The Jacksonville Area Museum is looking for 100 participants of all ages to combine their talents into one large collective interpretation of Jacksonville on a large scale.
100 canvases are waiting to be adopted by local artists. Each comes with a small square photo of a larger work, which we are asking YOU to interpret on the provided canvas. All the 8×8 canvases will be combined into a larger work, revealing an image celebrating our city and area.
It’s easy and fun to participate:
1. Stop by the museum during open hours, and pick up a random packet (or two) with a canvas, your square of artwork to interpret, and all needed instructions. The museum is open Wed. & Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m.
2. An 8”x8” canvas and photo is in your packet. Recreate the photo on your canvas. Be sure to keep the top of the photo on the top of your canvas!
3. You paint, draw, craft, or interpret your square onto your canvas. Be creative! The only restrictions are that you honor the color palette and lines/edges, and do not extend beyond the edges of the canvas. All mediums and interpretations are accepted and encouraged: paint, felt, glitter, yarn, paper, cereal, fur… you name it! Have fun! (please, nothing sticky, runny, or stinky)
4. Artists are asked not to open their envelopes until they get home. If you think you recognize the final painting, please do not to reveal it on social media or discuss it to preserve the surprise of the installation.
5. Please return the canvas no later than September 12, 2026 to the museum.
On September 18, an event will be held to install all 100 canvases together to create the collective image.
The event is part of the grand opening of a larger exhibit called “The Geography of Memory: Jacksonville in Art” which will highlight artwork of Jacksonville by Jacksonville. This exhibit, along with the collective painting, will debut the weekend of September 19.
There are few opportunities for more than 100 local artists to work together to create something magical, creative, and beautiful.