State of the Art Presence Art Center – August 2014
Americans for the Arts (www.americansforthearts.org) compiled a compelling list of Ten Reasons to Support the Arts, backed by research studies proving that the value of art goes beyond decorating empty walls! Reason #9: “Arts improve healthcare. Nearly one-half of the nation’s healthcare institutions provide arts programming for patients, families and staff. 78 percent deliver these programs for their healing benefits to patients—shorter hospital stays, better pain management, and less medication.”
Art Presence Art Center proudly hosts the Artist’s Workshop 30th-Annual Show and Sale from August 1-24, every Friday-Sunday from 10:00am-6:00pm. Meet the artists at a reception on Saturday, August 2 from 3:00-6:00pm.
Escaping her Los Angeles environs by camping, backpacking, and taking outdoor trips in her youth before living in the Applegate Valley for 18 years, shaped Dolores Ribal’s choice of subject matter in her watercolors. Originally trained to paint from models and still lifes, an abstract workshop with Alex Williamson defined her early painting. It wasn’t until she broke all the rules, and with the urging of her daughter, that she brought realism into her work. She loves to improvise rather than use colors natural to the scene: “My experiences, exploration, and finding out what happens, even accidentally, is more exciting…I just take a chance and let the paint work for me.”
One of over 40 current members of the Artists Workshop, Dolores will be participating in our Annual Art Show and Sale. The show features art in a variety of techniques and mediums, from Dolores Ribals’ abstract realism to the beautiful flowers of Charlotte Peterson and the dynamic duo of Sue and Steve Bennett. Paintings depicting subjects that touch a chord in all of us: beautiful wandering paths, sunshine, local scenery, and unique interpretations of the everyday. This year’s participants include Wendy Adler, Raye Aubin, Bruce Barnes, Betty Barss, Steve & Sue Bennett, Peter Coons, Susan DeRosa, Rick Evans, Georganna Happel, Mae Heideman, Marilyn Hurst, Eleanor Lippman, Katherine Lundgren, Dolores Ribal, Carolyn Roberts, Janice Rosenberg, Charlotte Peterson, and Elaine Witteveen.
Artist’s Workshop formed in 1983 when Elaine Witteveen invited other artists to join her in outings around the Rogue Valley and beyond. Focusing on plein-air painting (painting outdoors), members meet informally on Mondays at various locations to paint, share their knowledge and critique fellow members’ paintings. Artist’s Workshop goals are to foster plein-air and studio art expression as a group activity at weekly meetings, provide an environment for artists of all levels to share knowledge, develop skills, and produce an annual exhibition of their art. Visit them online at www.soartistsworkshop.com.
Many Artist’s Workshop members are also members of other recognized groups, including the Watercolor Society of Oregon, PASTEL PAINTers, and Southern Oregon Society of Artists. They exhibit in local galleries and beyond the Rogue Valley.
Artist’s Workshop encourages artists of any skill level interested in working alongside other artists to join. For information about the show or membership, please call Rick Evans at 541-324-7624 or at gaia_art@yahoo.com.
Featured image is “Humbug Creek Road,” watercolor by Dolores Ribal.
“Autumn in the Applegate” – Oil by Carolyn Roberts
“Red Lily Barn” – Pastel by Peter Coons
Hannah West is a Jacksonville website designer and art advocate. She is the creator and editor of the Southern Oregon Artists Resource website