Tutti Frutti by Nancy Block

In November, Art Presence in Jacksonville, Oregon is pleased to present, “Abstract Expressions,” an art exhibit featuring abstract works in oil, watercolor, pastel, collage, acrylic, pastel and ink. Show organizer and well-known local artist Anne Brooke says, “Art Presence now has 99 artists, 26 of whom will be displaying more than 100 pieces of art in the November show.”

Indian Summer by Alx Fox

The show will be held in the former Children’s Museum/County Jail on the grounds of the historic Courthouse on 5th Street. Brooke commented on the transformation of the building, saying, “The new art center space is working really well for all of us as a gallery. Since it’s always a challenge getting the public to recognize the arts community, having a gallery goes a long way to helping establish legitimacy. We are thrilled that the Southern Oregon Arts Council moved their board offices into an upstairs office in the Art Presence Center…they hold all of their meetings here. Their President is Arlis Duncan of Jacksonville, who is working to solidify the connection between art and Jacksonville in Southern Oregon.”

Helicopters by Peter Coons

On Tuesday and Wednesday, November 20 & 21, the gallery will be open from 11-5 for a special pre-Thanksgiving opportunity to enjoy the show with family and out of town guests.

The Saturday and Sunday weekend show dates are November 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18, 24 & 25. During the Saturday shows, free public art demonstrations will be held at 11 am and 2 pm, where artists will demonstrate and discuss their inspiration, medium and artistic process.

Judi Johnston will demonstrate her process in creating an abstract painting at 11:00 and Tom Glassman, well known photographer will talk about the Art of Seeing at 2:00 on Saturday, November 17th.

John Dodero will be discussing his process for making his beautiful pots at 11:00 on Saturday, November 10. John has shown and sold his pottery nation-wide.  Janet Bocast , an award winning artist and teacher will do a demo of an abstract painting at 2:00 that same day.

“Everyone is encouraged to attend the show,” says Anne Brooke who is also hoping parents will bring their children and help expose them to abstract art. “In today’s busy world of soccer games, electronics and academics, our art shows offer a rare chance for families to slow down and enjoy the creative process together…kids need to attend plays, concerts and art shows.”

Regarding abstract art, Brooke notes, “All artists are abstractionists in one form or another. I define the art form as taking something I find in nature and then interpreting it for the viewer as I see it.” As an art teacher and working artist, she adds, “I take it as my responsibility to let the viewer see what the artist sees… in my case it’s the beauty of nature.”

“Abstract Expressions” features the work of 26 artists, including five oil paintings by Christina Madden, whose oil on canvas, “The Red Trees,” was selected to be on the cover of the Jacksonville Review.

String Theory by Dixie Kinser

“Interestingly,” Brooke says, “that painting will not be displayed during the Jacksonville exhibit because it was also selected for a show at the Portland Museum of Art one day after being selected as the Review cover!” She concludes, “I think this speaks volumes about the incredibly high level of professionalism in our local arts community which will be on display during November for all to enjoy.”