MOCA exhibition ‘FIFTY’ to celebrate 50 alumni artists
There’s no doubt that UNF graduates in all disciplines have made their mark around the country and the world. Just as a pebble tossed into water sends out ripples, what began as a small university in Jacksonville in 1972 has been generating waves of influence over the past 50 years.

“When you think about the metrics we use to talk about UNF and other universities, they sometimes seem to fit more easily with the work of other departments rather than fine arts,” Doherty said. “And so, the amazing stories of art and design students and graduates is often harder to tell. There has never been a major UNF alumni show, for example, so the university’s 50th anniversary provided a really great opportunity to change that."
Doherty also is delighted that "FIFTY" provides an opportunity to celebrate the mutually beneficial relationship between MOCA and UNF, and the transformative learning opportunities that the museum affords the campus community.

Both agreed there were far more artists than they could accommodate in 50 spots, which Doherty believes shows the strength of the UNF program. “It’s really been a great story to tell because people are working in all different fields in far-flung places, and all these career paths led from studies in art and design at UNF,” Doherty said. "Alongside professional fine artists and designers, other alumni have forged careers in other areas too — and will be highlighted through exciting programs planned to accompany the exhibition — including Art Education, Arts in Medicine, Art Therapy, Tattoo Artists, Architecture, Art Restoration and Horticulture to name a few."

“Everyone who attends, especially current and potential art students will see the relevance of art making in their world to the relationships of the museum world," she said.
Artwork in order of appearance in the article: (all courtesy of the artists)
© Thomas Hager, Marsh Menagerie, 2021. Archival pigments on paper, 40 x 40 inches.
© Derek Des Islets, Test the Water, 2021. Acrylic and colored pencil on canvas, 16 x 20 inches.
© Lauren Anaïs Hussey, Types of Thought, 2021. 72 x 84 inches.