By Ben Cox
Photos/Ben Cox and Submitted to The Source
The storefront at 70 East Central Park Plaza in the Hockenhull Building has lived many artistic lives.
Today, its doors are open once again, revived under a familiar name but guided by a fresh purpose. Local artist Deea Meek, owner of the newly reopened Eclectic Art + Vintage, is bringing her brand of color, creativity and sustainability back to downtown Jacksonville.
“This isn’t exactly the same Eclectic we opened years ago,” Meek says from the front room of her gallery, where mixed-media pieces line the walls. “I’m using the name because it fits and because what I’m doing now is still eclectic, still art. Just different.”
The gallery occupies a space that once housed Jacksonville’s Playhouse on the Square, long before it became a hub for visual art. Eclectic Art Gallery made its first appearance here nearly two decades ago, later relocating to other downtown spots, including the space now home to Green Haven. A short-lived vintage shop variation, “S Bio Eclectic,” added another chapter to the story.
Now, Meek is reclaiming the space with a new mission grounded in sustainability. Every piece in Eclectic Art + Vintage is made using repurposed, thrifted or recycled materials—a defining principle of Meek’s mixed-media style.
“The aim is sustainability,” she says. “It’s about giving things a second life. Materials that would be thrown away become something meaningful again.”
Rather than choosing a single artistic discipline, Meek’s practice thrives on exploration. “I just think mixed media is a whole lot more fun,” she says. “If I get bored with one thing, I can shift to collage, sculpture, painting—whatever calls to me. And using reclaimed materials opens even more possibilities.”
Meek’s artistic journey began not in a classroom, but with a book: “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. “It inspired me to do more art, to share art, and to remind people that art is for everybody.”
Behind the gallery, Meek works in her studio during the same hours Eclectic is open to the public, Thursday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.
“I set those hours for myself as much as for the store,” she says. “Some days the traffic is great; some days no one comes in. But I know I’ll be here creating. And the door is open if people want to stop by.”
Next September marks 20 years since Eclectic Art Gallery first opened in Jacksonville. Meek is planning an anniversary exhibit that will bring back participating artists from the original gallery.
“It’ll be fun to do a ‘20 years later’ show,” she says. “Just a chance to revisit where we started.”
Between now and the 2026 anniversary milestone, the gallery will primarily feature Meek’s work, with potential pop-ups from other artists or vintage sellers.
Since reopening, Eclectic Art + Vintage has participated in the downtown Jacksonville ‘Witches Walk’ and ‘sip & shop’ events, with more on the horizon.
“I’ll extend my hours for things like Pink Friday and Small Business Saturday,” Meek says. “There’s good energy downtown right now.”
She’s also considering reviving an art hub similar to the ‘First Friday’ art nights that flourished downtown from 2006 to 2014. While details are still fluid, Meek says the idea has potential.
“There used to be six to 10 locations taking part,” she says. “It was a great art scene. With all the new developments downtown, I think it could come back.”
Meek hopes to host winter workshops such as collage sessions, making of artist trading cards and other small creative experiences. She also accepts commissions on a case-by-case basis.
“People can ask me anything,” she says. “Whether it’s something I’ll take on depends on the project, but I’m always open to a conversation.”
For inquiries about the gallery, commissions, workshops or event participation, Meek encourages people to reach out via Facebook at “Eclectic – Art + Vintage.”
With sustainability as its guiding principle and creativity filling every corner, Eclectic Art + Vintage is poised to reconnect Jacksonville with a vibrant, hands-on art culture.
“We’re full of ideas here,” Meek says. “That’s how it all started in 2006. Who knows? Maybe it’s starting again, just with a new twist.”
