Out of the Mouths of Babes—“Okay, let me get this straight. The arts are part of the humanities which encourage us to develop our potential as humans throughout a variety of disciplines designed (among other things) to awaken our empathy, encourage individual expression and appreciation of diversity. They also alert us to our connection with others. And if we’re not spending money on that, WHAT THE HECK ARE WE SPENDING IT ON?”
~Student in Middle School

Harvest Time—Our September art exhibit fills the gallery with harvest-themed paintings to celebrate the ripened bounty of summer. Harvest Time will be on display September 2-25. Join us for a reception on Saturday, September 3, from 1:00-3:00pm. Our Author Readings resume with this reception, and two of our local authors will share readings from their newly-published books! John Sack reads from Leaving My Broken Home at 1:00pm, and Sharon Mehdi reads from Eleanor Bobbin at 2:00pm.

Flowers of Hope—Sponsored by LightGarden Glass Art, the Flowers of Hope program provides the venue, equipment and supplies for local artists to make 8” x 8” glass panels decorated with flower art. LightGarden collects these panels throughout the year, displays them at a reception, then delivers them to Women’s Imaging at Asante Medical Center. Women with breast cancer can pick a panel of their choice at the Imaging Center before they go into surgery (see photo above). This is Flowers of Hope’s 11th year, and over 800 panels have been created! Art Presence is honored to host this year’s Flowers of Hope exhibition in our front gallery September 23-25. Join us for refreshments at the artist’s reception on Saturday, September 24th from 1:00-4:00pm. Learn how to get involved at www.lightgarden.net/flowersofhopeintro.html.

Gallerie Carnevale, this year’s themed exhibition of entries to our October Creative Challenge, will open September 30. It’s always fascinating to see how artists from throughout the Valley interpret each year’s theme!

Art Presence Offsite Exhibits

Pioneer Village: Judith Ghetti Ommen—Art Presence member artist Judy Ommen shows watercolor and mixed media paintings September-December. See more of Judy’s paintings at www.flickr.com/photos/90732738@N08/.

Jacksonville Library, Naversen Room: Abstract Paintings by Patrick Beste—Art Presence member artist Patrick Beste presents a show of abstract acrylic paintings September-December. Visit the Naversen Room and fill your eyes with Beste’s colorful abstract compositions! See more of Patrick’s work at besteart.net.

Medford Library: Watercolors by Linda Abblett—Art Presence member artist Linda Abblett shares an exhibit of her watercolors at the Medford Library through the end of the year. Linda’s art is distinguished by strong light and shadows, and she paints a wide variety of subjects. See more of Linda’s work at lindaabblettwatercolors.com.

What’s Happening Upstairs?—Figure Drawing: Our Monday life drawing studio resumes on September 19 at 1:00pm. Sharpen your pencils and get a fresh sketchbook ready to practice drawing live models! Still only $10 for each two-hour session.

Reserve our upstairs room for your class, workshop or meeting! Contact Anne Brooke at 541-941-7057.