“In life, expect many transformations,” a quote from an author I enjoy. Art Presence Art Center has put this into practice many times of late. Our expectations of change are filled with hope as we are open for another month to share the art of many fine artists and craftsmen. The experience of seeing and absorbing art is a part of our lives that we cannot ignore. Join us for a brief but important respite to inspire you and give you some peace. ~Anne Brooke, Director, Art Presence Art Center

This month’s Guest Exhibit is a show of paintings by Ashland artist Bruce Bayard, which opens Friday, April 2 and remains on display through Sunday, April 25.

Bruce Bayard began oil painting at age 9. Primarily a self-taught artist, he has explored a wide variety of media including acrylic, encaustic, and mixed media painting, collage, drawing, etching, lithography, and serigraphy. In 2000, he began creating art by digital means. In addition to creating collage image prints composed with the use of the computer, he also creates time-based work, including video, image sequences, and programmed projections. Bayard currently presents multimedia performance pieces incorporating improvisational electronic music and is screening a film in the 2021 Ashland Independent Film Festival. Learn more about the artist and his work at https://brucebayard.com/.

We also have a brand-new collection of member artworks in the main gallery opening April 2. This lovely show depicting a range of subjects is well worth a visit to the gallery. If you feel safer viewing the show at home, please visit our website for a virtual tour. Contact Anne Brooke at 541-941-7057 or anne@brookewatercolor.com to schedule a private gallery viewing.

This month’s Art & Letters Local Author Reading features Judy Hilyard reading from her fascinating book, Soul Companion: A Memoir. Visit art-presence.org for reservations and join us at 5:00pm on Friday, April 9. You can ask questions via the Zoom chat box.

Soul Companion: A Memoir recounts Judy’s own experiences of life as an Anam Aira, or soul companion, for those who have died or are in the process of this major life transition. Her adventures as she travels to the Afterlife in service to others and her own self-education are truly eye-opening and can not only ease the fear of death but pique a deep and genuine curiosity about what life “beyond the veil” is really like. In Hilyard’s words, “We are eternal souls who live forever and therefore healing of emotional or spiritual wounds can be facilitated, even if one or more of the people in the wounding are no longer alive. Healing, Joy and Peace are always assured.” Learn more about Judy and her work at https://anamcaracompanion.com.

Painting by Patrick Beste