Market open every
Saturday,
April to December
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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About the Riverside Arts Market.
 The History of RAMThe genesis of the concept came from Riverside Avondale Preservation’s (RAP) founder Dr. Wayne Wood, who was visiting Portland, Oregon, in 1993. He happened upon the Portland Saturday Market, an outdoor art market partially covered by an old bridge. Over 750,000 people visit the Portland market every year. The weather-proof market idea seemed very adaptable to the space under Jacksonville’s Fuller Warren Bridge, which was then in the planning stage for replacement. Wood returned to Jacksonville and convinced the Florida Department  of
Transportation (FDOT) to support the project and to dedicate the usual
under-the-bridge landscaping funds to accommodate
the Arts Market amenities and
requirements. Wood secured the backing of
city officials as well. The concept would allow parking under the
bridge during the week for Fidelity National Financial (located next
door to the
bridge) and the Arts Market on the weekend.Architect Melody Bishop (a former chairman of RAP) was selected as the architect for the Riverwalk connecting Downtown to the Fuller Warren Bridge, and her vision to integrate the Arts Market space with the riverfront pedestrian corridor was ingenious and creative. Parking spaces would become artists’ spaces on the weekend. Restrooms and a riverfront performance stage were built in. Utilities for artists’ booths, lighting, and visually attractive festival spaces were integrated into the area. The project was delayed for several years, due to problems in  the completion
of the Fuller Warren Bridge and the demolition of the old bridge
pilings, which was postponed by litigation of the contractor in court.
The landscaping, decorative paving, and lighting under the bridge were
completed in the fall of 2008.The Arts Market is operated under the umbrella of the Riverside Avondale Preservation organization. For nearly a year prior to the Market's opening in April 2009, the RAMROD* Committee (see photo at bottom) was busy brainstorming and planning to make the Market a finely tuned, user friendly experience for all involved. With over 30 years experience in presenting large-scale art festivals and events such as the Station Celebration, RAP is the ideal organization to create such a spectacular concept. Hundreds of hours of planning meetings with artists, city and state officials, event planners, food vendors, farmers, entertainers, and numerous committee members have gone into to shaping the Riverside Arts Market. Renowned local artist Mike Barnhart designed the RAM logo. RAM is a truly great example of a public-private partnership. Without the commitment and support of four consecutive Mayors and  dozens of city and state departments, RAM could never have come into being. Special thanks goes to Mayor John Peyton, whose administration has spearheaded the completion of the RAM site. Enormous credit also goes to City Councilman Michael Corrigan, whose vision and tenacity have been a mainstay of the project. Some of the agencies which have played a key role in making the final arrangements for RAM's opening include: City of Jacksonville
Office of Special Events Mayor's Office Department of Parks & Recreation Department of Public Works Jacksonville Electric Authority Jacksonville Transportation Authority Department of Information Services The Cultural Council of Jacksonville City Council of Jacksonville JEDC Visit Jacksonville!
Department of Transportation Department of Environmental Protection Other Organizations & Businesses Downtown Vision, Inc. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens First Guaranty Bank Fidelity National Financial Akel Logan & Shafer, Architects Kirk Chamberlain Photography  American Red Cross Fototechnika Chris Wojda & Leah Kennelly - St. Johns Partners Mike Barnhart of Robin Shepherd Studios designed our logo *Riverside Arts Market Research, Operations and Development team (RAMROD) Douglas Coleman, Chairman Pamela Telis Cindy Guy Teresa Fish Wayne Wood
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FAQs | The Buzz | Volunteer | Who's Who | Booth of Week | RAM Photos | Past Artists of the Week | Press Kit | Future Events | RAM History
Artist's Directory | This Week's Lineup of Artists | Nearby Attractions
Riverside Arts Market
Riverside Avenue at Interstate-95 Jacksonville,
Florida
[ MAP]
Mailing Address: 2623 Herschel Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: 904-554-6865
e-mail
us at
info@riversideartsmarket.com
About RAM | Artists & Vendor Info | Directions & Parking | Schedule of Events | Contact Us | About Us | News | Sponsors | Links | Community Service
FAQs | The Buzz | Volunteer | Who's Who | Booth of Week | RAM Photos | Past Artists of the Week | Press Kit | Future Events | RAM History
Artist's Directory | This Week's Lineup of Artists | Nearby Attractions
Riverside Arts Market
Riverside Avenue at Interstate-95 Jacksonville,
Florida
[ MAP]
Mailing Address: 2623 Herschel Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: 904-554-6865
e-mail
us at
info@riversideartsmarket.com