The Artists’ Workshop 28th Annual Art Show & Sale

Marilyn Hurst - Orchard Splendor

The Artists’ Workshop will occupy and fill the walls of the new Art Presence Art Center in Jacksonville, Oregon for their 28th Annual Art Exhibit from August 3 through August 26.  The exhibit will be open from 11 to 5 each Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the four weekends.   The Art Presence Art Center (formerly the Children’s Museum/Old County Jail) is located at 206 N. 5th Street at the corner of 5th and D Streets on the grounds of the historic Courthouse. The public is invited to attend a festive reception on Saturday, August 4th from 3-6 pm to view their latest work and visit with the artists.

The Artists’ Workshop group was founded by Elaine Witteveen more than 26 years ago.  Since, it has provided an opportunity for Rogue Valley’s finest artists to paint together weekly, to exchange ideas and to put on a public show and sale of their work.  In years past, the show had been held in the US Hotel  Ballroom.  This year, 27 artists will hang all original work as well as have prints available in the new Art Presence Art Center.

Deanna St. Martin - Daydreamin'

The members of the workshop will show work in media including acrylic, pastel, printmaking, mixed- media, watercolor and oil.  The artists have extensive art backgrounds, are involved in other galleries and many are teachers passing on their love of art.  Participating artists are Elaine Witteveen, Joan Adkins, Raye Aubin, Susan Austin, Betty Barss, Steve Bennett, Sue Bennett, Nancy Block, Peter Coons, Susan DeRosa, Rick Evans, Kim Faucher, Virginia Govedare, Lynda Haghan, Dodie Hamilton, Mae Heideman, Marilyn Hurst, Judi Johnston, Susan Kelling, Gwen Kirk, Pauline Mainwairing, Ausma Nonacs, Charlotte Peterson, Dolores Ribal, Carolyn Roberts, Anne Shurman, and Deanna St. Martin.

This year, the work of three artists has been given recognition for representing the spirit of the Artists’ Workshop.  The artists express themselves in a variety of intriguing artistic styles.  The featured work for this year’s poster is a very appealing pastel painting called,  “Orchard Splendor,” which reflects Marilyn Hurst’s longtime residence in the Rogue Valley.  Marilyn is an award-winning pastel and watercolor painter who often chooses nostalgic landscapes and portrays them in her own palette of color harmony.  Exhibiting with the group for the first time will be Ausma Nonacs.  A walk in Lithia Park last autumn inspired her painting, “Swift Stream.”   Among the paintings that new member Deanna St. Martin will show is a figurative work called “Daydreamin.”

Ausma Nonacs - Swift Stream

The Art Presence Art Center has fulfilled a much-appreciated and much-needed home to artists throughout the Rogue Valley.  Jacksonville artist Anne Brooke, in cooperation with the Jacksonville Heritage Society (who manages the property), spearheaded the creation of the gallery space in late 2011. Thanks to the hard work of many local artists since, the Artist’s Workshop now looks forward to welcoming friends of the arts to this year’s show and reception.   For more, contact Sue Bennett at 541.899.1179