Artwork by JU art professor, former student on display on billboards across Jacksonville

Artwork by a Jacksonville University Professor of Sculpture and a 2012 JU Photography graduate is being splashed across Jacksonville on digital billboards as part of “The Highway Gallery: A Public Art Experiment,” now through Aug. 31.

The pieces by Professor Jim Benedict and former student Jesse Brantman were selected along with work by 10 other artists for the special 26-billboard exhibit, which is a public art collaboration between Clear Channel Outdoor and Florida Mining Gallery. About 140 artists initially vied for selection.

“This special juried exhibit will transform the digital billboards around Jacksonville into impromptu art galleries, providing a dynamic, accessible venue for 12 Jacksonville artists,” organizers said in a prepared statement. “The project is intended to give local artists a unique opportunity to present their work to a city-wide audience.”

An opening reception was held July 27 at the Florida Mining Gallery, whose stated mission is “to present emerging to mid-career artists who are thought-provoking and fresh with a mix of medium and perspective.”

Other artists selected were Aaron Garvey, Carole Danek, Chip Southworth, Daryl Bunn, Jason Fort, Jason John, Jax Laridae, Jeff Whipple, Mark George and Troy Eittreim.

More information on the exhibit can be found at https://www.facebook.com/FloridaMining.