State of the Art Presence – May 2025
MAY AT ART PRESENCE ART CENTER is buzzing! Opening Receptions are packed, Messy Hands classes are expanding with new activities, and the After School Art Club is filling up. This month, a Jacksonville-themed open call showcases diverse artists. Join us for the Opening Reception on May 3rd.
Guest Artists Show Off Jacksonville—This month we present our second-annual “Celebration of Jacksonville” Open Call, celebrating our vibrant and historic town. A diverse group of local artists representing a wide range of media have contributed their artistic renditions with works depicting multiple perspectives of life in and around town—you may even spot familiar people and places as you browse our Guest Artist show. Join us for the Opening Reception on Saturday, May 3, from 1-4pm, to meet the artists and learn about their works. The exhibition runs from April 30 through June 1.
Award-Winning Photographer featured as Member Artist—Award-winning photographer and filmmaker, Vivian McAleavey, is our Member Artist of the Month. She is proud to release new images along with a photo book, “Orders of Magnitude,” which shares her sights and insights gleaned from recent road trips to the North American Arctic. Born and raised in Wisconsin, where she received her bachelor’s degree with majors in math and geology, she was drawn to the exploration of nature’s underlying principles as she developed her photographer’s eye. Vivian’s work is stunning.
Messy Hands: Watercolor Flowers with Patricia Avery—Paint watercolor flowers with Patricia Avery on May 10, 1:30-3pm. Create art on card stock or a larger piece to frame. This lovely, colorful art activity is perfect for all ages and all are welcome. This is a free art event thanks to a generous grant from the Carpenter Foundation, however, feel free to leave a tip for your instructor! Register online at art-presence.org (Education > Messy Hands). The class takes place on May 10, from 1:30-3pm in our upstairs classroom.
Jacksonville’s “Then & Now” Comes to APAC—Join us for an afternoon celebrating the past and celebrating the present. Come listen as historian Caroline Kingsnorth shares the dramatic past of our historic building. Then hear gallery chairperson Arlis Duncan share the journey this building has had in recent years. You won’t want to miss this interesting and informative “Then & Now!”
Visit Us!—Don’t forget to visit our Gift Gallery for small pieces of art and jewelry that make great gifts. Our regular gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, noon-5pm.