Famous Brazilian artist Romero Britto once said, “art is too important not to share,” and the Greater Gainesville community is one that understands this importance.
Romero Britto’s brightly colored sculpture, “Tomorrow,” greets visitors to the Sebastian Ferrero Atrium at Shands Children’s Hospital.
From the vibrant murals that splash the walls of the city to the numerous festivals, galleries and museums, there is no shortage of opportunities for residents and visitors alike to come together and share in their admiration for art.
Bold, eclectic and teeming with talent, GG weaves its spirit and boundless creativity into a fine arts tapestry that any city in the United States would be proud to call their own. Whether it is the nationally ranked collegiate art programs, the myriad of artists that call the city their home or simply the general appreciation the community maintains for the arts, GG is a breeding ground for creative expression.
Learn: Leading Art Education
Gainesville’s thriving art scene can be attributed greatly to its cultural foundation in the esteemed local fine arts programs at the University of Florida and Santa Fe College.
The College of the Arts at UF was established in 1975 and offers bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D degree programs in its three fully-accredited schools made up of the School of Art and Art History, School of Music and School of Theatre and Dance.
Santa Fe College’s fine arts program, like UF, has a faculty of professional, practicing artists who provide instruction and advisement for more than 225 Visual Arts majors. Both programs are highly revered by the community and produce nationally renowned artists.
Explore: A Valuable Cultural Resource
Outside of academia, the public of Gainesville can educate themselves in visual arts at the Harn Museum of Art. Eleven galleries display nationally touring exhibitions and a portion of the 13,300-piece rotating permanent collection, curated in the 40,400-square-foot museum. Among the fine art is a familiar master, Claude Monet, whose Champ d’avoine has a place of honor in the museum.
Works of Kehinde Wiley are also highlighted. Wiley is the painter responsible for former President Barrack Obama’s portrait inn the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery.
The Harn at the University of Florida received 1,200 works of art from Samuel H. and Roberta T. Vickers in late 2020. The oil paintings, watercolors, drawings and prints — the largest single art collection ever donated to the University of Florida — depict Florida’s environment, people and history. The Harn will begin construction this year on a 20,000-quare-foot addition, which will house the Vickers gift, add more exhibition space for all works in the Harn’s collection, provide an art conservation studio and print study center. Anticipated completion is January 2024.
The Thomas Center Galleries is a beautiful setting within the former Thomas residence and hotel, containing many exhibits that rotate throughout the year. Some of these exhibits feature local art from Santa Fe College. The college also will soon debut the TranSFormational Art & Culture Center.
Indulge: A Vibrant Arts Community
It is no surprise many talented artists have made GG their home base, providing numerous outlets throughout the city for patrons of the arts to indulge in their passions.
Take a stroll downtown to view the larger-than-life murals that paint the city’s public spaces, or attend the monthly Artwalk Gainesville that combines local art and exciting performances.
In search of the perfect art piece? Visit one of the many art galleries dotting Alachua County that feature both local and international talent.
Whether it is found in the pale hues of a Monet painting, through the doors of a local gallery or in the pinks and reds of a Florida sunset, art is not difficult to come by in GG. It is integrated into the city’s soul, deep and unflinching, welcoming all to share in the beauty that is art.
Get Involved: Greater Gainesville Art Organizations
Gainesville Fine Arts Association
Established in 1923, the Gainesville Fine Arts Association is a nonprofit organization and art gallery dedicated to supporting visual arts through exhibitions, workshops and programming for emerging and accomplished artists.
On a mission to keep the arts vibrant throughout the county, the Alachua County Arts Council serves as a resource for local artists and art agencies.
Founded in 1979, the Cultural Arts Coalition is a nonprofit that promotes African American arts and culture.
Responsible for many of the colorful murals throughout the city, 352walls’ mission is to position Gainesville as a vibrant cultural destination through public art and design.
Get Immersed: Greater Gainesville Annual Arts Festivals
Oct. 22-23, 2022
Crisp fall weather and local art come together in the annual arts fest held in Thornebrook Village Center. This is all the standard shopping and scenic offerings of the center, only decked out with booths and various displays for creative types to show off their skills.
The Downtown Festival & Art Show
Nov. 19-20, 2022
North Florida’s art scene comes to life in this festival and art show in downtown Gainesville. Take part in the celebration of art and creativity complete with live music, performing arts and a delicious array of food.
March 18-19, 2023
Gainesville’s Spring Garden Festival celebrates the most natural art there is. The festival features about 125 booths offering plants, landscape displays and fine arts and crafts inspired by nature.
April 2023
Hosted by the Cultural Arts Coalition, the festival hosts more than 20,000 people every year and features three days of performances and visual arts to share and promote the rich cultural history of the Fifth Avenue community.
March 2023
Sante Fe College’s annual art festival features fine art available for purchase made by artists from around the country, plus live performances.
By Shelley Akins