The MOCA here in Jax is having its drawing marathon, the drawdown, on the evening of Friday July 31st. Its basically 8 hours of drawing through out the night at the MOCA in the education center studios until you cant keep your head up any longer. You will draw,draw, draw, all night long, leave your work there, and the MOCA will curate whats left and put it up for display at the Blue Cross Blue Shield Education Gallery for a Sunday reception. If interested in taking part of the Drawdown visit this link to the MOCAs website and contact them. Advanced registration is required so…move it out. Here is the link to the Drawdown-
Now with having all that out of the way…here is my two cents on the Drawdown. This might sound a bit on the negative side but, its just how I see it, feel free to comment if you think Im nuts( LOL). Several people have asked me and a few of my friends why we haven’t taken part of this event in the past. Well, here is how I personaly feel. Heres the scenario- I see myself drawing all night long in the MOCA after hours, the work gets taken away to another building( not staying in the MOCA) after being curated by whoever, for a one night showing on a Sunday….a Sunday…..for one night….at Blue Cross Blue Shield….Is anyone going to attend besides MOCA staff and the artists friends and family? In a nut shell I think this is great for artists who may not know to many of the locals around town. Its a good way to meet like minded people for sure, network, exchange number, whatever. I personally would recomend doing a group show with Joe Vandyke if I wanted to meet other artists and network. I think what the MOCA is doing is a good thing but, for some of us out there with other options to display work, its kind of a waste of time. If you are a newbie to the scene and want to display work to hundreds at a time on a night other than a Sunday, please visit my man Joe at www.myspace.com/artshowcase1and let him know The Outer Box sent ya and you want to be considered for the next group showing. I guess all I’m saying is if you do the Drawdown, do it for just the fun of it and look at it as a small opportunity to meet some other artists here in town. I wish MOCA would host another local artist showing…or at least have some space in the gallery to host local shows, with locals only. It would be nice but we always have Art Walk, Flux Gallery,The Art Center, and a few other Jax galleries willing to take a ”chance” on locals, and of course the Riverside Arts Market….damn shame the old library is no longer an option though. Ok, Im done ranting and I know some folks out there will disagree with me but, it is just my opinion.- My time is up!-BG
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B.Gray
edbot5000
Crusher
Josh Hoye
Thats not nuts you have a very good point
Thanks Severny. I need to check out your blog when Im not here at work. Gotta limit my time on the net. Thanks for checkin out the blog.
He’s right, it’s not nuts. It’s a good observation. I do give them props for doing something for the art scene, though. But, artists would probably have a better chance networking at one of Joe’s shows for sure.
Yes its very true. BUT, I think its better they do something like this than nothing at all. MOCA is making an effort. I wouldnt do something like this either but, I think for others who, like you said, are just getting to know people, not yet established and looking for something to do… its a great way for them to get out and be in a “curated show”.
With UNF’s recent acquisition of MOCA Jax I definitely see the Drawdown as having MAJOR potential further down the road.
I think if MOCA was serious about making this thing a success they might take the time to contact a certain local artist who has already organized 2 12-hour Drawing Marathons in Jacksonville and ask what him and his team would do to promote and entice not only artists, but art collectors to the event.
Think about it, MOCA!
True Logan, True. I was thinking the same thing. Well, at least there putting in an effort…..i guess.
Who are you talking about, Logan? Heh…