Moms keeping a watchful eye on kids at the playground and suits and ties gathered for lunch at a favorite deli are talking about this weekend’s unveiling of the Riverside Arts Market.  Not everyone gets the name right - "the artists’ market" or "cool, new thing under the bridge" - but the Jacksonville community is all a buzz about the latest outdoor attraction to come to Downtown.  It’s no wonder that the buzz is about to pop, this project has been 16 years in the making and Jacksonville adores all the elements that come together in the Market, opening April 4.

Jacksonville has a passion for the arts, evident in monthly events, like Downtown’s ArtWalk and countless boutique galleries scattered from Avondale to Neptune Beach and prestigious museums with world renowned collections.  Who wouldn’t love a weekly event where more than 150 artists display their creativity and sell their wares?

The best part is, these "artists" come in all shapes and sizes - paintings, jewelry, pottery, photography, potted herbs, loaves of bread, vegetables and so much more.  What was that - something about food?  Oh yes, Jacksonville’s other passion - food.  The creators of the Market are smart to know that farmers and bakers are artists in their own right.   

As festival season begins in Jacksonville, you see a third passion come to life - music and performing arts!  An amphitheater is tucked away beneath the Fuller Warren Bridge and the Market will feature live music, stage performances and other acts each week.  And you’re sure to run into impromptu acts throughout the venue - think jugglers, balloon artists. 

And what festive atmosphere would be complete without a dedicated entertainment for the kids.  The Children’s Creativity Corner will feature a different community group led activity each week, so your little art enthusiast can get his or her hands on a new project each visit.  There will be painting demos, dance instruction, photography tips, weaving classes, sculpture demonstrations and much more.

The Riverside Arts Market will be open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through December 19 - rain or shine - under the canopy of the Fuller Warren Bridge on Riverside Avenue. Admission is free to the public.

I know I’ll be there and I hope you will to.  And let’s remember this isn’t a one time gig, so make an effort to check-out the Market throughout the year.  What could be tastier or more responsible than fresh veggies from your neighbors’ backyard?  Oh, what great gift shopping too - how cool are you when you simply say, "oh I just picked it up from a local artist."  Tres chic!