JACKSONVILLE, FLA.- Mary Ratcliff wants her art to bring people together—literally. She is planning an installation of crocheted yarn chains and nets created with the help of the community.

Ratcliff has been chosen as the third student-in-residence at the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, a cultural institute of the University of North Florida. She is located in a studio on the fifth floor of MOCA Jacksonville, where she will work throughout the fall in preparation for her exhibition, which opens with a reception on Thursday, December 8.

Ratcliff will construct an installation of yarn, various fibers, wood, and casted elements that symbolizes community and collaboration. She invites MOCA visitors to her studio to participate by crocheting links in an ongoing yarn chain.

“The idea is abstractly linking one another through the physical joining of fibers,” Ratcliff said. “It stands for a rejection of the divisiveness I see on the rise in our society. My vision is to construct an experience that will exude beauty and strength through collaboration. My artwork will serve as a reminder of the potential and power that can emerge from unity.”

Ratcliff’s artwork has primarily focused on processes of steel fabrication, but she is attracted to a variety of mediums, including fiberglass, cast iron, foam, ceramics, and recycled/found objects. Her rural upbringing in southeastern Ohio has influenced her artwork aesthetically and conceptually.

“We are delighted to offer this residency to Mary, who is a forward-thinking young woman and talented artist,” said MOCA Jacksonville Curator Jaime DeSimone. “Her idea perfectly coalesces with MOCA’s role as a catalyst for downtown community engagement and revitalization.”

“Mary Ratcliff is one of the best students I’ve had the privilege of teaching,” said Jenny K. Hager-Vickery, UNF associate professor of sculpture. “She is passionate about her work, has a love of process and materials. Mary is also one of the most ambitious students I have ever worked with. She has created six large scale works as an undergrad, which is virtually unheard of.”