Answered By: Lauren Newton
Last Updated: Dec 04, 2018     Views: 909

Memphis Wood (1902-1989) was a well-known Jacksonville artist for over sixty years, working in many media – drawing, painting, pottery, ceramics, sculptural fiber art, and jewelry design. As a studio art teacher in local schools for 33 years, she taught many budding artists, and was a major influence on art education in Jacksonville. She was also one of the founders of the Jacksonville Art Museum (now the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville). In honor of her artistic achievements, the Museum sponsors an annual award, the Memphis Wood Excellence in Teaching Award, for outstanding contributions to the arts in education. The Library is fortunate to have in Special Collections three of her sculptural fiber art pieces, and several other works by this notable artist.