The ESJ community came together in extraordinary fashion for this year’s A Vision for Art, presented by Northern Trust. On April 17-20, the Lori Schiavone Commons was transformed into an art gallery showcasing more than 40 professional artists from across the Southeast. The exhibition, curated by Bebe Alexander and the Artist Selection Committee was a true celebration of creativity, community, and philanthropy, and the most successful in the show’s history.
More than 300 guests attended the Opening Night Celebration, where they enjoyed live music from Austin Vernon of Musician Makers – a business offering in-home music lessons – beautifully crafted florals by ESJ parent Bonnie Melin of Ruby Reds Floral, espresso martinis from ESJ parents Donnie and Kerri Webb of Flamingo Coffee, and an elegant selection of bites from Chef’s Garden. ESJ student and participating artist Madi McClure ‘26 was on hand to sketch portraits for guests throughout the event as a keepsake, and Stellers Framing announced a 20% off discount on framing services to members of the ESJ Community. John Donahoo, Nicole Marvin, Valisse Ciepiela and Jim Blech from Northern Trust were in attendance to accept an original piece of artwork from 2026 Featured Artist Lindsey McCord.
Throughout the event, 292 pieces of art were sold, totaling over $170,000 in support of Episcopal School of Jacksonville, St. Mark’s Campus and the community of participating artists.
A hallmark of A Vision for Art is the meaningful involvement of students. While an army of parent volunteers was hard at work hanging art, students in each grade level toured the gallery, critiquing pieces with their class. Each grade level collaborated with a professional artist to create original works for the Future for Art auction, exposing students to a variety of artistic processes while contributing to the event’s philanthropic impact. Over $11,000 was raised through the grade-level auction.
This year’s success was made possible through the generosity of sponsors, including Northern Trust, as well as the dedication of the A Vision for Art committee and volunteers listed below.
As A Vision for Art continues to grow, it remains a signature event that elevates the arts in Jacksonville while directly supporting Episcopal’s mission to nurture creativity, curiosity, and community engagement. We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored, or purchased artwork. Your support makes this event not only possible, but truly exceptional! View event photos.
A Vision for Art 2026 Sponsors
- Presenting Sponsor: Northern Trust
- Collector Sponsor: Linda R. Alexander
- Patron Sponsors: Duval Ford, Stellers Framing, CREO Capital Partners, Diane Graham, Joan and Preston Haskell, Meta and Hugh Magevney
- Enthusiast Sponsors: Heritage Capital Group, Dentistry 4 Children & Teens 2, Ruby Reds Floral, Dennis + Ives, Cece and John Cassidy, Jo Ann Lampe in memory of Lisa Lampe Rogers ‘84,
- Advocate Sponsors: Stephanie and Dan Lempesis, The Cady Club + The Lark, Sandra Smith, Papalas & Griffith, McArthur Family Foundation, Caroline & Luke Pope, Meg & Charles Commander, All About Events, Mittenpunkt, Flamingo Coffee, Aardwolf Brewing Company, Musician Makers, Mission Pest, LoveLee Events, Basis, Chick Fil A Ortega Park
A Vision for Art 2026 Committee
- Opening Night: Caroline Pope, Tara Lee, Bonnie Melin, Jenny Miller and Patton Weber
- Artist Selection: Mary Bower, Suzanne Burhyte, Susan Goebertus, Emily Magevney, Nicole Marvin, and Rebecca Sale
- Sponsorships: Kristin Bulgin and Courtney McCormick
- Marketing: CeeCee Cassidy
- A Future for Art: Callie Sprague and Jackie Husty
A Future for Art 2026 Artists
- ELP1: Laura Wallin
- ELP2: Tracy Jones
- Pre-K 3: Mishayla Schmidt
- Pre-K 4: Meghan Starling
- Kindergarten: Sophie Dare
- 1st: Kim Hurt
- 2nd: Alana Giddens
- 3rd: Kristin Cronic
- 4th: Chloe Wood
- 5th: Jenny Lomax