State of the Art Presence – August 2025
AUGUST IS HERE, and it’s time to crank up your creative vibes at Art Presence! We’ve got a whole garden of artistic awesomeness waiting for you, from dazzling textile art to hands-on classes and even a super cool “Y’art Sale” for a great cause.
Your Old Art Can Spark New Minds!—Got some art gathering dust? Downsized your collection? We’ve got the perfect solution for your pre-loved pieces! Donate your art to our “Y’art Sale: A Children’s Art Education Fundraising Party.” Every penny goes towards our Children’s Art Education program. Imagine this: for every $2500 we raise, we can open the doors to another After School Art Club for our local, budding artists! It’s easy to donate: just drop off your art at Art Presence during business hours (Wednesday-Sunday, 12-5pm) or shoot an email to director@art-presence.org to arrange a pickup. But hurry, donations must be in by August 31st!
Guest Artist: Diana Rasmussen, “Dare to Bloom”—Prepare to be amazed! Diana’s “Dare to Bloom” is still enchanting visitors with her absolutely extraordinary fiber art. Her textile flowers are seriously next-level. Meet the Artist: Join us for the 2nd Opening Reception on Saturday, August 2nd, 1-4pm. Exhibition Dates: July 2nd to August 31st.
Member Artist Exposé: Jean Mailander—Get ready to be captivated by the work of Medford painter Jean Mailander, our August Member Artist of the Month. Jean’s landscapes and still life paintings, created with oil and gouache, are all about playing with light effects. Whether she’s in her cozy studio or embracing the challenge of painting outdoors (plein air!), her work is fresh and vibrant. Come on down and see her fantastic pieces in the main gallery all month long!
Messy Hands: Mandala Class with Deanna St. Martin—Ready to unwind and create something truly unique? Join Deanna St. Martin for our “Messy Hands – Mandala Class!” This calming process will guide you in crafting your very own masterpiece. You’ll pick from cool templates, learn how to build amazing 3D effects, and tap into sacred geometry to create a one-of-a-kind piece perfect for your home or as a thoughtful gift. When: August 9th, 1:30-3pm (Upstairs Classroom). Register: art-presence.org/messy-hands (Education > Messy Hands)
Third Saturday: Table Rock Quilt Talk and Wildflower Drawing and Painting—Join our very own gallery member, Char Wirfs, for an afternoon that combines history, art, and nature! You’ll get to learn all about the fascinating “Table Rock” quilt from the Jacksonville Museum Quilters, discovering the wildflowers featured on it. Then, get ready to unleash your inner artist as Char guides you through a fun wildflower drawing and painting exercise. When: August 16th, 1:30-3pm (Upstairs Classroom). Register: art-presence.org/third-saturdays-at-art-presence (Education > Third Saturdays).
Book of the Month: “Penned Up” by Applegate Poets—Our Book of the Month is “Penned Up,” a powerful collection of poems written by 7 Applegate poets during the pandemic. These deeply personal poems explore the spiritual, psychological, and creative journeys found through shared poetry during a challenging time.
Drop by our Gift Gallery, too!—And don’t forget to browse our Gift Gallery, brimming with inspirational treasures and quirky knick-knacks!
Artwork credit: Y’art Sale by Mike Gantenbein