Canvas, Stage and More: A look at what’s happening in the arts locally

Posted

A look at what’s happening in the arts locally.

Writers group to hear from expert in international undercover operations

The Northeast Florida Sisters in Crime will meet at noon Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library.

Randy Bohman, who has more than 30 years as a law enforcement officer, will share real-life stories.  His career has included serving as a federal DEA agent and a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES). He has extensive experience in undercover operations, confidential informant programs, physical security, management, policy and procedures development, and asset forfeiture programs. He has conducted drug investigations targeting international and domestic narcotic traffickers’ organizations throughout the world.

Since his retirement in 2013, Bohman has been a licensed private investigator conducting a myriad of investigations within the State of Florida. He also has experience in banking, serving as a vice president for anti-money laundering, a financial investigative unit at an international bank.

The group welcomes “misters and sisters” to learn more about writing, promoting and enjoying crime fiction.

For further information, email floridasistersincrime@gmail.com.

UNF alumnus exhibits work at MOCA

MOCA Jacksonville, a cultural institute of the University of North Florida (UNF), has announced a new exhibition presenting the work of its 2022 UNF student artist-in-residence. “Brennan Wojtyla: Cathedral of Labor” is on view now through May 21.

Wojtyla is a multi-disciplinary artist and a recent UNF alum. He graduated in 2022, earning a Bachelor of fine art with a concentration in graphic design. With “Cathedral of Labor,” Wojtyla presents an exhibition grounded on his transdisciplinary exploration of the utilitarian form and processes.

“My work has a base in industrial processes and contemporary urban living,” he said. “By taking elements seen in our daily lives and placing them into a place of observance and analysis, I hope to introduce questions about our surroundings and what can be labeled ‘art.’ This can be a concrete wall, a cinderblock, curb markings, debris, and other artifacts of modern living and human intervention.”

MOCA Jacksonville’s UNF Student Artist-in-Residence Program is a highly competitive opportunity that awards access to a MOCA Jacksonville studio and exhibition space to complete a new body of work and hone skills over the course of a final semester.

Support for this exhibition was made in part by the City of Jacksonville, the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts and the University of North Florida.

Sundays At Stetson's set for Feb. 12

The next Sundays At Stetson's will be on Sunday, Feb. 12, and will feature The John French Band. This will be an outside event. Music starts at 2 p.m. Reservations are not required. A donation of $10 is requested per person.

The John French Band consists of singer-songwriter John French on guitar and vocals; Laura Greaney on keyboards, bass guitar and vocals; Joe Greaney on electric guitar; and Steve Waters on guitars and vocals.

French has spent more than 35 years as a creative musician beginning at the age of 15 when he taught himself to play the guitar and began writing original material. At the age of 19, he was playing and writing in original rock bands.

One such collaboration resulted in a co-written song appearing on the debut album release of a Knoxville, Tennessee, band known as the V-Roys, co-produced by Steve Earle in 1995. By 2011, and with the release of French’s solo album “All Roads,” he had discovered his niche in music as an Americana genre singer/songwriter, recognized for his unique style of music combining bluegrass, folk and country.

The performance will be held at Beluthahatchee Park, 1523 State Road 13, Fruit Cove.

— Compiled by Shaun Ryan