Curated by Mary Joan Hinson, PhD
The Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the launch of its newly established Gallery Program, a dynamic initiative dedicated to promoting local artists through curated quarterly exhibitions. This program transforms the Chamber’s space into a vibrant cultural hub where business and creativity intersect.
Each exhibit will feature a rotating selection of artists from the Jacksonville area, offering them a professional platform to showcase their work to a diverse audience of community members, business leaders, and visitors. The initiative underscores the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to supporting local talent and fostering economic and cultural growth.
The gallery program is curated by Dr. Mary Joan Hinson, whose expertise and vision ensure thoughtfully assembled exhibitions that highlight both emerging and established artists. Through her curation, each quarterly exhibit will present a cohesive and engaging artistic narrative, reflecting the richness and diversity of the local creative community.
“Our goal is to create meaningful opportunities for artists while enhancing the cultural experience within our business community,” said Dr. Hinson]. “By hosting these exhibits, we not only celebrate local creativity but also strengthen connections between the arts and commerce.”
The JAX Chamber welcomes visitors who would like to see these exhibits firsthand. The inaugural exhibit will be displayed beginning July 1. Future exhibits will rotate every quarter, ensuring fresh perspectives and continued engagement throughout the year.
For more information about the Chamber Gallery Program, upcoming exhibits, or artist participation opportunities, please contact Mary Joan Hinson at 904-315-2777 or brushandoil@gmail.com.
Cole Collier - July 1 - September 29, 2026
Cole Collier
Colecollier.com
Instagram @colecpainter
?Growing up in a family who operated a residential construction company, I was
surrounded by men that I looked up to. On Fridays, the crew would come to my house after work to
pick up paychecks. I remember getting home from school to greet them all hanging out in my
driveway, smoking cigarettes, drinking beer, and I would listen to what they talked about even though I understood little of it. I idolized them and knew that I wanted to grow up and be tough like them.
?I grew older and worked with a lot of these same guys during the summer in high school, later in
college part time, and now during the summers when I am not teaching. I've found more humility within them and respect for them in a more mature sense. Many of them struggle with generational poverty, broken families, substance abuse, or just weren’t dealt a good hand to begin with. My paintings show others how I see them. They can pour concrete, tie steel, frame a house, put a roof over your head, and sometimes they will sweep up when they are done. The commercial fisherman I see same way. With tore up hands and burnt skin they are providing an essential service.
?Inspired by the baroque, I paint scenes that pay homage to the working class. Common themes in my work are immediacy, drama, and vulnerability. I use traditional methods and mediums to create these paintings and expand on the story of the laborer. All photographs are my personal photos that I take. Sometimes several photos are collaged together to create an entirely new scene, story, or space.