There are certain words in the english language that have a clearly identifiable definition and form.  For instance, if you were asked to draw a chair, regardless of your artistic abilities, there is a high probability that the image rendered would be of a piece of furniture used for sitting, most likely with four legs and back support.  Other words, which either have more complex definitions or are open to broader interpretations, would result in a wide range of different images. Cool is one such word.

What does it mean to be cool?  The word itself is abstract in nature and how it is defined is subjective to a person's perception and lived experiences.  As a personal attribute, coolness is an amalgamation of how one looks, how one thinks, and how one behaves. When we think of coolness embodied, we often think of individuals who maintain their poise and composure, even when faced with overwhelming circumstances that are outside of their control.  All of this combined leads me to conclude one thing, Princess Simpson Rashid is cool. 

My introduction to Rashid occurred shortly after I began working at the Cultural Council.  In August 2016, Rashid was one of several visual artists who participated in a story telling event, facilitated by Barbara Colaciello, at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.  The event was in connection to "Lift: Contemporary Expressions of the African American Experience."  Rashid, clad in a leather jacket in the style of James Dean, Marlin Brando, or Arthur Fonzarelli, was joined on stage by fellow artists Thony Aiuppy, Ingrid Damiani, and Roosevelt Watson, all of whom took turns telling personal stories - stories that touched on exposure to the arts at an early age, how they embarked on their careers in the arts, and triumphs and tragedies they have experienced along the way.  Rashid, an abstract painter and printmaker, spoke with a cadence that gave the illusion that her rhythm is set by an internal, well tuned metronome

Dr. Tru Leverette is a shining example of what an educator can, and should, be.  She is passionate about her role as an educator, and you realize this within a few moments of being in her presence.  Access to knowledge transforms an individual, and Dr. Leverette believes that it is not her responsibility to tell her students what to think, but rather, it is her responsibility to equip them with the tools that will enable them to think for themselves.

Dr. Leverette is an Associate Professor of English and the Director of African-American/African Diaspora Studies at University of North Florida's (UNF) College of Arts and Sciences.  She has authored a number of articles and essays, including "On Being Brown," which was published in "Other Tongues: Mixed Race Women Speak Out." Dr. Leverette is currently working on an edited collection titled "Against the Grain: Iconoclasts of the Black Arts Movement", which is under review at the University of Georgia Press. 

On Thursday, July 13, Dr. Leverette was part of a panel discussion hosted by the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) in connection with the Ritz Theatre and Museum.  The event was in support of the traveling exhibit "Dance Theatre of Harlem: 40 Years of First," which is on display at the Ritz until Monday, July 31.  In addition to Dr. Leverette, the panel, which was moderated by Shawana Brooks, included visual artist Roosevelt Watson III and visual artist/arts professional Hope McMath.  The theme of the panel was art as a means of self expression and identity, with a focus on the particular impact art has had on African American communities and the civil rights discourse.  

Knopf & Sons Bindery has operated in Springfield for over 50 years.  You'll find the unassuming shop off Florida Avenue - surrounded by a mix of commercial buildings and modest homes.  When the wind is just right, the smell of bread and croutons wafts across the street from Duval Baked Goods.  You wouldn't know it by driving by, but inside the walls of Knopf & Sons, employees, many of whom are either family members or come from the adjacent neighborhood, are printing materials for some of the biggest names in the global marketplace. 

Knopf & Sons started as trade book binder, meaning a different business printed the books and they then assembled the pages and covers.  Their clients consist of globally recognized brands, such as National Geographic and Rolls-Royce.  As the marketplace changed the company saw a need to change with it.  Their business model evolved into a full-service publisher, which led to the development of a new brand, OnLine Binding.

​Still operating out of the same building, OnLine Binding is a full-service company, offering independent publishing, layout, digital printing, binding, and distribution.  They even operate an online bookstore.  The target audience for OnLine Binding is different than Knopf & Sons because instead of Business to Business, OnLine Binding markets their services to individuals interested in self-publishing their works.

The services of Knopf & Sons and OnLine Binding are not reserved for writers alone.  Visual artists in Jacksonville, such as Kue King and Daniel Newman (in collaboration with Aaron Levi Garvey of Long Road Projects), have used OnLine Binding to create tangible portfolios and beautifully constructed artist books.  Their services can also benefit arts organizations, non-profit organizations, and Jacksonville's small businesses because, in addition to books, the company also prints marketing materials such as door hangers and calendars. 

Cheyenne Williams is the Marketing Manager at OnLine Binding.  She is also the granddaughter of the founder of Knopf & Sons.  In addition to her work as a service provider within the industry, Williams is also the President of the Florida Writers Association, an organization she has been involved with since 2010.  

The Art in Public Places Committee met on July 12, 2017 at 12:00 PM in the Don Davis Room in City Hall.  All Committee meetings are public noticed in advance and the general public is encouraged to attend. ​

Agenda (07/12/2017)
Minutes (07/12/2017)

The June 28-July 4 issue of Folio Weekly Magazine features a cover story that focuses on Mal Jones, a hip hop MC, events coordinator, mentor, and arts ambassador.  Jones hosts the The Lyricist Live, a monthly open mic cypher, which started in 2011, set in the streets of downtown Jacksonville during Art Walk. During the event, MCs step out of the crowd and up to the microphone to showcase their lyrical skills.  The environment is supportive and aspiring rappers are given the opportunity to artistically express themselves and hone their craft. 

Jones created The Lyricist Live as a way to pay tribute to the forefathers of hip hop, a musical genre with roots that trace back to the 1970s and the Bronx, New York.  It is no wonder that this genre resonates with Jones, because he himself was born in the Bronx in the mid 70s. Jones has helped develop Jacksonville's hip hop scene, making him a centerpiece within that community.  

The Lyricist Live has a zero tolerance policy for cussing and fighting. Jones, who isn't shy about promoting the importance of a well rounded vocabulary and exposure to the arts, has served as a mentor to Jacksonville's youth and emerging MCs.  One MC that felt the effects of The Lyricist Live and was influenced by Jones is Flash the Samurai. 

Kandice Clark was born and raised in Jacksonville.  In her adult life, Clark has worked as an employee in the corporate world, holding jobs in the beauty industry and with financial institutions.  Clark found that a certain part of her was left feeling unfulfilled no matter how well she performed in those settings.  This led Clark to reflect on her path and contemplate what professional endeavors would support her pursuit of self actualization. 

Clark, who is married to visual artist Christopher Clark, is crafting a life that is creative, eclectic, and vibrant.  It is Clark's objective to have the benefits of her efforts extend beyond herself.  She is working to grow a community and better connect creatives of all disciplines in this massive geographic city she calls home. Clark, who operates under the name Zenslayfu, a persona given to her by a friend, is immediately focused on Jacksonville's emerging artists and how she as an individual can serve this growing community by providing direction and opportunities for development and exposure. 

The fruit of Clark's effort will be visible to the public on Saturday, July 8 in the form of a collective art exhibit titled "Black Opal."  Clark served as curator of the show, which will be hosted by The 5 & Dime in downtown Jacksonville.  "Black Opal" features the work by several previous 10 questions interviewees, including Jasmine Dukes and Christa Fatoumata Sylla.

Clark is also a newly appointed co-host of the Cultural Council's Every Single Artist Lounge.  You are invited to join Clark, along with her fellow co-hosts Mal Jones and Toni Smailagic on the second Tuesday of every month to participate in an informal networking event.  The meetup is open to artists, creatives, and arts professionals of all disciplines and career levels. July's lounge, which is scheduled for Tuesday, July 11, will be held at BABS' LABS in CoRK Arts District.