Have you noticed an uptick in our local art scene? From formal galleries to coffee shop displays and more, art is everywhere in Jacksonville.
CAMMY DAVIS—Artist and art advocate Cammy Davis, creator of the Jacksonville Review town map, is one of the artists in the community helping make the arts scene more vibrant. Cammy, a Jacksonville resident, has been the primary caregiver of her 98-year-old grandmother since she moved from Seattle to Jacksonville four years ago. This winter, feeling that the stress of her family life was taking a toll on her art, Cammy turned to music, as she had done most of her life.
While interviewing a musician on her local radio show “Art on the Airwaves,” (KSKQ 89.5FM) Davis suddenly thought, why not combine the two in video and show how music impacts her art. Determined, she went to the Oregon Coast, where she grew up, accompanied by a giant canvas. After setting-up easel and video camera, she listened to local musician Jeff Kloetzel’s rendition of “Come Back to Me” (Faceboook/jeffkloetzelmusic) while painting all day, and her creative tide began to turn. Davis’ first paragliding experience in the skies above the Applegate Valley also encouraged a rising tide; combining the footage, she made a video using music by another local artist, Martin Ball, “Letting Go.”
One of Cammy’s friends, Jacksonville metal artist Cheryl Garcia, suggested asking Kloetzel to record the theme song for her radio show. He did, and Cammy invited him to make a video. He accepted. Jez Kline came up with the concept and award-winning Seattle photographer Teri Harris was the videographer. Jez wanted Cammy to paint Jeff into a large canvas, so she recreated her “Come Back to Me” painting on plywood while Kloetzel sang, until musician and guitar dripped with paint. After the shoot Teri captured one still, the image seen on this month’s cover. Once the video is completed in November, you can view it at cammydavis.com.
Back at creative high tide, Cammy has a solo exhibition this month at J. Pepin Art Gallery in Portland. You can watch “Letting Go” and listen to her radio show podcasts at artontheairwaves.com. Her new line of jewelry is available online at cammyart.com and locally at WillowCreek Gifts and The Crown Jewel.
Art Presence Center, Courthouse Grounds in Jacksonville
ART PRESENCE ART CENTER—Art Presence, Jacksonville’s nonprofit art center, formed in 2009 to encourage a superior art presence in our city, provide venues for exhibits, work with merchants to promote events, and to inspire, educate, and add beauty to our city. In their gallery next to the courthouse, they present bimonthly member shows, the annual show of the Artists Workshop, and an October Creative Challenge. The Challenge inspires regional artists to stretch their imaginations and create original art for one of the gallery’s most popular exhibitions. For this year’s theme, Moon Lunacy, artists created haunting works incorporating a moon. Moon Lunacy opens October 2, with a reception October 3 from noon-3:00pm and Halloween reception October 31 from noon–4:00pm.
South Stage Cellars
SOUTH STAGE CELLARS—When Porscha Schiller took over marketing at South Stage Cellars eight years ago, she started art exhibitions every 6–8 weeks to embrace local musicians and artists. Forgoing commissions, she celebrates each artist with a reception, featuring complimentary appetizers and live music.
“It’s so exciting to promote our local talent! I often think how delightful it is to support the local gems living among us. I believe every community in the country should showcase local food, music, and artists,” Schiller says.
Noted Jacksonville artists Sue and Steve Bennett exhibit next at South Stage Cellars, with a reception on October 10 from 5:30-8:00pm.
Cherie Reneau – Élan Guest Suites and Gallery
ÉLAN GUEST SUITES AND GALLERY—Élan Guest Suites and Gallery has featured art in its reception area gallery and guest suites since its 2006 opening. Always open to guests, anyone can view the gallery by appointment, by chance, or a spontaneous phone call. Élan has presented top-shelf exhibitions by many regional artists and visiting artists like Yeh Fei Pai of “Celestial Horses” fame. Their mainstay is Gabriel Mark Lipper, an accomplished oil painter. Providing consistently high-quality fine art and flexibility in timing new shows, Gabe simplifies owner Cherie Reneau’s work so she can maintain a peaceful atmosphere for visitors and guests.
The sophisticated, modular space is also available for events, which benefit from Reneau’s creative planning and the art on display. “Live art really makes a difference in an environment,” Cherie says. Élan plans a new show and reception for October/November.
Chris Boivin – Pony Espresso
PONY ESPRESSO—Pony Espresso owner Chris Boivin has always shown art in the café, accepting requests from artists whose work resonates with him. Why? “I believe art inspires people, takes them out of their normal routine, and lets them see the world in a different way.”
On display inside are watercolors by James Sampsel, a self-taught artist, award-winning whitewater and fly-fishing guide, and organizer of plein aire excursions for artists.
Outside the café, works by Jeremy Criswell reflect Boivin’s opinion that outdoor art draws people’s attention. After moving to the Applegate in 2006, Criswell learned mosaic techniques developed over 50 years by Lilly Ann and Marvin Rosenberg. Today he specializes in public art, with installations throughout southern Oregon including Scheffel-Thurston City Park in Jacksonville and a giant mosaic turtle unveiled at Cantrall-Buckley Park last month. His Pony Espresso exhibit ends mid-month.
Owners, Michael & Mary Kell – GoodBean Coffee
GOODBEAN COFFEE—GoodBean Coffee started showing artwork by local artists in 1992, with Jacksonville artist Wyn Pedersen as driving force and curator. The torch passed to Elaine Witteveen, who displayed paintings by Artists Workshop members. In 2010 Hannah West became curator, focusing on established and emerging regional artists. Historic brick walls and commission-free arrangements make the GoodBean a coveted venue with shows now scheduled through 2017. Last month a mural created by local photographer David Gibb was installed on the rear wall. December brings their annual Angels show and reception, a crowd favorite.
Dan McGeorge Gallery
DAN MCGEORGE GALLERY—Photographer Dan McGeorge discovered Jacksonville while visiting his daughter. Owner of two San Diego galleries, he spotted an empty building on South 3rd Street; he missed his chance to land the location, but kept his eye on it. With the Blue Door Garden Store’s move to California Street, the timing was perfect to open Dan McGeorge Gallery.
McGeorge fell in love with Nature as a youngster, picked up his first camera in high school, studied photography in college and then became a photographer for the Army and later the Navy. Today, images captured throughout the U.S. and Ireland also reflect his love of travel; McGeorge says Jacksonville images are coming soon. The gallery serves as a showcase where people can see what they’ll get when ordering images from his website, and will be open periodically/seasonally. McGeorge plans a formal opening during the Victorian Christmas celebration. When Dan’s away, make a gallery appointment with his daughter at 541-665-3480.
From established to new and educational to inspiring, Jacksonville is bursting at the seams with art—more than we have room here to share! Take time to enrich your life with art, and tell Jacksonville business owners how much you value their displays of artwork by our talented neighbors.
Hannah West is a Jacksonville website designer and art advocate. She is the creator and editor of the Southern Oregon Artists Resource website
[…] On the October cover of the Jacksonville Review with local musician Jeff Kloetzel! The image is from a video shoot we did to his song “Come Back to Me”. The video will be out soon and may I just say….Jeff makes the best canvas ever! ;) You can read the full article HERE […]