The Jacksonville Heritage Society (JHS) is pleased to announce that Art Presence has leased the Old Jail/Children’s Museum for a new art museum/venue for the remainder of the year. The Old Jail/Children’s Museum will be named the Jacksonville Art Presence Art Center (JAPAC) and will have signage installed. Art Presence, a consortium of local artists, started about three years ago with a mission of showing art during public events. The group has been present at Britt opening day celebrations, Jacksonville Woodlands Hike-a-Thons, wine walks, Friday Art Ambles and other events. Now, the group is taking their mission a step further by leasing space to make art event more visible and  available for viewing.

Anne Brooke with her watercolors

According to Art Presence board member and coordinator Anne Brooke Hawkins who orchestrated the effort, “We were looking for a place to hold community art shows, art events, demonstrate techniques, hold workshops and art classes. The Old Jail seemed like the perfect spot for our group… we are thrilled to have a physical location in the heart of Jacksonville.” Art Presence will operate the center under the umbrella of the Arts Council of Southern Oregon, who will help guide and manage the artists’ group.

Art Presence will hold its first art show at the site on the weekend of April 27-29 from 10-4, followed by a flower show in May. In June and July, a plein-air painting/sketching event is planned on the lawn of the historic Beekman House. A public showing will be held at the new JAPAC location.

To prepare the Old Jail to house paintings and other art works, Art Presence painted the Old Jail and installed new lighting and hanging panels. Funds realized from the lease between JHS and Art Presence and a portion of all art sales will be used to maintain and preserve the historic jail building. This partnership is another success story for JHS which has found community partners whose financial support is caring for the Catholic Rectory, Historic County Courthouse, Beekman House and Beekman Bank.