Veridian: Arts & Sciences Event Series

These abstract mechanisms are surrogates for figures and for the ways body and identity are inseparable, even when they feel at odds. Made of specialized parts capable of broad and specific tasks, they carry the implication of function. But by obscuring utility, that function retreats. Without assignment, the purpose becomes simply to exist. The work occupies the space between labor and play as they both align with a restless motion. Through digital and analog processes, precisely fabricated components combine with the slower rhythmic labors of woodwork, sewing, and crocheting. Vibrant color and surface queer these mechanical references, stretching across genders and identities, becoming bodily. The paintings flatten this vocabulary into blueprints, catching machines mid-action, freed from gravity and wear. These mechanisms require care and are destined to deteriorate. Like bodies, they rely on others to broaden their possibilities. This fragility and need for connection celebrates existence instead of progress and the completion of a task.

Yount, a two-time New York City’s Gottlieb Foundation Individual Support Grant Recipient, paints the human condition and the metaphysical aspects of our origins, time, space, and where we are going in the future. The essence of our existence and how we treat one another and our behavior is the general concept that envelopes two subcategories. One is of an epic global proportion of humanity’s history and how this repeats the atrocities and perpetuates the indoctrination of the mind and soul and a secondary stage with a personal domestic perspective of being a universal poetic visual artist and how this affects his perspective of the family relationships of power dynamics and his perspective of gender structures and interactions.

Science on Tap-JAX is a monthly science speaker series creating deeper conversation and understanding of topics relevant to the Jacksonville community. This collaborative effort between Jacksonville University, the University of North Florida, and the St. Johns Riverkeeper grew out of the March for Science and occurs monthly on the second Wednesday of every month from September to May, except for December.

Join Dolphin Records for open mic night at Cantina Rio. Participants can sign up and perform solo or with a group on the Cantina Rio Patio. Also featuring Jason Perry on PA systems and live music mixing.

Join us in the JU Alexander Brest Dance Pavilion to celebrate the artistry and legacy of this amazing modern dance pioneer. Led by dance faculty Cari Freiberger, with live music played by dance department accompanist Laura Fitts, the celebration includes a chance to learn about the magic and nuance of the Duncan choreography, style, and history.

In a changing media landscape, traditional platforms are transforming, and the rise of nonprofit news organizations is increasing. Monroe, like many traditional journalists, has been navigating the transition and building momentum. Metro columnist, beat reporter, investigative reporter for the Florida Times-Union, and columnist for the USA Today Network, Monroe will share his philosophy on how to adjust to technical and financial realities while upholding journalistic and media ethics.

Come support the efforts and celebrate 10 years of Team Terrapin, a Turtle Survival Alliance volunteer science group that works to protect the local Diamondback Terrapin populations of Northern Florida. Science-driven conservation meets community involvement. Join us for turtle meet-and-greets, raffles, turtle merchandise, live music and more.

With the unprecedented use of executive power in the Trump administration, observers and scholars have described the upcoming 2026 Congressional Elections in November as the most important in recent American history. Will they mark a continuation of Trump populism, or will Democrats gain control of the House and Senate and change the policy direction of the nation? These four Jacksonville University scholars will examine this question and assess the political, policy, and legal consequences of each potential outcome. There will be a roundtable for 45 minutes and then the discussion will open for audience questions.

Go behind the scenes of live music with popular vocal coach Professor Dina Barone and exceptional pianist Sachiko Frampton. In this lively public event, watch talented Jacksonville University students perform and refine songs across a variety of musical genres—from classical to contemporary styles. You will discover how artists master stage presence, connect with an audience, and collaborate in real time.

The First Coast Wind Symphony presents a program of inspired music masterworks. Featured is the premiere of a new work especially written for the FCWS by Los Angeles film composer and orchestrator Rossano Galante. Noted educator Dr. Kenneth Williams is the distinguished guest conductor.

A favorite among participants and viewers, this juried showcase features undergraduate student work that reflects the contemporary pulse in art-making of Northeast Florida. The eclectic exhibition consists of a variety of media, including animation, ceramics, computer generated images, drawings, film, glass art, graphic design, illustrations, photographs, prints and sculpture. Awards are given for outstanding work.

Experience a powerful vocal collaboration as the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus and JU RiverTones join forces under the direction of conductor Christopher Warren-Green. The evening features Borodin’s majestic Polovetsian Dances, Bernstein’s humorous Fancy Free, and Korngold’s lush Violin Concerto featuring Concertmaster Adelya Nartadjieva. Stravinsky’s spellbinding The Firebird Suite closes the night.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of harmony: A mother and son's dream to inspire the world through music.

Experience the captivating world of Small Mouth Sounds, a theatrical production that follows six strangers who arrive at a silent retreat in search of something, meaning, peace, acceptance, or simply a way forward. As they navigate the quiet, they discover that when speech is stripped away, what remains is trust, vulnerability, and a willingness to face the unknown. Join us for a compelling glimpse into that unknown.

At the annual Ghost of JU Write a Thon, students unleash their creativity in 15 minute bursts, each building on the last as the Ghost of JU roams from the playing field to the performing stage to the cafeteria. It is fast, collaborative, and wildly imaginative. Students gather sponsors to support both local and international charities. Last year’s proceeds supported the Literacy Foundation of Northeast Florida and scholarships for students in Haiti through the Art Creation Foundation for Children. Scores of students from across campus join this festive tradition. The Write-a-Thon welcomes support through monetary donations and refreshments.

The Babadook, is a critically acclaimed psychological horror film that explores themes of grief, trauma, fear, and the complexities of mental health. Join us for an evening of film, conversation, and insight as we watch the psychological dimensions of The Babadook and discuss what lessons can be drawn from its characters and themes. The film follows Amelia, a widowed mother struggling to raise her young son Samuel, whose fear of a mysterious storybook creature known as the Babadook begins to blur the line between reality and imagination. As tensions rise, the film offers a powerful examination of psychological distress and the challenges of confronting difficult emotions. Following the screening, participate in an engaging talk-back discussion facilitated by Dr. McNeil-Young, Dr. Iannone, and Dr. McGraw. Together, they will lead a Q&A exploring the film's psychological themes, and the ways horror films can reflect real-life emotional experiences.

Join Dolphin Records for a spooky Halloween themed concert at Cantina Rio. Student performances include solo and DR House Band lineups. Wear your best costume and enter to win a prize provided by Dolphin Records. Also featuring Jason Perry on PA systems and live music mixing.

Art Historian Cindy Edelman and author Stacey Goldring open the season with a look at two true visionaries, Post-Impressionist Vincent Van Gogh’s unconventional use of color and Walt Whitman’s poetic works. A cheeky peek at their incredible lives is promised.

Mentorship is transformative. Join us for a talk showcasing the impact of service-learning courses and interdisciplinary collaboration on both university students and youth within a surrounding community. Focusing on Jacksonville University and the Arlington community, Grant, Jones and Dew will share their insights on the impact of interdisciplinary collaboration on mentorship. The interdisciplinary learning initiative integrated mentoring, literature, writing, and photography to create meaningful opportunities for reciprocal learning.

Hold Me Tight is a visual meditation on the tension between memory and identity, born from the quiet agitation of approaching middle age. In this series of constructed self-portraits, the artist explores the psychological experience of aging and the friction that arises when self-perception no longer aligns with the visible body, a tension intensified by a culture that glorifies youth. Through digital compositing, she stages an imagined dialogue between her younger and current selves, inhabiting scenes associated with youth while occupying them with present awareness. The work lingers between nostalgia and reality, examining how identity is shaped by time, memory, and the vulnerability of inhabiting a body that carries both past and present.

Leigh Merrill and Christy Wittmer's exhibition of sculpture and photo collage is a meditation on materiality, fragmentation, and perception. Wittmer's sculptures and Merrill's photo collages, each ranging from body-sized to small-scale, activate the gallery across floor and wall. With distinct yet overlapping methods, including sculpture, collage, visual reconstruction, and accumulation, their practices explore the space between the known and the invented, the enduring and the ephemeral. Together, the artists destabilize fixed categories of image, object, and meaning, offering instead a set of visual propositions in which transformation, memory, and the act of making coalesce.

Experience the ultimate vocal showcase bridging the magic of cinema and the grandeur of the theatre. This dynamic concert merges Reel Harmony—a nostalgic yet modern mash-up of on-screen hits from golden-age cinema to the digital era—with Real Harmony, a curated collection of beloved melodies from the world's greatest stage productions. From classic operettas, modern theatrical hits and iconic film soundtracks to viral social media reels, this enchanting evening celebrates the full power of the human voice. The performance features Jacksonville University’s contemporary vocal ensemble, the RiverTones, sharing the stage with powerhouse student soloists and renowned collaborative pianist Stephen Fennell.

As part of the School of Fine Arts and Humanities' commitment to original programming, this annual eclectic dance concert will offer faculty and internationally recognized guest artists of choreography from a global perspective. Join us for exciting new dance works that challenge and invigorate performers and audiences alike.

In partnership with the City of Jacksonville Senior Services Division, the Ritz Chamber Players perform a sampling of works from Expanding Horizons for our senior community as part of the Art and Mental Wellbeing program.

Every definitive movement begins with an act of courage. The RCP Silver Jubilee Season opens by honoring the imagination, discipline, and unwavering commitment that transformed an ambitious dream into one of America's leading chamber music ensembles. This performance features works that reflect both the ensemble's founding ideals and the extraordinary breadth of its artistic evolution. By paying tribute to the musicians, audiences, and steadfast partners who built the Ritz Chamber Players, this opening concert celebrates a historic legacy while boldly embracing the limitless territory the next twenty-five years will chart.

Experience the captivating world of Small Mouth Sounds, a theatrical production that follows six strangers who arrive at a silent retreat in search of something, meaning, peace, acceptance, or simply a way forward. As they navigate the quiet, they discover that when speech is stripped away, what remains is trust, vulnerability, and a willingness to face the unknown. Join us for a compelling glimpse into that unknown.

The Science and Engineering Lecture Series (SELS) is a lunchtime program hosted by the School of Sciences and Mathematics that brings together undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff to engage with distinguished experts across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Invited speakers share cutting-edge research, discoveries, and innovations, followed by interactive discussion. SELS offers a space for attendees to deepen scientific understanding, connect with accomplished researchers and professionals who may become mentors or collaborators, and explore career pathways. The series fosters interdisciplinary learning and highlights research shaping both local and global scientific communities.

Science on Tap-JAX is a monthly science speaker series creating deeper conversation and understanding of topics relevant to the Jacksonville community. This collaborative effort between Jacksonville University, the University of North Florida, and the St. Johns Riverkeeper grew out of the March for Science and occurs monthly on the second Wednesday of every month from September to May, except for December.

In partnership with the City of Jacksonville Senior Services Division, the Ritz Chamber Players perform a sampling of works from Expanding Horizons for our senior community as part of the Art and Mental Wellbeing program.

Inspired by the historic, self-produced benefit concerts of Coretta Scott King, this signature event reclaims the stage as a sanctuary for justice, remembrance, and systemic change. Through song, poetry, and narrative, Mrs. King transformed the concert platform into a formidable instrument of the Civil Rights Movement. In that same spirit, this program explores how Black classical artists have long amplified the struggle for human dignity—offering an immersive musical experience that strengthens community and gives enduring voice to the ongoing pursuit of liberation.

Common Exposure is a photographic invitational highlighting the diverse visual voices of photographers from the Jacksonville, Florida metropolitan and surrounding areas. The exhibition celebrates the breadth of photographic practice in our community bringing together fine art photographers, photojournalists, and commercial image-makers in one collective showcase.

Prepare for an evening of operatic power as the JU RiverTones join the Jacksonville Symphony and Chorus under the baton of Courtney Lewis. Verdi’s Aida Suite unfolds in all its grandeur, from the massive Triumphal Chorus to the thunderous Grand March, while Strauss’ Death and Transfiguration charts a searing progression from struggle to radiant release. Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde Suite saturates Jacoby Symphony Hall with longing, tension and transcendent beauty—an immersive night where orchestra, chorus and voice combine at full strength. Tickets available at www.jaxsymphony.org/26-27-season

Philosophically, environmental conservation is far from a partisan issue, and often more conservative than many realize. Buch, leading the North Florida Land Trust, has helped preserve hundreds of thousands of acres across Florida. He joined the organization in 2021 after 36 years protecting the state’s landscapes in government service and has completed 143,000 acres of conservation transactions valued at $375 million. Join us for environmental discussions with Buch, a trained facilitator, negotiator, and author, including his recent Common Ground: A Land Conservation Guide for Local Governments.

Through the generosity of Ralph and Anina Walter, the School of Fine Arts and Humanities welcomes a nationally renowned author to Jacksonville University each year. The series highlights writers across genres, with recent guests including Mat Johnson, Eula Biss, Dan Chaon, and Erin Belieu. Each visit culminates in a public reading with a catered reception, author Q&A, and book signing. This year’s writer is Khadijah Queen, Ph.D., praised as “riveting” by the Harvard Review. She has earned major honors, including the William Carlos Williams Award (2020) and the Cy Twombly Award for Poetry (2025). Across eight books of poetry, hybrid prose, and nonfiction, her work is known for its unflinching authenticity. Her latest book, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: A Veteran’s Memoir (2025), reflects on her service in the U.S. Navy and examines identity, loyalty, and life at sea.

In the “near future” of this critically acclaimed film written and directed by Spike Jonze, people form close emotional relationships with an advanced computer operating system. With today’s chatbots powered by generative AI—capable of mimicking nearly any mode of human communication, including those marketed as “companions”—has Jonze’s imagined future already arrived, or do meaningful differences remain between his premise and our cultural moment? After the screening, join us for a conversation about this thought provoking film and its exploration of intimacy in an age of technology. NOTE: Her is rated R for sexual content, language, and brief graphic nudity.

Experience the ultimate vocal showcase bridging the magic of cinema and the grandeur of the theatre. This dynamic concert merges Reel Harmony—a nostalgic yet modern mash-up of on-screen hits from golden-age cinema to the digital era—with Real Harmony, a curated collection of beloved melodies from the world's greatest stage productions. From classic operettas, modern theatrical hits and iconic film soundtracks to viral social media reels, this enchanting evening celebrates the full power of the human voice. The performance features Jacksonville University's contemporary vocal ensemble, the RiverTones, sharing the stage with powerhouse student soloists and renowned collaborative pianist Stephen Fennell.

Join Dolphin Records for a Valentine's Day open mic night at Cantina Rio. Participants can sign up and perform solo or with a group on the Cantina Rio Patio. Also featuring Jason Perry on PA systems and live music mixing.

The Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras (JSYO) is a premier program in Northeast Florida offering young musicians aged 7 to 21 the opportunity to develop their artistic skills. Recitals are a wonderful opportunity for JSYO students of all levels to showcase their work and talent as soloists, offering inspiring performances for the Jacksonville community. Join us for their first Sole Recitals.

The First Coast Wind Symphony presents music of Robert Longfield, conducted by the composer. With over 500 published works, his music is performed globally. Longfield recently concluded a 27-year tenure as Music Director of the Greater Miami Symphonic Band.

A look behind the canvas and stage curtain reveals how celebrated contemporary artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby and renowned playwright Tennessee Williams interpret family ties. 'All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.' Tolstoy was right. It’s complicated. Join Cindy Edelman and Stacey Goldring as they talk us through. Please register for tickets at www.searchingforidentity.org/literarture

The Ritz Chamber Players introduced a revolutionary vision for American chamber music. This landmark anniversary celebration and fundraiser honors that defining moment with an evening dedicated to creative brilliance, legacy, and institutional strength. At its center stands the world premiere of the Silver Jubilee Commission, presented alongside masterworks written expressly for the Ritz Chamber Players by distinguished Black composers over the past quarter century. Together, these works illuminate the deep artistic relationships that have shaped the ensemble's history while raising vital resources to secure its future. This performance affirms a permanent commitment to championing new voices and expanding the classical canon for generations to come.

In partnership with the City of Jacksonville Senior Services Division, the Ritz Chamber Players perform a sampling of works from Expanding Horizons for our senior community as part of the Art and Mental Wellbeing program.

TRIBES: A Dance in Light and Shadow is an evening-length choreographic work inspired by the life and legacy of artist Marc Chagall, particularly his series of stained-glass windows representing the Twelve Tribes of Israel. This project fuses contemporary dance, visual storytelling, and historical narrative into a powerful performance that explores the resilience of artistic expression under persecution. Choreographed by Artistic Director of JDT, Rebecca Levy, the piece uses Chagall’s luminous glasswork and personal history as a catalyst to examine issues of antisemitism, exile, identity, and the enduring role of the artist in the face of cultural suppression. Designed to resonate with diverse audiences, TRIBES creates a space for dialogue around history, remembrance, and the relevance of artistic freedom today.

The graduating seniors in the School of Fine Arts and Humanities will exhibit their senior thesis projects in this annual exhibition. A variety of media will be represented, including 2-dimensional artworks, design displays with commercial applications, 3-dimensional sculptural representations and installations, animated shorts and film productions. Join us in celebrating student works.

Happiness is a great musical coming to our stage. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the entire Peanuts gang as they navigate the joys and pitfalls of childhood. This vibrant production brings Charles Schulz’s beloved comic strip to life through catchy songs, witty dialogue, and heartwarming moments that resonate with audiences of all ages. From Lucy’s five-cent psychiatry booth to Snoopy’s epic battle with the Red Baron, this fast-paced musical explores friendship, resilience, and the true meaning of happiness. Come support our talented student performers and experience a nostalgic, feel-good night of theatre that will leave you smiling from ear to ear.

The Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras (JSYO) is a premier program in Northeast Florida offering young musicians aged 7 to 21 the opportunity to develop their artistic skills. Recitals are a wonderful opportunity for JSYO students of all levels to showcase their work and talent as soloists, offering inspiring performances for the Jacksonville community. Join us for their first Sole Recitals.

Students will perform songs from their 2026 compellation album, with copies of the vinyl 12” record for sale. DR will be providing free hot dogs and hamburgers so get there early. Performance includes solo and DR House Band lineups. Also featuring Jason Perry on PA systems and live music mixing.

In partnership with the City of Jacksonville Senior Services Division, the Ritz Chamber Players perform a sampling of works from Expanding Horizons for our senior community as part of the Art and Mental Wellbeing program.

Music possesses a rare power to translate lived experience across cultural divides where words often fail. This program explores the musical connections among African American, Jewish, immigrant, and Indigenous traditions. It reveals how these communities have shaped one another, and the nation, through shared resilience and creative dialogue. The evening draws a living line between two great traditions of freedom’s music. In celebrating these intersections, the program shows that difference is not a barrier to unity but a source of richness that deepens our collective story.

Each spring, Cindy Edelman and Stacey Goldring dedicate one LiterARTure program to Holocaust Remembrance. This year, they will explore the remarkable works of remembrance and resilience created by Photo Realist Audrey Flack and philosopher and psychologist Viktor Frankl. Please register for tickets at www searchingforidentity.org/literarture

Experience the power and beauty of the human voice at our Annual SpringSing featuring the JU RiverTones and student soloists. The concert is a curated collection of beloved melodies from the world’s greatest stage productions. Whether you are a fan of classic operettas or modern theatrical hits, this enchanting evening of song will transport you directly into the front row of the theatre.

Explore curated booths showcasing exceptional 2D and 3D artwork available for purchase from Jacksonville University students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Throughout the event, guests can observe and participate in live demonstrations, including wheel throwing and cyanotype photography. Exclusive merchandise from the Alexander Brest Gallery, along with copies of the award winning Aquarian magazine, will also be available.

For this series of performances, Jacksonville University Dance will push the boundaries of contemporary choreography with original works produced by our senior class. Join us for a concert of cutting-edge choreography and electrifying dance not to be missed, as we celebrate the Jacksonville University Dance graduating class of 2027.

Fiat Lux is an annual film festival that showcases imaginative and compelling work of cinematic storytelling. This year’s festival spotlights student projects in Media Art created within the most recent academic year. Each year, a jury of international industry professionals selects the most successful works in every category for special recognition through the Fiat Lux Awards.

Join the First Coast Wind Symphony in an afternoon of family favorites, featuring the 16th Annual Concerto Competition winner chosen from applicants throughout Florida.

Édouard Manet and Emile Zola impress. But a closer look reveals mesmerizing and fascinating perspectives of how we see ourselves, relationships, art, society and the world around us. Join Cindy Edelman and Stacey Goldring as they talk us through. Please register for tickets at www.searchingforidentity.org/literarture

In partnership with the City of Jacksonville Senior Services Division, the Ritz Chamber Players perform a sampling of works from Expanding Horizons for our senior community as part of the Art and Mental Wellbeing program.

The Silver Jubilee Season culminates with a sweeping Juneteenth celebration honoring the Black composers and performers who have shaped the American soundscape for more than two centuries. From spirituals born in the shadow of bondage to today's groundbreaking avant-garde concert works, this program traces an extraordinary lineage—one that has transformed songs of faith and survival into an undeniable force within the classical tradition. As the nation commemorates its 250th anniversary, this powerful finale affirms a fundamental truth: the story of American classical music cannot be fully told without the voices of the African diaspora. Framed by the spirit of Juneteenth, the evening celebrates a legacy that has not merely participated in the American score—it has written it.