creative community arts and design
STUDIOS + LIVING ARTS ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL
HISTORY + BACKGROUND
A non-profit group is being formed to rehabilitate and adaptively use the former Koger Gallery and Gardens in Jacksonville, Florida to a Community Arts Center and Living Arts Alternative School. Constructed in the 1960s, the original building and later addition were designed by Robert Broward, a well-known modernist architect who studied with Frank Lloyd Wright. The building was initially an art museum for the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art. It was then converted to a private gallery featuring the Asian art collection of the Koger family who at one time owned the adjacent office park. The nearly 28,000 square feet building sits on close to 4 acres. There is a terrace overlooking the grounds and the addition affords views of Little Pottsburg Creek, which forms the western boundary of the property.
The building has remained vacant for approximately 4 years after the Koger gallery was closed by the family. The new group plans to rehabilitate the building in order to house two interrelated new uses—studios and gallery for local artists and designers and an art based educational program for special needs students (K-12), such as those with autism.
Community Arts and Design Center: The mission of the art and design center is to expand local and regional learning opportunities and to broaden the practice of the arts and design disciplines with an emphasis on well-being. The center will fulfill its mission by, among other things, providing studio spaces to artists and designers, hosting after-hour, weekend and summer programs and mounting exhibitions.
Living Arts Alternative School: The school is a living arts alternative school for special needs as well as regular ed. students with an emphasis on functional design and environmental arts. The school is primarily for “different learners,” including students with mild to moderate special needs, and high functioning autism. The education approach is based on the core beliefs of valuing each student’s individual creativity. A holistic approach is used to learn math, science, social studies and literature, while incorporating music, dance, theater and arts. Students will have direct access to the arts both through the curriculum as well as apprenticeship programs. By middle school, students will choose a preferred track of electives that will enhance their education and prepare them for advanced education and future employment opportunities. Both regular and special diploma will be offered.