It is clear that there are similarities between the worlds of the writer and the artist. Painters exercise some of the qualities essential to good writing—the incredible power of the visual imagination, creating images—while writers use their words to create images, constructing form and color, texture, perspective, and composition. I find myself envying them as I read their stories, leaving no question in my mind’s eye what they allow me to experience with all my senses.

We consider authors to be artists and have all manner of books to share with you. I have availed myself of many of their novels. John Sack, Christin Weber, Gene Luetkemeyer, and Ginna Gordon, to name a few, have kept me rapt for many hours. Come follow them and more and let their creative fire relieve you from the stresses of our world. ~Anne Brooke, Director 

This month our Members show continues. If you didn’t make it to the gallery last month, drop in to see the wonderful art on display. Also, you might remember the outstanding exhibition of kimonos by Diana Rasmussen we presented a while back. She returns this month with “Landscapes of the Heart,” a gorgeous collection of textile art. Come to the gallery and see these shows Friday, July 1 through Sunday, July 31, or view the virtual exhibition at https://art-presence.org.

Art Presence offers a Fine Art Summer Camp August 1-5! Artists ages 7-11 can explore foundational visual art skills with Brooke Nuckles Gentekos, Monday through Friday, 9–11:30am. $150 + $25 materials fee. Call 541-941-7057 to register.

Our July Arts & Letters Zoom Chat features Southern Oregon author Lynn Ransford reading from her new book, “Grandma, Tell Me a Story…About Critters.” Find more information and register at art-presence.eventbrite.com.

This month’s Second Saturday ArtWalk takes place on Saturday, July 9. From 2-5pm, stroll downtown and look for the yellow flags outside the shops of participating merchants where you can meet the artists and view their works. Top it off at one of Jacksonville’s fabulous restaurants for dinner!

Paint with watercolors with up to seven friends in Anne Brooke’s “Wine and Watercolor” event! Bring your favorite wine and snacks and enjoy painting together in a casual atmosphere. We’ll provide the supplies. Reserve a Thursday evening today. $25 per person, vaccinations required.

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