The month of April, Art Presence Art Center celebrates its 10th Anniversary as a Fine Art Gallery in Jacksonville. This is a time to reflect on where we have been and what we anticipate for our next ten years. Our initial Mission Statement spoke to our relationship with our community in Jacksonville. Our new Statement is more global, recognizing our impact on the Rogue Valley and beyond, with an emphasis on fine art, crafts, education, and authors. We are committed to the very best of all of these components. It seems impossible that we have survived as an art organization, but our patrons continue to remind us of our importance with their generous support. We are eager to provide regular classes—taught by our professional artists, proficient in their fields—Life Drawing with professional models, and useful and fun crafts for all ages. Of course, we’re open to suggestions from patrons about more that we can offer. Art Presence Art Center can only get better. We think of ourselves as adolescents moving into adulthood with more wisdom and more tools at our disposal to succeed. Please continue to be with us on this journey. ~Anne Brooke, Director, Art Presence Art Center

April is the 10th anniversary of Art Presence Art Center in Jacksonville. This month’s Arts & Letters guest, Anne Brooke Hawkins, Director and founder of Art Presence, will talk with host, Ginna BB Gordon, about the beginnings, and how Art Presence has grown from an old jail to a beautiful fine art gallery. Ginna and Anne will be joined by a few friends in the community of Jacksonville to celebrate this milestone. Celebrate with us on Friday, April 1st at 5pm. Bring your own glass of bubbly. Visit art-presence.eventbrite.com for reservations.

Our guest artist for April is Ilene Gienger-Stanfield. Of her work, Gienger-Stanfield says, “My first intensive art studies were in the portraiture and figurative realm. Painting from a live model is a close up and personal subject. As I broadened my subjects, plein air was a new but familiar format in that I am still working from life with the exception of painting outside. The differences being rapidly changing shadows, not trespassing to get a good view of the old barn, getting paint on the inside and outside of your car, insects, and the very worst…wind. Oh, and a bathroom not readily available. There is, however, the same underlying challenge—capturing your intention in a limited amount of time. Ilene’s exhibit is on display from Friday, April 8 through Sunday, May 1, with a reception on Saturday, April 9, from 1-3pm.

Please be sure to visit our website, art-presence.org, or the Art Presence channel on YouTube at youtube.com/user/ArtPresenceJville to view the virtual tour of the art included in this month’s guest and member exhibits.

Paint with watercolors in Anne Brooke’s “Wine and Watercolor” event! We provide the art supplies, you bring your favorite wine and hors d’oeuvres and enjoy learning to paint together in a casual atmosphere. Contact Anne to reserve a Thursday evening with up to seven friends & family today. $25 per person, vaccination required.

Local Artists: Studio spaces are available in our Loft. The benefits include reasonable month-to-month rent, convenient location, your own key, and water. Contact Anne Brooke at 541-941-7057 or anne@brookewatercolor.com to inquire.