ArtWalk is BACK-—The NEW Second Saturday Jacksonville ArtWalk starts on June 8, from 5:00-7:00pm! Our survey of downtown business owners came back with an overwhelmingly positive response to the return of the artwalk. Therefore we are moving forward with a second Saturday artwalk each month, with music, wine tasting, and art demonstrations throughout the downtown area. Just look for the neon green pennant hanging in front of each participating business and gallery. A complete list of participating locations was not available in time for this writing, but we’ll post it on our website, https://art-presence.org, as soon as possible.

Peaceful Garden, our member show of spring-themed garden art, continues in the main gallery through Sunday, June 30. We have two guest exhibits to share with you this month. In conjunction with the 2019 Southern Oregon Plein Aire event, the faculty of the event exhibit works of their own on the back wall of the main gallery on Friday, June 7. The show officially opens Saturday, June 8, with a reception from 1:00-3:00pm. From Friday, June 21, through month’s end, a show of works by the juried exhibitors takes their place. In addition, more works by juried exhibitors will be displayed on the lawn on June 21.

Art Presence Art Center welcomes a new author, Susan Wrona. Susan reads from her book of poetry, “Radiant Cup,” on second Friday, June 14, at 5:00pm. “Radiant Cup” subtly depicts the sensual and spiritual connection between ourselves and nature. What emerges is a sense of place in relationships, in nature and in the greater whole of life.

Last call! Children age 6-12 interested in learning the basics of drawing should register now to reserve their seat in Session 2 of our FREE Drawing for Youth class. Session 2 classes take place from 5:30-7:00pm each Tuesday from July 30 through September 3. The talented Brooke Nuckles, former Education Director for Rogue Gallery and Art Center, heads-up this class. Provided materials are made possible by a grant from the Haines and Friends Foundation. Join us for safe, fun and effective classes with experienced art teachers! Stop by the gallery or call Anne Brooke at 541-941-7057 to sign up.

Our July Guest Artist is Jacksonville City Council member Ken Gregg, who presents his recently published book “A Year in Jacksonville, A Story in Photographs.” Ken Gregg has been a professional photographer for most of his life. From the time he received his first box Brownie camera at age ten as a Christmas gift, he captures images of people, places and events wherever he goes. His love of old California history and architecture compelled him to publish books on Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley. For the past twenty-five years, his work has been installed as permanent collections in luxury hotels around the world. For the last four years, he has focused his attention on capturing what life looks like in the small historic town of Jacksonville.

Featured image is “Garden Blooms,” watercolor by Anne Brooke