Honor our Planet, Northeast Florida, and our Community in advance of Earth Day
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 14, 2025 – The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens invites the community to come together for a day of art, music, stories, dance and immersive experiences on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Cummer Connects: Embracing Our World Together is a day-long event showcasing a variety of Northeast Florida creatives and community partners. Visitors can explore the beauty and significance of the outdoors through the featured “Knowing the West” exhibition along with the in-bloom Cummer Gardens while deepening their connection to nature through a variety of programs and hands-on activities. Many activities are free with museum admission.
Among the day’s activities are workshops with Jacksonville artists Crystal Floyd and Thony Aiuppy. Live performances throughout the day include the reggae-infused sounds of Chillakaya; a unique performance by University of North Florida (UNF) students called “Water Stories: A River Harvest”; and Native American dance, music, and storytelling with Larry Yazzie of Native Pride Productions. Visitors can also explore biodiversity through ongoing screenings of the “TreeTender” movies created by the University of Florida (UF) College of the Arts’ Digital Worlds Institute.
The Museum is also pleased to host a one-day bamboo sculpture installation in the J. Wayne & Delores Barr Weaver Sculpture Garden in partnership with the UNF Botanical Garden, Late Bloomers Garden Club, and the Garden Club of Jacksonville.
A full list of programs is below:
Free with Admission
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Drop-in activities throughout the museum include a one-day sculpture installation: Bamboo Project Initiative with UNF Botanical Gardens and Late Bloomers Garden Club in the J. Wayne & Delores Barr Weaver Sculpture Garden.
11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (ongoing)
View Tree Tender – a movie by UF about biodiversity.
11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Live Music with Chillakaya.
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a UNF “Water Stories – A River Harvest” performance (schedule pending).
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Teens Program – Clay Demonstration.
1 to 2 p.m.
Native American Dance, Music, and Storytelling through rhythm by Larry Yazzie of Native Pride Productions.
2 to 3 p.m.
Earth Day Tours by Cummer Museum Docents.
Ticketed Registration Required (Includes Admission)
Terrarium Workshop with Artist Crystal Floyd
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Members $65, Future Members $90 (for ages 16 and up)
Materials are included. Participants will create their own miniature living world! Artist Crystal Floyd will help participants design, assemble, and learn how to care for their very own self-sustaining ecosystem.
Art Adventures: Sequential Art (Comics) with Artist Thony Aiuppy
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 to 3 p.m
Members $30, Future Members $45 (per session)
Ages 12 to 17
Discover the world of visual storytelling inspired by current exhibition “Knowing the West.” Learn the fundamentals of comic book creation, also known as sequential art. From page and panel layout to inking techniques, participants will bring their story to life.
About the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens:
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens stands as a beacon of culture and inspiration in Jacksonville, Florida, proudly showcasing an impressive collection of art and stunning historically significant gardens. Founded in 1958 by the visionary Ninah Cummer, a powerful woman deeply committed to her community, the museum reflects her passion for art, gardens and education. Ninah's dream was to create a space where the beauty of fine art and nature could be appreciated and shared with all, and she succeeded in transforming her family estate into this remarkable institution. The museum boasts an exquisite collection that spans from ancient to contemporary art, including European masterpieces and American works that resonate with the spirit of the region. Complementing the art is a series of beautifully landscaped gardens along the St. Johns River that invite visitors to explore and find tranquility amidst nature’s splendors. This harmonious blend of art and nature not only enhances the visitor experience but also embodies the essence of creativity and serenity that defines the Cummer Museum, making it an essential destination for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. As a landmark in Jacksonville, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens not only honors Ninah Cummer's legacy but also serves as a vital cultural hub for education, creativity, and community engagement. It stands as a testament to the power of one woman's vision and her enduring impact on the arts in the community. For more visit https://www.cummermuseum.org/.
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