the-avenue - The Independent Florida Alligator

Gainesville Girls Rock Camp is a nonprofit organization that uses music, art and creative expression to amplify the voices of marginalized gender groups. (Courtesy to The Alligator)

The Avenue

Gainesville Girls Rock Camp creates a safe space for girls and gender-expansive youth

By Brenna Sheets | May 20, 2021

The week-long camp, held from July 26 to July 31, is dedicated to teaching regional youths ages 10-17 how to play instruments individually and together in bands. As a chapter of the international Girls Rock Camp Alliance, GGRC actively works to dismantle racism, sexism, homophobia and other discriminatory behaviors and expressions.

Students in Gainesville are ready to tune in to anticipated albums from artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Lana Del Rey and Maroon 5.

The Avenue

New albums arrive just in time for the heat of the summer

By Karter Nancy | May 20, 2021

Gainesville students’ favorite musicians are dropping their new albums just in time for summer. Whether the new music will accompany upcoming Depot Park picnics, trips to the pool or stadium workouts, prepare to be plugged in to new music.

Attendees pet and fed the animals at the Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary on Sunday afternoon.

The Avenue

Vegan Farmer’s Moo-ket delights North Florida residents

By Melissa Hernandez de la Cruz | May 17, 2021

About 15 minutes north from the University of Florida, taste buds rejoiced Sunday afternoon at the Farmer’s Moo-ket. From pickled garlic to plant-based Oreo flavored macaroons, attendees perused the variety of options vendors offered. The farmer’s market, hosted by the Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary, also had cows and pigs for attendees to pet and feed.

Linda Lockman creator of Woods and Tides Designs makes handmade jewelry using a piece of nature. Whether it be a shell, an acorn or a stone from a river, Lockman said she makes her artwork from things she’s collected.

The Avenue

Local High Springs artists and creators celebrate Artwalk

By Alexis Carson | May 17, 2021

Optimistic and eager to showcase their art, local artists and vendors gathered to provide patrons with unique art displays in High Springs Saturday.

From the neon-coated, hyper sounds of Korean pop music (K-Pop) like BTS, to the sweet melodies of singer-songwriter Conan Gray, a range of Asian and Pacific Islander musicians influence North American pop culture.

The Avenue

Asian and Pacific Islander influence in the U.S. music industry

By Karter Nancy | May 17, 2021

The Avenue reached out to three members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in honor of heritage month to discover which AAPI artists are in their playlists.

Owners of Studio TM Ceramics Sara Truman and Naomi Mostkoff said their daughter Hazel started hanging out around the shop, where she "likes getting her hands dirty," according to Mostkoff. (Courtesy to the Alligator)

The Avenue

Studio TM Ceramics provides Gainesville a Creative Outlet

By Karter Nancy | May 13, 2021

In light of being home more often than usual, several of us have been looking for a new art form to indulge in and escape with. Fortunately, Gainesville’s family-owned Studio TM Ceramics has several opportunities for those who want to create using ceramic art.

The idea of the Science Bus originated in Tucson, Arizona, when Chris DiScenza founded the Physics Factory with a group of three other teachers. It is a refurbished school bus housing interactive physics exhibits.

The Avenue

Lectures and lessons come to life on Alachua County Science Bus

By Heather Bushman | May 13, 2021

The Cultural Arts Coalition (CAC) is sponsoring a Science Bus to aid in science education for underprivileged elementary students. The bus will house mini science exhibits and visit several schools, community centers, libraries and other public areas across Alachua County.

Starting last month, Sweet Dreams began its neighborhood ice cream truck tours in hopes of spreading the word about fully reopening again. (Courtesy to The Alligator)

The Avenue

Sweet Dreams Ice Cream Shop plans for full reopening by mid-June

By Brenna Sheets | May 13, 2021

Sweet Dreams of Gainesville will be serving their local homemade ice cream after nearly half a year of COVID-19 pandemic closure. Known for its wacky flavors and strong community involvement, the ice cream shop plans to reopen its doors once Alachua County public schools let out for summer break in June.