The arts community is thriving in Clay County with public art shows, art communities, small businesses providing art lessons and more. Visitors can enjoy cultural opportunities and explore their own love of art during their visit. There’s no better time to celebrate the arts in Clay County.

In our small towns, you’ll discover residents with big passions for the arts. Here’s a look at some ways to learn about local artists, along with admiring their works at art shows throughout the county –

Clay County Takes Over JIA (Jacksonville International Airport) Art Gallery

Clay County artists will have the opportunity to have their artwork in the Jacksonville International Airport with an art show running July 2023 to January 2024. Artists were asked to create pieces focused on activities and places within Clay County. With thousands of travelers having the opportunity to admire the works of Clay County residents.

Art in Unusual Places

The Clay County Courthouse in Green Cove Springs is also home to a rotating exhibit of artwork from the locally known artists. Located on the fourth floor of the building, visitors will need to pass through metal detectors before visiting the art exhibit displayed in the hallways of the building.

Outdoor Wall Murals in Clay County

Whether you decide to make your visit ‘Facebook official’ or want to strike your best Instagram pose, make a stop at one of Clay County’s wall murals.

In Green Cove Springs, pay your respects to three fallen heroes of Clay County at the touching wall mural of artist Sophie Dentiste. Located at the corner of North Orange Avenue and Palmer Street, this mural was completed in 2019 with the assistance of local charity St. Michael’s Soldiers and local Art Guilds. The wall features a giant American flag with angel wings depicted behind Clay Fire Rescue Engineer and Paramedic Jeremy J. McKay, U.S. Army Ranger Sgt. Bradley Crose and Clay County Sheriff’s Office Dep. Benjamin Zirbel.

Also, in Green Cove Springs and created by artist, Sophie Dentiste, the mural “Cove in Bloom” is featured on a 40-foot block wall at the corner of Walnut Street and US Highway 17. Along with Beth Haizlip and members of the Art Guild of Orange Park, this colorful mural features the flora and fauna that makes up Clay County.

At the Orange Park Mall near the outdoor entrance to the food court, local artist Steven Teller of St. Augustine, created the “But To Fly” mural. Featuring vibrant colored flowers and birds, this mural pairs well with the outdoor vibe created within the mall.

Create Your Own Art

For those interested in getting creative and making their own art, The Art Room in Green Cove Springs on Walnut Street welcomes artists to explore new mediums of art with hands-on, group classes.

Choose from weekly classes or one-day events like the popular Splatterday, where artists can create their own masterpieces using splatter art and paints. Other one-day classes include painting pottery, painting wood, tie-dye, wreath creating and more. Eight-week courses range from adult, teen and kids classes in differing art styles. A weekly sewing class encourages students to be comfortable with sewing machines as well as learning how to sew by hand and how to create embroidery art.

The Art Room also offers Adult Night Out evening events and Open Studio Saturday where artists can perfect their art skills and art styles. www.welcometotheartroom.com.

Discover a creative atmosphere filled with friendly hospitality as our residents share their own passions with you – and allow you to choose your own hands-on adventures too. To learn more about art in Clay County, go to www.ExploreClay.com.