Anna Newhoff
NCR Reporter
The art scene in western Nassau grows with the start of the West Nassau Art Alliance.
The WNAA officially began in March, following its first meeting held at the historic Callahan Train Depot.
Through the support and assistance of the Nassau Council of Arts and Culture Organization, the WNAA has come to fruition.
“The formation of the WNAA will offer art exposure to not only Callahan, but Hilliard, Yulee, Bryceville, as well as Fernandina Beach,” Brenda Schwend said. She oversees the WNAA as its chair. “The mission is to provide support for local artists through exhibits, programs, networking opportunities, and inspiration among other artists. The ultimate goal would be a permanent gallery.”
The alliance supports all forms of creative expression, including visual art, literature, and the performing arts.
In January, they will take part in the West Nassau Historical Society’s 15th Annual Art Exhibition at the Train Depot.
There will also be a county wide art fair March 28 at the Florida State College at Jacksonville, Betty P. Cook Nassau Center in Yulee.
Membership is open to anyone interested in supporting the arts. Meetings are held monthly, with the next scheduled for Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Callahan Train Depot. For now, the alliance isn’t collecting dues as it works toward nonprofit status, but plans to set an annual membership fee of $30 in the future.
The biggest challenge the organization faces is simply getting the word out. But members say the fire has already been lit.
“It is a great opportunity for artists to come together and support, inspire one another, and hopefully the rest of the community,” Schwend said. “Art, whatever the practice, can be such a transformative, enriching process for the artist and for the viewer or audience. I hope that (the community) will see and enjoy all of the talent and enrichment that we add.”
reporter@nassaucountyrecord.com