I have a good friend who has a PhD in Color Theory. This seemed impossible to me, thinking there just couldn’t be that much to absorb, until I studied with him and learned that color is its own divine language, creating meaning through combinations and arrangement.

A certain positioning of complimentary colors can fool the eye into movement and High Key and Low Key color combinations can definitely have an effect on your mood.

This brings me to our newly-painted building—to be finished soon—our new logo, completed by Graphic Designer, Nancy Sterling and now viewed on the lawn in front of Art Presence, and our brand-new website, launched on July 1, done by webmistress, Hannah West. The combination of these positive events makes our existence feel more colorful, more complete. Come see and put a little color in your life. ~Anne Brooke, Director

Drop in to see the fantastic art in our Members show this month, opening Friday, August 5 and on display through Sunday, August 28. While you’re here, you will also see bright paintings by our Guest Artist, the award-winning watercolorist Lynda Hoffman-Snodgrass. Meet Lynda at a reception on Saturday, August 6 from 1-3pm. exhibit continues through September 11. Learn more about Lynda on our website or hers: lyndahoffmansnodgrass.com. View the virtual exhibition at https://art-presence.org.

We remind you that Art Presence offers a Fine Art Summer Camp, August 1-5. Artists aged 7-11 can explore foundational visual art skills with Brooke Nuckles-Gentekos Monday through Friday from 9-11:30 am. $150 + $25 materials fee. Act fast to register! Call 541-941-7057. See ad this page.

Arts & Letters is on hiatus for August.

This month’s Second Saturday ArtWalk takes place from 2-5pm on Saturday, August 13. Look for the flags outside the shops of participating merchants as you visit Jacksonville’s downtown shops. Drop in to meet the artists and view their works. Complete your day with dinner at one of Jacksonville’s great restaurants!

Did you know that you can paint with watercolors with up to seven friends in Anne Brooke’s “Wine and Watercolor” event? We’ll provide the supplies. You bring your favorite wine and snacks and enjoy painting together in a casual atmosphere under Anne’s friendly, expert instruction. Reserve a Thursday evening today! $25 per person, vaccinations required.

We have one art studio space available in The Loft. Artists enjoy affordable rent, no lease, convenient location, their own key, and water. Contact Anne Brooke at 541-941-7057 or anne@brookewatercolor.com to inquire.

Featured image: “Wind Catchers,” Lynda Hoffman-Snodgrass