What Is Given – by Ralph Murre
The likelihood of finding strawberries
tiny and wild and sweet
around your ankles
on any given day
is not great
but sometimes
people find strawberries
right where they are standing
just because it is their turn
to be given a taste
of something wild and sweet.
The moon in the month of June was called the Strawberry Moon by Native Americans because it was the time of the strawberry blossoms and berries. However, the strawberry is not a berry but a multiple fruit. It is made up of many tiny individual fruits embedded in the skin. These “achenes” surround, and protect,
a tiny seed.
Art Presence Art Center could be considered a sweet strawberry field of art—a gallery of delicious strawberry jam. From the “Split Seam” photo by Vivian McAleavey, to the dreamy watercolor florals of Member Artist of the Month, Sharon Wesner Becker, continuing onto the flowering faces of guest artist, Melody Blore, June begins the season of summer encapsulated in the essence of the strawberry.
Art Presence Gallery features several new member artists and their wondrous art. People are saying how our delightful and distinctive new selection of artists is giving a new and vibrant vibe to the gallery. Opening party and artists reception is June 3rd, 1-4pm. The fine wines of Hummingbird Estate will be poured. Come for the art, stay for the experience.
The guest artist of the month is the self-proclaimed “happy art” of Jacksonville artist Melody Blore. Her colorful work, from Frida to flowers, will put a smile on your face. Be ready to be happy!
Our highlighted Member Artist of the Month is Sharon Wesner Becker. Her dreamy flowers and landscapes evoke the details and textures of nature’s beauty. There is often a sense of movement in her art, be it a waterfall flowing, or the feeling of a breeze blowing.
June’s Talk of the Town is by local author, Leslie Compton. Her book, The Forgotten Artist, is about her great aunt, Evylena Nunn Miller. Miller was a landscape artist in the days when women artists were mostly overlooked. A beautifully written and illustrated book, Compton will present the fascinating story of her aunt’s life with a reading and book signing. June 15, 6-7:30pm.
The luminous art of Brenda Mills Brannan is now featured in our fourth tasting room, Weisinger Family Winery in Ashland. Reception TBD. In Dos Mariposas Vineyards & Lavender Farm, the pastel landscapes of Bonnie McManus are showcased. Chris Anderson’s global photography remains in Awen Winecraft. There will be a closing reception for him June 30, 5-7pm.
New summer hours—Wednesday-Saturday, noon-5pm—and Sunday, 10am-3pm.
Featured image is a watercolor by Sharon Wesner Becker.