JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville is presenting the 2024 UNF Student Artist-in-Residence in "Elysa Adams: Voices of Moncrief," which runs until Sept. 8.
The opening celebration is on June 5 from 5-7:30 p.m. at MOCA.
A MOCA press release said Adams' art seeks to create art that "passionately engages in vital conversations." With Voices of Moncrief, Adams draws attention to her community in the historic neighborhood of Moncrief.
“My creative journey is inspired by the untold stories and vibrant spirits that permeate my community,” Adams said. “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.”
Adams is majoring in Printmaking, Painting, and Drawing, with a minor in Psychology.
According to the release, the exhibition was made possible 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 Florida.
