents a body of work that highlights her community in the historic neighborhood of Moncrief, in northwest Jacksonville.
“My creative journey is inspired by the untold stories and vibrant spirits that permeate my community. I am motivated by a profound drive to challenge stereotypes and celebrate the beauty of Moncrief, a neighborhood today often overshadowed by violence and poverty, yet with such a rich history. Notable past residents, such as Eugene Moncrief, whom the neighborhood is named after, Eartha White, A.L. Lewis, and Isidore and Mary L Singleton, left a positive impact that still resonates, resulting in today’s community activists, farmers, fishermen, and entrepreneurs. Using a variety of mediums such as woodcut, screen print, video, and vinyl, I blend elements of the past with the present, capturing moments of current residents, showcasing their way of living in this vibrant community today.”
This exhibition was made possible, in part, by the City of Jacksonville, the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, the Donald and Maria Cox Fund, the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, the Haskell Endowment, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, MOCA Jacksonville’s Centennial Sponsors, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the University of North. Additional support provided by the Jax Fine Arts Forum.
AN UNPARALLELED EXPERIENCE FOR UNF ART STUDENTS
The University of North Florida Student Artist-in-Residence is a highly competitive opportunity that awards access to a MOCA Jax studio and exhibition space to complete a new body of work. The Residency culminates in an exhibition at MOCA to showcase and celebrate the student’s work. This opportunity is exclusive to UNF students!
Get to know our Artist-in-Residence
Q&A with Elysa Adams
What is your goal in working with MOCA and what would you like to gain from the Artist-in-Residence program?
Experience. Gaining experience with organizing a solo show, creating a body of work within a timeframe, and interacting with the community are all crucial to me. This is something I want to do in the future, and I want to get this experience now for potential residencies in the future.