Winslow Homer said, “The life I have chosen gives me my full hours of enjoyment for the balance of my life, the sun will not rise or set without my notice and thanks.” Truly the life of an artist, using the shadows created by the sun at every angle to allow for the joy of drawing and painting, then to share this vision with the viewer, sustains the artist for all of his days.

The ArtWalk will resume on the second Saturday this month, July 10, from 3-6pm. You will see the artists displaying and demonstrating their crafts, some in stores and some on the sidewalks. Please make it a point to see their vision and ultimate creations.

Art Presence Art Center is returning to pre-pandemic life. Our first reception takes place on Saturday, the 10th. Stay tuned for art classes! ~Anne Brooke, Director

Our guest exhibit for July is Mixed Emotions, a show of calligraphy art. The show opens on Friday, July 2, remaining on display through Sunday, August 1. Don’t miss our first reception on the lawn Saturday, July 10, from 3-6pm, when you can enjoy live poetry readings, camaraderie, catering by Pony Espresso, and, of course, plenty of fine art. Wine will be available inside.

In addition, a fantastic exhibit of member artworks hangs in the main gallery through Sunday, August 1.

If you still feel safer viewing our art exhibits from home, please visit our website for a virtual tour. Contact Anne Brooke at 541-941-7057 or anne@brookewatercolor.com to inquire about the art that catches your eye or schedule a private gallery viewing. You can also visit our website to enjoy virtual tours of art exhibits from the past few months.

On Friday, July 9, at 5pm, Christin Lore Weber and Ginna Gordon continue their Memoir Conversations as part of our Arts & Letters series. In this session they discuss memory itself, how it changes, and how we manipulate and rearrange it. In addition, they’ll chat about the fear of writing the truth, prompted by Ginna’s favorite Anne Lamott quote, “Write your story. If people didn’t want you to write about them, they should have behaved better.” Please check our website for the link to make your reservation for this lively conversation!

The ArtWalk is back! Another option to enjoy our members’ artwork is to come to town on the second Saturday of each month from 3-6pm, starting Saturday, July 10. Some artists will demonstrate their skills outdoors on California Street and others will show their work inside a downtown Jacksonville merchant’s location. Look for the yellow flags marking participating merchants.

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.