Paul Cezanne, a Master during the Post-Impressionism era, said, “With an apple I will astonish Paris.” His beautiful still lifes did exactly that, and they continue to astonish around the world today. Not every artist has that lofty goal. The need to make art is what motivates them, but there is no question that being able to evoke an emotion from the viewer is a wonderful bonus. Please visit Art Presence Art Center where, who knows, you might be astonished! ~Anne Brooke, Director, Art Presence Art Center

Come to the gallery and see a new exhibit of member artworks in the main gallery starting Friday, August 6.

Our August 6–29 guest exhibit is Art Dreams by Denise Kester, full time artist and author of the book, Drawing on the Dream. “Using the medium of monoprinting, I draw from the dream and the dream draws from me. The stories and the art I reach for also reach for me. Together we create a visual story that is relevant to me and to the global community. I explore the connection and interconnection with the universe through art and dreams.” Denise specializes in monoprint and monotype viscosity printing as well as drawing and painting.

Too hot to stop by? You can still visit our website for a virtual tour. To inquire about the art that captivates you or schedule a private gallery viewing, contact Anne Brooke at 541-941-7057 or anne@brookewatercolor.com.

Learn about the medium of Watercolor! Book a Thursday evening with up to 7 of your friends to participate in “Wine and Watercolor” with Anne Brooke. All art supplies are provided. Bring your own wine and finger foods if you would like. $25 per person, vaccination required.

Don’t miss the August Second Saturday ArtWalk! Come to town on Saturday, August 14, from 3-6pm, and look for the yellow flags marking participating merchants. Some artists will demonstrate their skills outdoors on California Street while others show their work inside a downtown Jacksonville shop. This month’s ArtWalk is followed by an art sale on the Art Presence lawn on Sunday, August 15. The gallery will remain open until 6pm on Saturday and we will begin opening at 10am on Sundays to accommodate visitors to the Sunday Market. Join us!

Stay tuned to Arts & Letters for Zoom chats with local artsy people. This series includes discussions with artists, authors and others who create or support the arts. We’re taking August off, but Ginna BB Gordon will kick off the fall presentations with the Arts & Letters launch of her next novel in the Lavandula Series, Humming in Spanish, on Friday, September 24, at 5pm.

For Local Artists: Art Presence calls to artists for submissions to this October’s popular Imaginarium show. Details are limited at press time, so contact Anne Brooke for more information. Are you an artist who needs a quiet, dedicated space to work? Art Presence has studio spaces available in our Loft with very reasonable, month-to-month rent. You’ll have your own key, and water is available. Please contact Anne Brooke to inquire.

Featured image: “Loving Souls,” by Denali Grace