Welcome May… one of my favorite months in mountainous Southern Oregon. There are monumental clouds as rain still filters through, yet, as the days get longer and the breeze warms up, evenings are perfect for slow strolls. With May come flowers—from all those April showers—and the sense of place we brought forth last month at Art Presence lingers on and flows right into blossoms, and Oregon Wine Month. The current show, “Artists on The Vine,” continues through May as we celebrate the beauty of Southern Oregon’s magnificent wine country.
Our guest artist for May is Willo Balfrey, a multi-award-winning oil and pastel artist living in Siskiyou County. Balfrey works “in plein air” (out of doors) as often as possible. She says, “Now living in Weed, California, the beauty still surrounds me with the many changing faces of Northern California and Southern Oregon. Working on location in many states as often as possible, I bring the viewer into my work by painting the dramatic sense of quiet solitude I find in nature.” See her work at www.willobalfrey.com.
The Member Artist of the Month is Suzan Hatch. A mosaic artist living in the Applegate Valley, Hatch creates exquisitely detailed 3D mosaics from a variety of materials. She will be offering a mosaic workshop also. Please see below. www.skartplay.com.
The Opening Party and reception for all artists is May 6, from 1-4pm, at Art Presence Art Center.
May also brings the celebration of Mother’s Day and the gallery will host two events on Mother’s Day weekend. Gallery member and textile artist, Joy Light, offers a 2-day Trunk Show featuring her hand-painted silk scarves and ruanas. She will be in-house Friday, May 12, noon-5pm, and Saturday, May 13, noon-4pm. She’ll bring exclusive pieces in—a show not to be missed!
On Saturday May 13, Member Artist of the Month, Suzan Hatch, offers a mosaic workshop, from 1-3pm. Flowers Bloom for mom as you create a custom flower mosaic. Materials included. $5 per person donation requested.
We are delighted to announce our Talk of the Town on May 18 features Director of Agriculture, Garett Long, from the Applegate’s Troon Vineyard. Troon was recently awarded an American Winery of the Year nomination and has received awards and accolades globally for their wines, and sustainability, as one of just two Regenerative Organic Certified vineyards on the planet. Long, previously with Apricot Lane Farms, featured in the 2018 documentary film, The Biggest Little Farm, will speak about Troon Vineyard’s past, present, and future plans. A tasting of select Troon Wines will be available. Gallery doors open at 5pm. Event from 6-7:30pm. www.troonvineyard.com.
We invite you to come shop The Gift Shop! New members’ art, new wearable art from AlmaMia Jewelry, new watercolors, and new sweet treats are here for those special gifts.
Watch for Pop-up wine events throughout the month.
Art Presence member art continues in local tasting rooms. Chris Anderson’s globetrotting photos are at Awen Winecraft. Hummingbird Estate presents Desmond Serratore through May. Two new shows open this month: the beautiful pastels of Bonnie McManus are showcased at Dos Mariposas Vineyard and Lavender, and Brenda Mills Brannan will be the featured artist at the opening of our fourth tasting room, Weisinger Family Winery. Watch for reception announcements and additional details.
NEW HOURS—Thursday-Saturday, noon-5pm, Sunday, 10am-3pm. We welcome an additional day—and the Jacksonville Market in our front yard!
Featured image: “The Watering Tank,” 22×28 Oil by Willo Balfrey