Check it out! As a member of the Art Center Cooperative, I participated in a collaborative painting project that has brought quite a bit of attention to the gallery and its artists during this month's Downtown Jacksonville's Art Walk. The project came about as we (the members of the Art Center Cooperative) were planning how we could participate with MOCA of Jacksonville's Annual Mosaic Event, which is normally held in April, but was pushed back until September this year. I suggested we take a photo and divide it into sections then have our artists paint their particular section, then we would put it back together as one image.

Check it out! As a member of the Art Center Cooperative, I participated in a collaborative painting project that has brought quite a bit of attention to the gallery and its artists during this month's Downtown Jacksonville's Art Walk. The project came about as we (the members of the Art Center Cooperative) were planning how we could participate with MOCA of Jacksonville's Annual Mosaic Event, which is normally held in April, but was pushed back until September this year. I suggested we take a photo and divide it into sections then have our artists paint their particular section, then we would put it back together as one image.

I first tried this technique as a workshop participant at The Hilton Head Art League in Hilton Head Island, SC, and found it to be an amazing experience. I have continued to use this process when teaching art to children. By beginning a class with this project I am able to show children that all of us are unique and so is our creative expression. The children are always amazed to see that even though their work does not look like the others, it still fits and is an important part of the whole picture. It really frees them up and lets them be themselves without the concerns of whether it is right or wrong or as good as the rest of the class.

FIRST COAST NEWS CLIP/ MOSAIC

"Downtown Jacksonville Gets International Recognition."

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/player.aspx?aid=124860&sid=106215&bw=hi&cat=2

Posted by
lhisartsy53

at
8:30 PM

DAILY RECORD article

To read the story about the "MOSAIC" mural click this link
http://jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=49751

Where in the world is Linda F. Hawkins???

Island dreaming, that's where!!! It is cruise time again and we will be headed to San Juan, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas. I have never been to San Juan but have been told by some very good friends that the art galleries are great there. You can count on me to let you know. You can also count on seeing some new paintings on my website, www.lindafhawkins.com shortly after our return. The islands and time away from the daily routine always inspire and energize me. And boy do I need it.

The Jacksonville Watercolor Society Spring show deadline is coming up Mid-March and a new bright and colorful piece will be entered. Also I have entered "Angels Watching Over Me" in an online competition at www.greatchristianart.com. I am scheduled to be the featured artist at The Art Center Cooperative for the month of July, too. So I have a lot of work to do.

Keep coming back to see my journal of the trip and the progress on my paintings!

What a mess!

It is time to get organized!

I have art supplies out the ying yang and spend far too much time trying to find what it is I want to work on. Everything is spread out between the small room that is supposed to be my studio, to the library, to the dining room, to the spare bedroom and the laundry room closet. I have had many studios (moved around a lot) but this is the most disorganized I have ever been.

I think it is making me sick because I am TIRED all the time – It has to be the clutter. I love to create art and I have been stuck for a while now. 2008 is here and I really need to get organized and get creating so that I can make the next show!

Holiday Thoughts

Everywhere I look there are signs of the holiday season. Although the glitz and sparkle is attractive and festive, it overpowers the true reason for celebrating at this time of year. All of us are crazy busy running around spending money that we will regret spending once the new year rolls around.

Today after standing in line for what seemed like forever, the young couple in front of me had finally handed the last item in their cart to the clerk. Much to their embarassment, their check was not accepted and all of their Christmas was taken back. It made me stop and think, first how would they provide gifts for their children. Then I felt a sadness for our world that has become so commercialized and material, that unless we can shower our children and others with gifts that will soon be dismissed, we are made to feel less than adequate.

I had met an elderly lady at the Art Factory in Orlando last week who told me her Senior Center had made an old-fashioned Christmas tree. All the ornaments had been hand-crafted from materials like popcorn, construction paper, fabric and so on. She said, “you know, we couldn't just go out and buy ornaments like you do now”. Maybe we should all take time to craft a few gifts and ornaments and bring back some of the personality of just being and enjoying one another without all the monetary pressure. After all, can you remember what you bought last holiday? Or what you received? What will remain long after the store-bought items will be the love and time spent together with family and friends.

So, no matter whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hannuka, Kwanza or some other religious holiday this month, take time to consider the true meaning, not just the commercialized version.

October 14, 2007

Wow! What a beautiful weekend. Just got back from a MarineMax boating event at Ortega Landing Marina. Perfect weather the entire weekend. Wish we could do these get-aways more often. Spending time on the water away from TVs, Radios, Internet, work and home responsibilities is such a luxury. What's more, it is perfect for thinking, journaling and planning that next painting.

September Artwalk

What a great Artwalk! In spite of the rain earlier in the day, or should I say week, the event was very well attended. This month I had the great fortune to show my work as the featured artist at TTV Architects on Forsyth Street. CSX was there promoting safety around railroad crossings. Did you know that it takes a train traveling at 55 mph a full mile to come to a complete stop? Neither did I, but the folks from CSX did a great job delivering the message and though many came in just to get the sticker so they could collect the prize at the Florida Theater, most took the time to review my work. It was well received and will remain on display for the remainder of the month. New work was also hanging at The Art Center Cooperative at 31 W. Adams Street.

Many Thanks to Lori Orton and Tri Vu for hosting the show! If you haven't been to TTV Architects for Artwalk, make a point of it next month. They have an awesome building and art work really looks great there.

August Art Walk

August Art Walk was very busy. My work was upstairs at The Artists Cooperative in the Carling building at 31 W. Adams St., in downtown Jacksonville, Florida.

Painting on premises really got a lot of attention and it was amazing how many people were curious about the process of my work. It was great to be able to share it with the guests, especially the kids.