“There is a notion that artists are born with the ability to draw. No one arrives in this world with that gift! Drawing is a skill that must be learned. It is not hard, but requires mental discipline.

“Drawing will develop a cooperative process between your mind and your eyes. The mind must relinquish the role of know-it-all and allow the eye to be the teacher. The mind makes a lot of assumptions. Most of the time these assumptions are close enough to reality that we can get along in the world. In drawing, however, the less you assume, the more you will SEE. Please join me on a journey to develop this skill.“

~Anne Brooke, Director

Up, Up and Away! Our March-April members’ show of art with an uplifting theme opens on Friday, March 1 and continues through Sunday, April 28. Alongside our main show, a guest exhibit of works by returning member Zoe West hangs on the back wall. Join us for a reception where you can meet the artists on Saturday, March 2, from 1:00-3:00pm.

Thanks to a generous donation, we are remodeling our front desk. To make it easier for people to inspect the items in the glass cases, we’ll remove the glass front and add tempered glass shelving. We will resurface the countertop and install new lighting above the reception area. We are very grateful!

Anne Brooke, who has taught drawing and watercolor for over 25 years and helped to cultivate the skills of many award-winning artists, leads our first Basic Drawing Class. Anne holds degrees in Art and Nursing and was trained in the classical method of drawing. Her classes are fun and safe—you will enjoy learning this skill! All supplies will be provided, cost is at your discretion.

  • First Session: March 11th through April 15th, Mondays, 3:00-4:30pm
  • Second Session: April 29th through June 5th, Mondays, 3:00-4:30pm

Both classes take place at Art Presence Art Center, 206 North 5th Street in Jacksonville. Pick up an application at the gallery or call 541-941-7057 to sign up.

FREE art classes for elementary school age children, taught by Brooke Nuckles, begin in June. Please note that this is a month earlier than we mentioned in last month’s issue. More details to come.

Mark your calendars for a show of works from the 2019 Southern Oregon Plein Air event in mid to late June!

Featured image: “Shining Mountains” oil painting by Andre Satie