State of the Art Presence – June 2026

DIVE INTO A WORLD of creativity this June! Whether you’re a fan of breathtaking photography, looking for unique gifts, or ready to get your hands dirty with new skills, we have something spectacular waiting for you. Here’s what’s happening at your favorite local gallery.

Ultimate Summer Fun: Kids Summer Camps!—Give your kids a summer they’ll never forget! Art Presence Art Center and the Jacksonville Community Center have teamed up to create four action-packed All-Day Summer Camps for kids ages 6–11. Enjoy a perfect mix of artistic discovery and active play. Mix and match half-day sessions for just $120 per series.

Learn more and register at:

www.art-presence.org > education > summer camp

www.jacksonvillecommunitycenter.org

Questions? education@art-presence.org

Guest Artist: The Evocative Eye of Darcie Sternenberg—Experience the haunting beauty of the Emigrant Reservoir through the lens of award-winning photographer Darcie Sternenberg. Captured during a rare period of capacity water levels in 2025, these early-morning images reveal a landscape that is both familiar and startlingly new. Don’t miss this chance to see her acclaimed work in person.

  • Opening reception: Saturday, June 6, 1-4pm
  • Exhibition Dates: June 3-28

Member Spotlight: Step Into the Fantasy Worlds of Aurora May—Let your imagination run wild with Aurora May. Inspired by the deep forests of Northern Michigan, this self-taught painter brings hidden realms and nature stories to life. Explore her enchanting illustrations and discover the story behind her first published works.

Get Creative: Plein Air Paint Along with Bruce Barnes—Take your art outside! Join Bruce on the gallery lawn for a live Plein Air session. Capture the charm of Jacksonville’s historic buildings in the fresh air. Bring your own supplies and your passion—space is strictly limited to 15 artists, so grab your $5 ticket today!

  • When: Saturday, June 13, 1:30-3pm
  • Register: Registration Required at art-presence.org/messy-hands (Education > Messy Hands)

Third Saturdays: Craft Custom Cigar Box Treasures—Turn a simple cigar box into a personalized masterpiece! Guided by Lauren Card and Pam Lund, you’ll use found objects and personal mementos to create a unique gift or keepsake. We provide the box; you provide the inspiration. Join us for this fun, $30 creative workshop.

  • When: Saturday, June 20, 1-4pm
  • Register: Registration Required at art-presence.org/third-saturdays-at-art-presence (Education > Third Saturdays)

Book of the Month: “A Year in Jacksonville” by Ken Gregg—Celebrate our town through the eyes of a master. Professional photographer Ken Gregg has been capturing Jacksonville’s unique spirit since 2012. Pick up your copy and see our historic home like never before.