Christmas in Avondale Tonight

Tonight (Friday, December 2, from 6:00 - 9:00 pm) sleigh bells will ring, choruses will sing, and it will be Christmas in Avondale.  This event organized by the Avondale Merchants Association is a tradition in our neighborhood dating back at least 25 years. Christmas in Avondale celebrates the art of giving and community. 

The list of who and what is planned is exhaustive.  Street will be closed, an ice slide assembled, and Santa will make a guest appearance. First Coast Chorus and Fishweir School Chorus, will be signing carols. There will be horse and buggy rides down Ingleside Avenue. Santa will make his appearance riding his "sleigh" around 6:00pm and will be at Avondale Artworks the rest of the evening. Merhants will have special treats in each of their stores.  Also of note is the participation of the award-winning Legacy Baton Twirlers, Dance Trance Kids, face painting and temporary tattoos for children and, last but certainly not least, Blossom the Possum from MoSH will make a guest appearance. 

As merchants deck their halls in preparation for the event (and the window decorating contest), we got to thinking about the art of giving.  "People want to give something that they will be remembered by - something meaningful.  It's the sentiment and not the cost.  A gift is about what stirs the soul, about what makes people happy.  A gift can be a treasured memory," said Samantha Wyatt from Avondale Gift Boutique.

"Accessories make the perfect gift.  They add a personal touch to every outfit and can be relatively inexpensive, said Dianne Garcia of J. Ashley Boutique.  A great scarf is a perfect present, as scarves have been the go-to accessory for women for a couple of seasons now. We certainly never under-estimate  what a good pashmina can do!

For the foodie, try Green Man Gourmet (they will have mulled cider--that's Christmas in a cup).  With an extraordinary selection of spices, salts, and rubs, they are sure to have the right cooking accessory for the epicurean in your family.  One can never go wrong with baked goods from Let them Eat Cake or Peterbrooke Chocolatier. 

The perfect accessory for the home, according to Cowford Traders is their best-selling Fraiser Fir candle (there is no merrier scent).  For a truly unique gift, consider an art piece from Avondale Artworks or a beautiful oriental rug from Hooshang. 

The most important gift of all is the experience of the event and the memories created year after year.  "Christmas in Avondale is our gift to the community," said Dianne Garcia of J. Ashley, President of the Avondale Merchants Association.

The Spring Tour Of Homes

The annual Spring Tour of Homes is this weekend – April 24th and 25th. Some of Riverside Avondale's most beautiful homes will open once again for a two-day self-guided tour. Take our photo gallery tour for a preview.

Why not do the Home Tour by bike? On Saturday, April 24th at 10 am, City Cycle is offering a free guided ride of the featured homes. The tour starts at City Cycle on Park Street (between King and James) and is a great way to avoid parking hassles—not to mention that someone will watch your wheels while you’re checking out all the great architecture and inspired decor. Call Drew at 356-BIKE for more information.

Check out the RAP Home Tour iPhone app! Navigate to interactivejax.com from your iPhone, iPad, iTouch or Android mobile browser.

Visit the RAP site for all the details. >>

Making News Across the Sea

The Riverside Avondale area was recently the subject of a nice article in The London Financial Times. While describing much of the homes in Jacksonville as "cookie cutter" style and indistinguishable from the rest of Florida, the district brings praise for its preservation efforts yielding “one of the largest collections of early to mid-20th-century residential architecture in the country”. It is a great article peppered with bits about Klutho, the preservation laws, the housing market and Al Letson. Read the article.>>

Eco-Art Event

R.Roberts Gallery is hosting an evening for naturalists and wildlife art lovers. From 6- 9 p.m. special guest, Robert E. Hall, will present the Audubon Centennial Edition of John James Audubon’s “The Birds of America” along with a film highlighting the important contributions Audubon made to the areas of wildlife art and North American bird cataloging.

This presentation will also include a wine and cheese reception. Your $10 donation at the door will benefit St. Johns Riverkeeper. Please RSVP to R.Roberts, (904) 388-1188, by October 22.

Success at RAM begets New Avondale Shop

After eight weeks showing her own works at the Riverside Arts Market, Jaye Richardson of Springfield opens up shop in Avondale. Richardson calls Muse’s Corner an indoor version of the Riverside Artist Market. She is selling her own hand made candles as well a wide range of unique and one of a kind artisan creations. The shop features paintings, pottery, bath and body, jewelry, clothing, accessories, glass art, pet products, paper art and specialty greeting cards, fiber art, home decor and gourmet food. Get the full story from the Times-Union article>>

City's Plan to Outsource Operations at Boone Park Tennis Complex Moving Ahead

Despite a signed petition with over 500 resident names, the City of Jacksonville appears to be moving ahead with plans to “outsource” operations of Boone Park tennis complex. They are in negotiations with Community Connections, a Jacksonville nonprofit that operates the city-owned Normandy Community Center. A party of the agreement is to require that fees remain “reasonable”. Current fees at Boone Park are $2.50 for 90 minutes, or $80 for a one-year pass. Read more in the Times-Union article at Jacksonville.com>>

New gallery to open in Avondale

Avondale Artworks opens Friday, August 14. The new gallery is located at 3568 St Johns Avenue, and features a variety of very talented artists from north Florida. The gallery's web site is still under construction but Brian Gray stopped by the new gallery and took a look. See what he had to say over at The Outer Box.

Live Art Auction at R. Roberst Gallery

Riverside and Avondale have certainly become THE place for art in Jacksonville. Every Saturday, you can't miss with RAM. And if you didn't get your art fix satisfied there, we have many of the best galleries and certainly one of the finest museums in the Cummer, not to mention all the talented artists who live here.

August 1, R, Roberts Gallery brings you the opportunity to participate in the excitement of a live art auction. On the blocks are original paintings, sculpture, stone lithography, serigraphs and Easter European blown glass. Everything is available for preview during their regular business hours so drop by and take a look.

If you see something you like and can't wait, you can buy it on the spot. AND because you are reading this, you can take a 25% discount. Just download the coupon and bring it with you. The auction is limited to 60 people, so make your reservation now. At the very least stop by for the V.I.P. PREVIEW PARTY August 1st from 4-6pm featuring Live Music, Cocktails and delightful yummies.

En Garde!

Are you looking for something new to try that will keep you sharp both physically and mentally? Fencing may be just what you were looking for all along and we have one of the best resources in the country right here in Avondale! People come from all over the country to train at the Jacksonville Fencing Club. There was a recent article in the Times-Union about the club that offers a pretty good look at the sport and the club. Coach Raul Toro offers classes for people of all ages starting at age 8. They are also offering a youth fencing camp this summer on July 20th -24th and July 27th -31st at Episcopal High School and may still have a few spaces left.

Party on the 4th

Dancing in the Streets

Saturday, June 20th

Avondale comes alive in this yearly event! Line music with The BayStreet Band 5 - 8 pm
Vintage cars, dining, shopping and of course dancing!

Hosted by the Avondale Merchants Association. For more information call 338-3194 or visit their site.

3rd Thursday Celebration

The third time is the charm, if you missed the 1st Wednesday Jacksonville Art Walk and the 1st Friday Walk in 5 Points, then do not miss Avondale’s newest excuse to party.

Join us this and every third Thursday of the month from 5-8.

Featuring art being created on the streets, amazing food & drink specials at our fine and casual dining restaurants, complimentary cocktails and wine tastings in many of our historic shoppes, incredible one-night-only boutique sales and MORE. Plan a date for this wonderful new monthly event!

This Weekend!

This Friday is First Friday in Five Points. Among the usual funs things to do is Anomaly's 4th Birthday Party! Stop in and wish them happy birthday and enjoy… tasty treats… delicious drinks… stylish threads… plus, the one and only, nickFRESH playin all your jamz. Flux Gallery has work from Heather Blanton, Logan Zawacki, Leigh-Ann Sullivan, Mario Peralta, Aimee Dodds, and Patrick Morris. And Logan unveils his new book- The Excavation of Mushroon Island. Could this be proof that the Super Mario Brothers mythology existed a long time ago on a lost chain of islands in the Pacific Ocean?

Start your Saturday with the Riverside Arts Market under the Fuller Warren bridge… music… art… food… art… fun… and… ART! 10am-4pm. Stop in early for the best selection! Don't miss our featured Acoustic/Folk/Rock performer Lauren Fincham with Mike Pearson from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Also appearing are Domenic Patruno at 10:30am and Dr. Jeff and Mr. Mike at 11:15am.

And if you don't get enough art at RAM, stop in at Bogda Gallery for the Franklin Matthews opening from 8-11pm. Bogda is located at 1253 McDuff Avenue acroos the street from Lee High School.

19 Studios… One Colorful Party!

Saturday, May 30, 10am–6pm and Sunday, May 31, noon–4pm

The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville will be touring the studios of artists working in Downtown, San Marco, Riverside, Avondale and Ortega this Saturay and Sunday. Most of the stops are in Riverside and Avondale! Many of Jacksonville’s best known and emerging artists have been convinced to let you into their studios to let you see where they create their work. They are offering optional guided or self-guided tours. And once you have been inspired, there is a great after party and auction at our very own Bold City Brewery. If you haven't been to their brewery on Rosselle Street this is the perfect time to give it a try! Tickets can be purchased by calling MOCA at 366-6911 ext. 208 or stopping by R. Roberts Gallery.

So join MOCA for an inside view of the creative life.

New Restaurant Coming to Avondale

The Times-Union recently reported that a new restaurant will open on St. Johns Avenue at the former location of Casablanca Beauty Center. will share that space with Emily Benhams. Details for the restauramt are still being worked out by partners Liz Grenamyer of Catering by Liz and Bella Sera and John Nagy and Karen Thomas of Eleven South. Read more>>

In other restaurant news, Restaurant Orsay is now serving Sunday brunch from 11am to 4pm.

Let us know what you know about the district!

R. Roberts Gallery True Colors - May 8

Join R. Roberts Gallery for Rainbow Cocktails, view historic art, meet signature artist John Morse and wonderful art collectors from near and far...and join them in this unprecedented celebration of color and life...

This Weekend!

Our sincere thanks to our generous sponsors: E.B. Morris General Contractors, Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute – Riverside, and the Park & King Merchant’s Association. Thanks, as well, to Brinton’s Paint Company, who is yet again reprising its “Paint My House” Contest. Call the RAP office to learn how you can win up to 30 gallons of premier Benjamin Moore exterior paint!

The District is Looking Good for Buyers AND Sellers

The local paper had a story last week about the strength of the real estate market for Riverside, Avondale and Ortega. Much of the interest is coming from first time home buyers eager to take advantage of teh $8000 tax incentive, out-of-town buyers moving to Jacksonville and beach residents looking to get closer to the city. Another good statistic is that people looking to move into the district are looking for their own personal homes instead of those looking to make a quick buck flipping.

“Most of the phone calls we receive are for the historic areas,” said Nabel Nunez, broker with Exit Southern Heritage Realty in Riverside. “The area has good appreciation, and a lot of people moving to Jacksonville from out of town are looking for a community like this.” We know the value of our historic properties, but it is nice to hear it from others from time to time.

Modern Masters ~ Live Art Auction

December 4, 2008 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm
R. Roberts Gallery

Featuring the original printmaking of Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Salvador Dali, Pierre Matisse (Henri Matisse’s formidable grandson), Henri Matisse and Georges Braque—all master painters who experimented with various forms of cutting edge printmaking – LIVE AUCTION BROUGHT BY THE OFFICIAL, TIME HONORED & FULLY AUTHENTICATED MASTER-WORKS REPRESENTATIVES AFNA.