We know that other kinds of animals make tools, other kinds of animals may have some kind of language. We know that other animals have extremely complex social organizations. I think we can see art as being one of the only ways that we can imagine humans to be distinctively different. Art can be seen as as foundational to civilization…an expression of humanity.

~Maya Jasanoff , Harvard University, as quoted in the series, “Civilizations,”episode 1, “The Second Moment of Creation.”

In February, Art Presence presents On the Same Page, a themed exhibit of member artworks. The show opens on Friday, January 31, and closes on Sunday, March 1. Naked Art has been discontinued.

Our guest exhibit for February is Wit and Wisdom, an exhibition of works by the Calligraphers’ Guild.

Meet the artists and calligraphers who are participating in our February shows at a reception on Saturday, February 1, 1:00-3:00pm.

On Friday, February 14, from 5:00-7:00pm, author Ginna B. B. Gordon presents her newest book, The Soup Kit, which provides everything you need to know to make awesome soup. In honor of Valentine’s Day, Ginna will be talking about soup and serving “hearty” samples from The Soup Kit. “Soup Shooters” of Heart Throb Bisque with Heart Croutons will warm your tummies and serve as little appetizers before you take your sweetie out to a Jacksonville restaurant for further romance.

The 2020 ArtWalk is in its planning stages. We are reviewing new ideas, so stay tuned!

At the time of this writing, Art Presence now has plumbing and the upstairs has been sheet-rocked. Paint and plank flooring will have been completed by the end of January. Between funding received from the Jacksonville Bed Tax, the Haines & Friends Foundation, the Boosters Foundation and an anonymous donor, we have been able to transform the gallery into a fully-functional art center that includes studio space for artists! We are humbled and extremely grateful to all who contributed to this ambitious project.

Please look forward to our first Wine and Watercolor with Anne Brooke, coming in April. More information coming soon.

Calligraphy by Anne Brooke.