MOCA Jacksonville: The First 100 Years with Marcelle Polednik

Ideas of Our Time is a lecture series providing a forum for creative dialogue with artists, educators, and others around some of the most vital and important art and ideas of our time. In 2024, the museum is hosting MOCA Jacksonville: The First 100 Years, recounting the history of the museum by both historians and those who lived it.

On Sat, Dec 14, join Marcelle Polednik, Director of MOCA Jacksonville from 2011-2016, for a look back at the dynamic tenure that saw the invention of Project Atrium, the rise of national prominence, and a first amendment controversy that shook the community—and solidified MOCA’s role as the home of art, artist, and ideas of our time. Marcelle will share her reflections on that critical era in MOCA’s evolution and the importance of what they represent for the museum and the arts and culture field.

Enjoy drinks and snacks from Setlan Coffee and dive into the details about this immersive installation that fuses art and technology.

Admission is free on Saturdays thanks to the generous support of VyStar Credit Union, and attendees are encouraged to explore the museum after the program.

Non-Members $15 | MOCA Members FREE | UNF Students, Faculty, and Staff FREE

The MOCA Member price does not include NARM and SEMC reciprocal members. Reciprocal members receive free general admission at MOCA Jacksonville. If you would like to claim the MOCA Member discount on programs, and additional perks such as complimentary parking and invites to exclusive events, become a MOCA Member today!

SPACE IS LIMITED. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Questions? Contact [email protected].

ABOUT MARCELLE POLEDNIK

Marcelle Polednik, PhD, is the Donna and Donald Baumgartner Director of the Milwaukee Art Museum. Since joining the institution in 2016, Polednik has bolstered the Museum’s role as a vital cultural resource and preeminent arts destination by overseeing the development and presentation of dynamic exhibitions and public programming and by pursuing new avenues for broadening community engagement.

Under Polednik’s directorship, the Milwaukee Art Museum has presented major solo exhibitions of leading contemporary artists including Rashid Johnson, William Kentridge, and Robert Longo. As leading scholar of contemporary art, Polednik herself curated two major contemporary exhibitions—Nares: Moves (2018) and Idris Khan: Repeat After Me (2024). During her tenure, the Museum has also presented major scholarly exhibitions such as Scandinavian Design and the United States, 1890–1980 (2023); Americans in Spain: Painting and Travel, 1820–1920 (2021); Bouguereau & America (2019); and Coming Away: Winslow Homer and England (2018). Polednik has also stewarded the acquisition of more than 3,600 works spanning photography, print, self-taught, and contemporary art.

To foster community engagement and reach new audiences, Polednik appointed the Museum’s inaugural Curator of Community Dialogue in 2021, expanded programming for children and families, and established the Museum’s Community Advisory Group and Native Initiatives Advisory Group. In 2022, she also worked with the Museum’s staff and board to set the Museum’s new strategic plan, comprised of four pillars—Lead with Art; Connect through Programs; Enhance the Experience and Sustain the Future.

Polednik is a Vice President of the Board of the Association of Art Museum Directors. She is also a member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee. The Milwaukee Business Journal named Polednik among its “40 Under 40” honorees in 2016, Milwaukee area “Power Brokers” in 2017, and “Women of Influence” in 2022, and Milwaukee Magazine selected her as one of its 2021 Betty Award recipients, honoring extraordinary women advancing important work in the Milwaukee community. Polednik received her PhD in the history of art from the Institute of Fine Arts at New York University, where she also received her MA. She earned her BA with honors in art history from the University of Southern California.

About MOCA

The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA) is the only museum in Northeast Florida dedicated to contemporary art. MOCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a Cultural Institute of the University of North Florida. The museum serves the community and its visitors through exhibitions, collections, educational programs, and publications designed to enhance an understanding and appreciation of contemporary art with particular emphasis on works created from 1960 to the present.

Located in the heart of historic Downtown Jacksonville, MOCA is one of the city’s most significant cultural assets. Among the most prominent contemporary art museums in the Southeast, MOCA’s exhibitions and programs set the pace for arts and art-integrated programming on a regional and national stage. Renowned in this community, MOCA casts the spotlight on Jacksonville as a burgeoning, vital arts destination.

The museum is also a cornerstone of Jacksonville’s multibillion-dollar downtown revitalization plan with exhibitions and programs that bring new visitors to the civic core during the day, at night, and on weekends.

MOCA JACKSONVILLE PROGRAM CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

At MOCA Jacksonville, we understand that plans can change. We strive to accommodate the needs of our guests while ensuring that our events and programs continue to run smoothly for everyone involved.

Cancellation by the Guest:

• More than 2 days before the program: Full refund available minus Eventbrite ticketing fee.

• 1-2 days before the program: Refund requests must be sent to museum contact.

• Less than 24 hours before the program: Refunds are not available.

Rescheduling:

• Guests may request to be rescheduled to a later program, subject to availability, with no penalty if done more than 2 days in advance of their program.

Cancellation by MOCA Jacksonville:

• MOCA Jacksonville reserves the right to cancel any event due to unforeseen circumstances or events beyond our control. In such cases, a full refund or rescheduling option will be offered.

Notification:

• All cancellations or rescheduling requests must be made in writing to our Education Department at [email protected]. Please include your event details and contact information for prompt processing.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with our cancellation policy. Our goal is to provide a seamless experience for all our guests and patrons.

MOCA JACKSONVILLE MEMBERSHIP TICKET POLICY

Ticket Allocation:

• Individual Members: Individual members are entitled to reserve or purchase one (1) member ticket for each event or program in which a member level ticket is offered.

• Dual Members and above: Dual level memberships and above are entitled to reserve or purchase two (2) member tickets per event for each event or program in which a member level ticket is offered.

• Avant Garde Circle Members and above: Members at this level and above are entitled two (2) free tickets to one program of their choice per year. Contact Development at [email protected] to reserve.

Membership Level Association

• Your membership level is directly associated with your ticket privileges. We encourage you to explore the various levels of membership to find the one that best suits your cultural interests and event attendance desires.

• Donor Circle Members may request additional event and program tickets by contacting the Development Department at [email protected].

• Your membership number may be required to complete certain reservations. This can be found printed on your membership card. Please contact [email protected] if you need assistance locating your membership number.

Policy Adherence:

• We kindly ask that all members adhere to the ticket allocation policy. This ensures fairness and opportunity for all members to participate in our exclusive events.

Ticket Transfer:

• Tickets are non-transferable and are intended for use by the member(s) registered under the membership account. Identification may be required at the event entrance to match our membership records.

Enjoyment for All:

• Our policy is designed to maximize enjoyment for all our members. We believe in the power of art to connect, inspire, and engage our community.
  

We thank you for your understanding and for being an integral part of MOCA Jacksonville. Your support as a member allows us to continue offering a diverse range of events and programs.

Please feel free to reach out to our membership services team at [email protected] if you have any questions or need further clarification on your membership benefits.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

MOCA Jacksonville, 333 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, United States