Express Yourself!—Creative self-expression is a part of life most of us treasure, whether it’s drawing, cooking, or gardening, or attending dance classes, plays or concerts. Most people enjoy doing creative things because it provides opportunities to connect with friends and family, meet new people, and broaden one’s horizons. Those challenged to find time to express their own creativity usually feel they would be happier, less stressed, and healthier if they did. Whether they enjoy creative pursuits privately or with a group, people feel it greatly enhances the quality of their lives on many different levels. There are a host of studies telling us that all those feelings are true and that the benefits very real.

Southern Oregon, and Jacksonville in particular, is home to a higher than average number of artists to non-artists. Of those who don’t consider themselves to be artists, there are many who express themselves through a diverse range of creative pursuits. All these lively, fascinating people contribute more than they know to the wonderful quality of life we enjoy here. How do YOU enjoy expressing yourself? Is there a creative activity you enjoy but haven’t done in a long time? What keeps you from it? Have an idea of how Art Presence could make it easier for you to connect with your own creativity? When we celebrate the arts, our goal is always to uplift and connect with our community, and that means YOU, our friends and neighbors! Share your thoughts with us—email artpresence2012@gmail.com.

Artist’s Workshop 31st Annual Show & Sale—The Artist’s Workshop will have their 31st Annual Show and Sale at Art Presence. View the exhibition at 206 N. Fifth Street from 10:00am-5:00pm every Friday & Saturday, 10:00am-4:00pm on Sundays. The show runs July 31 through August 23, with a reception on Saturday, August 1, from 3:00-6:00pm.

Don’t miss our off-site exhibits of original art by Art Presence members:

Tom Glassman exhibits colorful minimalist photography at Pioneer Village now–October.

Art Presence member Linda Curtis, who’s included in the “Beauty of Nature” section in SouthwestArt magazine this month, shows her abstract paintings at the Medford Library August 2-October 2.

Walt Wirfs’ exhibit of oil paintings in the Jacksonville Library’s Naversen Room continues through August.

What’s Upstairs?—Practice life drawing with professional models from 1:00-3:00pm every Monday in our classroom. $10/session. Bring pencil and sketchbook and come ready to draw! Instruction upon request.

Schedule our classroom for your class, workshop or meeting. Contact Anne Brooke at 541-941-7057 for reservations.

Featured image caption: “Spring Glory” by Linda Curtis