Today we’d like to introduce you to Bebe Alexander.
Hi Bebe, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Bebe Alexander and I teach art for the Episcopal School of Jacksonville, St. Mark’s campus. I am so excited to share with you all about our big art event happening this spring.
A Vision for Art was born out of the desire to move away from a traditional school fundraiser. The motivation was to create a community-centered event; bringing artists, decorators, collectors, and casual shoppers from around the region to Episcopal School of Jacksonville, St. Mark’s Campus. When attending A Vision for Art patrons and guests are given the opportunity to purchase and view art from some of the southeast’s most renowned artists.
In addition, students on the St. Mark’s Campus are also given the amazing opportunity to work with local artists to create unique works of art that are auctioned off during the five-day event. The first year in 2019, we certainly took a leap of faith, but we felt sure that this was something that Jacksonville needed. We had researched other schools around the country holding similar events, but no one in the Jacksonville area had tried anything like this before. It was easy to see, very early in the process, that we were right: The outpouring of support of sponsors and interested artists exceeded our expectations.
Our inaugural event took place on the St. Mark’s Campus in April of 2019. During the first five-day event, we sold more than 150 pieces of art from 38 artists from around the country. In April of 2021, 41 artists participated and more than 500 guests from throughout the Southeast attended.
The 2022 event will take place on the St. Mark’s Campus from April 22- 26. April 22 will be the opening night celebration. On February 3, tickets will go on sale and will be available for purchase at www.avisionforart.com/opening-night. On April 23-26, A Vision for Art will be free to the public during open shopping hours.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Our biggest struggle was, of course, the 2020 outbreak of COVID -19. After the first highly successful event we were ready to move forward and we’re confident that what we were doing was an amazing opportunity for the school and community. After a wonderful week of visiting artists working with our students, we left for spring break and never came back. All of our plans and hard work were put on hold.
I am so thankful for the wisdom of the administration of Episcopal School of Jacksonville finally giving us the green light to move forward with our second event in the spring of 2021.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The 2021-2022 school year marks my twentieth year teaching elementary art. There is honestly not a better job in the world! I feel so blessed to make art each day with young children and watch them develop into budding artists. Making a difference in the lives of my students and in my school community is an honor.
When we began to dream about A Vision for Art, I began to see how I could help to also make a difference on a much larger scale. I knew the event would be wonderful for the school, the art community, and the city of Jacksonville. I am so proud of the hard work that goes into each event and the team of amazing professionals that work tirelessly each year to execute this show. Susan Kwartler, Director of Development, St. Mark’s Campus, has partnered with me each year and is instrumental in making sure every detail falls into place.
While having the opportunity to meet artists and discuss their work is one personal highlight, my favorite part is watching my sweet students work alongside artists for the “Future for Art” series. They are so excited and proud to have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with artists to create one-of-a-kind pieces!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Mostly by coming out and seeing what it’s all about. The great part about the event is that anyone can come! The opening night is ticketed and provides a great first look and is a community-building evening with great food and drinks.
But the event lasts an additional four days that are free to the public! Whether you are a seasoned collector or just interested in fine art it is a wonderful event to attend.
Pricing:
- Opening Night $100/ ticket includes open bar, elegant tented dinner, meet and greet with artists, collectors, and other art patrons from the community
- Sponsorship packages start at $1000 and go up to $7500 Sponsorship opportunities can be viewed at www.avisionforart.com/sponsorships.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.avisionforart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avisionforart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avisionforart
