Matthew Patterson is an artist, educator, and museum professional currently serving as Director of Education at MOCA Jacksonville. He received his BFA in Painting and Drawing from the University of North Florida and his MA in Art Education from the University of Florida and continues to work as a practicing artist, having exhibited in New York, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Siena, Monaco, Okinawa, and Cyprus. Matthew has delivered programming to a wide range of audiences through classes, lectures, professional development workshops, and support groups, and believes that the arts should be a central, as well as accessible, component to the lives of the people of Jacksonville.

My work has always been centered around melding illustration and story-telling to create something that uplifts or educates my audience. I dedicated my time at Florida State University studying varied mediums in fine art as well as literature and the art of crafting a compelling story. Though art was my major, I wanted to devote an equal amount of time and effort into learning what goes into effective story-telling. I specialize in a genre called magical realism that takes elements of fantasy and combines them with a realistic backdrop. I also draw a lot of influence from social and personal issues that resonate with me (women’s rights, LGBT rights/experiences, mental health, body positivity, etc). A vital part of what I do is maintaining a balance between creating work that captivates an audience as well as creating something that brings me as much joy as I wish to bring others. Whether it’s to tell a story, fulfill a desired purpose, or provide support to a community. I’m a firm believer in pushing students outside their creative boundaries and exploring mediums and genres they might not in their regular practice. This collection of experiences makes us well-rounded and gives us an appreciation into what goes into making our own version of arts.

Mark is a native of Atlantic Beach and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of North Florida. He makes functional and sculptural pieces that explore visual depth and aim to ignite a sense of curiosity and consideration, both during the making process as well as through the finished product. Mark's work has received recognition that includes the Outstanding Graduate Award from the ceramics department at UNF, research funding from the UNF Office of Undergraduate Research, and a solo exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville. He was a MOCA 2018 artist in residence and won the 2021 Pre[serve] competition at UNF. His work has also been showcased in numerous places including the Adele Grace Cultural Center, and the @1340Art magazine. He is passionate about traveling and engaging with new locations and experiences, which often informs new perspectives on life and ideas for making art. When not teaching, you can find Mark working in his home studio, exploring nature, and spending time with friends and family. You can follow Mark on Instagram @marklestersculpture

The relationship I have with functional pottery goes beyond simply creating a vessel for eating and drinking. In my experience, a beautiful mug can change how a cup of coffee feels and tastes. A primary goal of mine in creating my pieces is to elevate daily routines by the beauty of my work. I hope that the care and intention put into my craft is felt when people hold my art. By focusing heavily on proportion, and design I can create beautiful pottery that can be enjoyed intimately by the user. Functionality and aesthetics are equally important to me when it comes to making work. Not only do I want my work to be precious, but I want it to also be incredibly user friendly. I am currently pursuing my BFA in ceramics at the University of North Florida where I received a grant to test and make slips for salt and soda atmospheric firings. My work has been displayed at national juried shows, student juried shows, group exhibitions and local markets.

Sean Collins is an accomplished product designer, and the head of the Art League’s Printmaking Program. He received a BFA in Graphic Design from University of North Florida, where he was also the lab technician for the Printmaking Department. Sean is a diverse and experimental visual artist living in Murray Hill, dedicated to his community and the growth of the Art League.

Lindsey Morgan is a Jacksonville based artist who has been studying with the Art League for years, and developing techniques independently. While her artistic aspirations and interests know no limits, she has been working diligently in colored pencil, creating an extensive body of work.

Rio David graduated from Douglas Anderson before relocating to the Bay Area, where he was featured in numerous solo art exhibitions.  Rio is back in Jacksonville, as a professional artist and he is excited to be teaching with the Art League of Jacksonville.

For as long as I can remember, I have been expressing myself visually. Portraiture is my primary subject matter, and I draw influence from Cesar Santos, John Singer Sargent, and John William Waterhouse. I am most experienced in oil and watercolor painting, and colored pencil and graphite drawing. I choose my media based on the needs of the piece at hand, and many of my pieces ultimately become mixed media works. I am a Florida native, and I am excited to help grow the arts in Jacksonville and beyond.

Marsha Blackford was born and raised in upstate New York and moved from Charlotte, North Carolina to Jacksonville in 1985. After retiring and with a lifelong interest in art Marsha attended classes in watercolor and observational drawing. In 2014 Marsha joined The Art League of Jacksonville, studying pastel and portrait art. Marsha’s passion continues to be portraiture and exploring different mediums in her work. Marsha truly believes that the definition of talent is the desire to practice and encourages and welcomes all who have a desire to learn.

William McMahan grew up in Urbana, Illinois, and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking from Washington University in St. Louis in 2007.  He then studied at Indiana University where he taught “Drawing Fundamentals” to undergraduates for two years before receiving his Master of Fine Art in Printmaking in 2010.  William moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 2011, and he has started teaching drawing through the Art League of Jacksonville.  William has had work exhibited at the Danforth Museum in Framingham, MA, Manifest Gallery in Cincinnati, OH, and at the Grunwald Gallery of Art in Bloomington, IN where he had a piece win “Best in Show” at the 2011 NSAL Emerging Talent Show.

Scott’s formal background is in Graphic Design, but his passion is illustration and painting. He finds himself always sketching and thinking about something new to create. Primarily he focuses on illustration using a wide variety of media including, pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, watercolor, and acrylic. He is a life long student of art and design and loves to be around all things creative.

The classes offered are mixed between intro to drawing and painting. The beginning of each class starts with a demonstration and the students can then work on that assignment or if they have an assignment they are already working on he answers the questions they may have. Each class he also introduces students to the fundamentals of drawing and/or painting and assists each student as needed throughout the evening.

Roger Bailey has extensive experience in the arts, he has created numerous wonderful acrylic city scenes, has tremendous experience in drawing media and has produced wonderful 3D work in pottery, clay, wire and metal. His talent is only surpassed by his giving personality in sharing his abilities and techniques with others.

Mr. Bailey has extensive experience as a teacher and as an accomplished artist. Roger and the Art League have designed a set of curriculum to bring his ability and experience to new generations using a foundation of art history and active drawing integration students will learn a great deal about the roots of technique and the progression of art in society.

Teaching Experience:

• 35+ Years Secondary Art Teacher Rochester, NY

• 73-’74 Fullbright exchange teacher – Taught further education college in Liverpool England

Docent and volunteer at the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, Florida

Pablo graduated from Cooper Union Art School in NYC as well as attended workshops at School of visual Arts and Educational Alliance in NYC.

Exhibited in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, California and Florida.

Locally exhibited with St. Augustine Art Association, The Museum of Contemporary Art, Jacksonville, The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, Art After Dark, The Art Center, Jacksonville, The Coalition of Visual Arts, The Adele Grage Cultural Center in Atlantic Beach and The Southlight Gallery.

Alex Stringer is a local Jacksonville artist currently attending his first year at FSCJ. He plans to transfer to a Florida University and major in either illustration or digital arts. He has been assisting Art League of Jacksonville as their graphic designer for approximately one year. His skills range from graphic design, digital and  traditional illustration, and story development.