State of the Art Presence – November 2026

ART PRESENCE is thrilled to welcome autumn with an exciting array of new artistic experiences! This month, immerse yourself in expressive calligraphic art, inspiring hands-on workshops, and a celebration of local literary talent. Step inside and discover the incredible creativity awaiting you…

Calligrapher’s Guild Presents “Mixed Emotions”—We are honored to showcase the Calligrapher’s Guild as our featured Guest Artists this month. Through the timeless and expressive art of calligraphy, “Mixed Emotions” translates the full spectrum of human feeling—from vibrant joy and subtle humor to deep sorrow, frustration, and serene peace. See how these artists bring emotion to life using dynamic strokes, rich textures, expressive color, and mixed media. Meet many of the featured artists in person, discuss their creative processes, and celebrate the exhibition at our monthly First Saturday Opening Reception, November 7, 1-4pm. Exhibition Dates: November 4-29.

Artist of the Month: Chris Anderson—Based in Southern Oregon, Chris is a woodturner and photographer whose creative work is rooted in natural form, light, and texture. At the lathe, he shapes locally salvaged and fallen timber into unique sculptural bowls and platters, letting natural fissures, live bark, and raw grain patterns dictate the final design. Behind the lens, Chris brings that same eye for composition and detail to landscape and architectural photography.

Messy Hands: Decorated Capitals with Cynthia Griffin and Joann Cleckner, Saturday, November 14, 1:30-3pm—Unlock the art of beautiful lettering! In this engaging, hands-on workshop, you’ll learn artistic techniques to transform simple capital letters into breathtaking visual statements. Perfect for personalized home decor, custom greeting cards, or heartfelt handmade gifts. All materials and supplies are included. (Ages 15+) Registration is just $5! Registration Required at https://art-presence.org/upcoming-classes/.

Third Saturdays: Mixed-Media Tissue Box Art with Lauren Card and Pam Lund, Saturday, November 21, 1-4pm—Turn an everyday household item into a brilliant piece of functional decor! This fun workshop guides you through decorating a square tissue box using paint, decorative papers, decoupage techniques, and 3D embellishments. (Ages 16+) Reserve your spot today for $35! Registration Required at https://art-presence.org/upcoming-classes/.

Featured Author: Emerald Necklace by Larry Smith—Discover the incredible true story of community action right in our backyard! Emerald Necklace: from Goldmines to Woodland Trails, chronicles how dedicated local citizens and passionate school students united to accomplish a successful, all-volunteer conservation project.

Find Unique Treasures at the Gift Gallery—The holiday season is right around the corner! Beat the rush and support local artists by browsing our Gift Gallery, packed with handcrafted jewelry, original artwork, fine crafts, and one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list.

Featured image: “Crowing Rooster” by Cynthia Geoffries