MOCA Receives Important Gift from Gordon W. Bailey

Eddie Arning, "Untitled (woman with cat in tree)," ca. 1960s. Mixed media on paper. 16 x 22 inches. Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, Gift of Gordon W. Bailey in honor of the museum’s 100th anniversary.

MOCA is pleased to announce an important gift from Los Angeles-based scholar, advocate, and collector Gordon W. Bailey, in honor of the museum’s 100th anniversary. Consisting of 21 artworks, the gift expands MOCA Jacksonville’s permanent collection and significantly adds to the museum’s holding of works by untrained artists.  

One hundred years ago, a group of visionary, trailblazing women envisioned the kind of city they wanted Jacksonville to be—a community in which their families and others could thrive. The core of their vision was a rich, vital, dynamic city with a focus on art, culture, and education.  

“Caitlin Doherty, MOCA Jacksonville’s Executive Director, has a deep appreciation of artists and an inclusive world-view,” Bailey said. “She and her talented staff—especially Senior Curator, Ylva Rouse, with whom I worked closely on this gift—have elevated the museum’s programing. I am glad to support their efforts. The museum is a vital cultural center.” 

Bailey’s thoughtful selection features artists not previously held by MOCA Jacksonville, including Eddie Arning, Chris Benchetler, Levent Isik, Samuel Pace, Phillipa Playford, Juanita Rogers, Cher Shaffer, Robert E. Smith, Sybil Roe Thompson, Mose Tolliver, Myrtle von Damitz III, Willie White, along with Florida’s own Eric Holmes, Mary L. Proctor, and Purvis Young. 

“Mr. Bailey’s donation adds strength to MOCA Jacksonville’s holdings of works by self-taught artists and emphasizes our commitment to being a museum that fully represents Northeast Florida, offering access points to contemporary art that engage every member of our community,” said Director Doherty. “We are grateful for his decades-long advocacy of marginalized artists. As we celebrate the museum’s 100th anniversary, the gifted works enable MOCA Jacksonville to better promote a broader understanding of the art of our time, ensuring that the museum’s collection, exhibitions, and programs will continue to inspire and advance dialogue and interest in contemporary art in all its facets.” 

Throughout 2024, MOCA Jacksonville celebrates its centennial year, recognizing the legacy of its visionary leaders and important milestones while presenting extraordinary exhibitions and stimulating programing, providing an energized destination for all those visiting downtown Jacksonville. 

A feature exhibition Fill My Heart With Hope: Works from the Gordon W. Bailey Collection, will open July 25, 2024.