What is a logo? A combination of image and text that depicts the name and purpose of a business. It can be a lot more than this, telling a story and establishing an emotional connection with the audience. It makes a great first impression and distinguishes itself from competitors. We have been fortunate to have had a distinct logo, created by Katherine Gracey, that amplified our story of Art Presence Art Center for these past 10 years. An appropriate time to introduce a new logo is the beginning of the next ten years…after studying many iterations, the jury chose Nancy Sterling’s exciting, energetic, and contemporary symbol. We are excited to share our new brand message with you. How fortuitous that we will also have a new website, with the help of a grant from the City’s Transient Bed Tax. Webmistress Hannah West is designing a media-friendly way to interact with our gallery, including all components of our Center. Your loyalty and “Presence” for a “now” institution is so appreciated! We will continue to amaze you with our vision of the future. ~Anne Brooke, Director, Art Presence Art Center

Our dependable member artists have a beautiful new exhibition of their work to show you this month. Visit our website for a peek and come to the gallery and see them all in person from Friday, May 6 through Sunday, May 29.

We are excited to welcome the Pastel Artists of Oregon (PAO) as our Guest Artists this month. PAO is a member of the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS), a prestigious organization that promotes the fine art of pastel worldwide. Their membership includes Signature and Master pastelists from Oregon and beyond. View a collection of their paintings on the back wall of the gallery from Friday, May 6 through Sunday, May 29, with a reception from 1-3pm on Saturday, May 7.

Friday, May 6 through Sunday, June 26, we welcome the birds back to Jacksonville with a special show, “Jacksonville is for the Birds,” in our popular Galleria. Yard birds, snow birds, jail birds, bird houses…you never know what our artists will do when they spread their creative wings!

Visit art-presence.org to view a virtual tour of the art included in this month’s guest and member exhibits as well as past virtual exhibitions.

There will be no Arts & Letters Zoom Chat in May; however, you can now watch all past Arts & Letters Conversations in one convenient page on our website.

On Saturday, May 14, the Jacksonville Second Saturday ArtWalk resumes! Look for the flags in front of the shops of participating merchants and stop in from 2-5pm to meet the artists and see their works.

Art Presence member artist, Brenda Mills Brannan, shares her talent in a new class. Learn a different fluid art technique each Wednesday in May 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.

Learn to paint with watercolors in Anne Brooke’s “Wine and Watercolor” event! We provide the supplies, you bring your favorite wine and snacks, and we all enjoy painting together in a casual atmosphere. Contact Anne to reserve a Thursday evening with up to seven friends & family today. $25 per person, vaccinations required.

Local Artists: We still have one studio space available in The Loft. Benefits include reasonable month-to-month rent, convenient location, your own key, and water. Contact Anne Brooke at 541-941-7057 or anne@brookewatercolor.com to inquire.

Featured Image: “Spring Sunrise,” pastel painting by Judy Richardson of Jacksonville