Americans for the Arts (www.americansforthearts.org) Ten Reasons to Support the Arts Reason #2: “Arts improve academic performance. Students with an education rich in the arts have higher GPAs and standardized test scores, and lower dropout rates—benefits reaped by students regardless of socioeconomic status. Students with 4 years of arts or music in high school average 100 points better on their SAT scores than students with just one-half year of arts or music.”

Impressions—Continuing through April 26, our Impressions show includes artworks in oils, watercolor, encaustic, acrylic, photography, fused glass and jewelry in an array of individual styles. Tonia Davis’ driftwood birds are one example of the extraordinary works included in this exhibit. She tells us the birds are hidden in the driftwood and she simply coaxes them out for us to see. Come and enjoy these unique works of art!

Art Presence Authors Read—Our first round of author readings was well attended, and we thank the community for their support for our authors and this exciting new program! We now represent 15 Jacksonville authors who write a variety of books from novels in diverse genres and cookbooks to trail guides and poetry—all yours to view and purchase.

On Saturday, April 4, come enjoy readings and get signed copies of books by two novelists:

1:00pm: John Sack reads from his novel Angel’s Passage and a short story from Trappist Tales

2:00pm: Christin Weber reads from her novel Altar Music and memoir, The Edge of Tenderness

Offsite Exhibits—Visit our offsite exhibits for more original art created by Art Presence members:

Katharine Gracey shows her paintings at Pioneer Village from April 10–July 10

Art Presence member Catie Faryl exhibits works in a variety of media at the Medford Main Library through July

Anne Brooke’s exhibit of watercolor paintings in the Jacksonville Library’s Naversen Room continues through April

Paul, drawn from life by Anne Brooke at a recent Art Presence Life Drawing Studio

Paul, drawn from life by Anne Brooke at a recent Art Presence Life Drawing Studio

Life Drawing with Professional Models—Hone your skills in life drawing sessions with professional models! Sessions take place in our classroom every Monday from 1:00–3:00pm for $10 per session. Instruction upon request only. No need to sign up, just show up!

Schedule our upstairs room for your class, workshop or meeting! For more information and to reserve dates, contact Anne at 541-941-7057 or email her from the contact form on our website, www.art-presence.org.

Featured image above: “At the Beach,” Image by Tom Glassman