The Artist’s Workshop of Jacksonville celebrates its 31st-annual art exhibit, showcasing the finest work of the area’s best known artists from July 31 to August 23 at Art Presence Art Center. Over 100 significant and creative works, by over a dozen artists, depicting familiar Rogue Valley scenes and historical places, will be on display and for sale.
Elaine Witteveen
Artists’ Workshop is a group founded by Elaine Witteveen in 1985. Elaine founded the group to provide an opportunity for local artists to paint “en plein air,” to gather members for constructive critiques and to showcase their work. Elaine recently passed away and the Workshop will, in her memory, display some of her work.
The members of the Workshop all have extensive backgrounds in the arts. Many are art teachers and members of a variety of art societies. Most have shown extensively in galleries and exhibits. Artists in this year’s show include: Dolores Ribal, Sue Bennett, Peter Coons, Steve Bennett, Marilyn Hurst, Betty Barss, Jennie Bagwell, Rick Evans, Kim Faucher, Jan Susan and Laura Kolding. In addition, three artists and their works are receiving special recognition.
“Lithia Creek” by Carolyn Roberts
Carolyn Roberts work, “Lithia Creek” was inspired by the “memory of the contrast of nature’s morning light on forest and creek with the dark manmade bridge.” Since childhood, she has tried to show her love of nature with paint without much satisfaction. Her recent experience with the Artist’s Workshop and her mentor Richard McKinley has opened her eyes to seeing and expressing design and color. For Carolyn, “Painting is now both challenging and soul-satisfying.”
“Duck Pond, Lithia Park” by Susan DeRosa
Susan DeRosa’s watercolor, “Duck Pond, Lithia Park,” was painted on location in plein air. Susan says, “I love painting outdoors, the scene is honest, pure, and fresh. Revealing natural light is my focus. It was a damp misting morning at Lithia Park, revealing mystery and subdued light. Hopefully, I captured the mood with my quick watercolor impression.”
Kay Driver is a first-time exhibitor in the Workshop. Her “Jacksonville Jog” is a plein air painting inspired by the light and shadows, warms and cools and the energetic figures in front of a historic Jacksonville home. Her style is colorful-lively, and emotionally positive. Kay’s painting process uses acrylic paints, acrylic inks and oil pastel on watercolor paper using a limited palette.
“Jacksonville Jog” by Kay Driver
All lovers of the arts are urged to come meet the artists, enjoy their latest work, have some refreshments at the artist’s reception and perhaps add a new painting to their collection.
The show and sale will be in the Art Presence Center, located on the grounds of the historic courthouse at 206 N. Fifth Street, Jacksonville. Exhibit hours are 10:00am-5:00pm, Fridays and Saturdays and from 10:00am-4:00pm on Sundays from July 31 to August 23. There will be an open house reception from 3:00-6:00pm on Saturday, August 1.
Featured image caption: “Jacksonville City Hall” by Peter Coons