One definition of “Art” is that which evokes an emotion. What is it about the artist’s eye, their way of seeing, that enables them to create the sensations we feel when observing their work? The artist’s faculty of sight has been educated. Rather than taking for granted the blade of grass, the folds of cloth on a figure, the shape of the lips on a face, the sky, the ocean, and the hills, the artist has a real love for the visible world and a zeal to share that love with the viewer. Art Presence Art Center may not finding you clutching your chest in awe, but you will feel a unique bond with many of our artists as you view our world through their eyes. Please join us. ~Anne Brooke, Director

Let’s start with a shout-out to The Sign Dude, who generously donated all the outdoor signage with our new logo. Thank you!

The Artists’ Workshop of Southern Oregon is back with their Annual Show and Sale this month! Founded in 1979 by Elaine Witteveen, the AWSO is a group of dedicated and passionate artists who capture the beauty of local landscapes and historical buildings, florals and other still lifes. AWSO members are committed to Monday “Paint Outs.” Paint Outs utilize plein air painting, a technique which challenges the artist to paint at a specific outdoor location in a short period of time. AWSO invites all experienced and aspiring artists to become members and experience the plein air challenge. Many members are award winners who offer instruction.

Don’t miss our special show in the Galleria, “Jacksonville is for the Birds,” through Sunday, June 26! Our member artists share fresh artwork for your consideration in the main gallery.

Come to the gallery and see all the works in these three shows Friday, June 3 through Sunday, June 26 or view the virtual exhibition at https://art-presence.org.

Our June Arts & Letters Zoom Chat, “Penned Up: Writing Out the Pandemic,” features readings by seven Applegate Poets. Each poet will read and discuss one of their works from their 2021 collection, Penned Up. These poems arise from an interior depth, describing the footing each poet found during the pandemic by writing poems and sharing them with each other. Register at art-presence.eventbrite.com.

Art Presence Art Center participates in the Jacksonville Second Saturday ArtWalk, and this month it’s on Saturday, June 11. Look for the flags in front of the shops of participating merchants and stop in from 2-5pm, meet the artists, and view their works. Then off to one of our fabulous restaurants for dinner!

Brenda Mills Brannan’s Fluid Art class has been rescheduled for this month. Learn a different technique each Wednesday in June with a one-hour demonstration plus an hour and a half of painting practice from 1-3:30pm. Visit art-presence.org for more details; contact Anne Brooke to register and receive a supply list.

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

There’s now 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.

“Parakeets,” painting by Jean Mainlander