MOCA Studio Practice: Layered Abstraction with Lily Kuonen

Hands-On Abstract Art Takes Over MOCA's Studio Space

MOCA Jacksonville opens its studio doors for a two-hour workshop on Saturday, August 8th at noon, where artist Lily Kuonen guides participants through layered abstraction techniques. This moca studio practice session runs until 2:00 PM, giving attendees plenty of time to experiment with building depth through multiple layers of paint, texture, and mark-making. The all-ages format means everyone from curious beginners to practiced artists can explore abstract methods in the museum's dedicated creative space at 333 N Laura St.

What to Expect:
Studio practice workshops at MOCA strip away the formality of traditional art classes and focus on exploration rather than perfection. Kuonen's approach to layered abstraction emphasizes building compositions through successive applications—scraping back, adding new elements, letting previous layers peek through. The downtown museum setting adds a professional studio feel while keeping the atmosphere accessible, and the Saturday midday timing attracts a mix of serious hobbyists and weekend experimenters looking to try something new.

Insider Tips:
- Wear clothes that can handle paint splatters—abstract work gets messy when you're really into it
- Materials are typically provided, but check MOCA's website beforehand to confirm what's included
- The two-hour window goes faster than expected once you start layering, so arrive right at noon to maximize studio time
- Take photos of your work in progress to track how layers build—it's harder to remember your process once everything's covered
- Downtown parking fills up on Saturdays, so plan for an extra 10 minutes to find a spot and walk over
- MOCA members often get priority registration or discounts on studio workshops, worth checking if you attend regularly

Getting There:
MOCA sits on North Laura Street in the heart of downtown Jacksonville, with several parking options within a few blocks. City Hall Parking garage is closest at just 70 meters away, while the First Baptist Church Preschool Garage offers another nearby option at 129 meters. The Forsyth Street Garage sits about 190 meters from the museum entrance and typically has good availability on weekends. For those taking public transit, the James Weldon Johnson Park monorail stop is a short 143-meter walk from MOCA. The Bay Street & Laura Street bus platform provides another transit option about 311 meters away, connecting to multiple downtown routes.

Local Scene:
Chamblin's Uptown sits just 90 meters from MOCA, perfect for grabbing coffee before the workshop or browsing books afterward. Sweet Pete's Candy is less than 200 meters away on North Hogan Street, offering a sweet treat for the walk home. Kazu Sushi Burrito – Downtown provides a quick, casual lunch option about 151 meters from the museum if you want to eat before diving into the studio session. For post-workshop drinks and discussion, Pour Taproom sits roughly 262 meters away with self-serve taps and a relaxed vibe. bellwether and Dorothy's Downtown both offer locally-owned dining experiences within a short walk, ideal for turning the afternoon into a full downtown outing.