The whole of life lies in the verb, “seeing.” Artists master that ability so that you may see through them our unique and beautiful world. Seeing is difficult at the moment as we are struggling with our smoky atmosphere, the extraordinary heat, and the possible risks of Covid. It is with careful study and consultation that the Board and I have decided to make masks mandatory again. If you prefer not to wear one, we encourage you to take advantage of our Virtual Tours, brought to you monthly on our website, art-presence.org. ~Anne Brooke, Director, Art Presence Art Center

The theme of this year’s IMAGINARIUM show, Reality or Illusion? taps into the very heart of every artist who creates any type of artwork. All artists are masters of sleight-of-hand and fool-the-eye whether they paint landscapes they love or conjure something from their imagination. They are talented tricksters who can make us believe what we see, feel an emotion, imagine a story, or dredge up unexpected memories. This year’s exhibition opens on Friday, September 17, and promises to deliver that artsy magic all dressed up for Halloween, which is also the last day of the show. We extend grateful thanks to the Human Bean for their support of this exhibition.

Denise Kester’s guest exhibit, Art Dreams, remains on display through September 12. Please see our August article or visit our website for more information about Kester and her dream-inspired art.

If you can’t make it to the gallery, you can still see a virtual tour on our website, https://art-presence.org. To inquire about the art that moves you or schedule a private gallery viewing, contact Anne Brooke at 541-941-7057 or anne@brookewatercolor.com.

September’s Second Saturday ArtWalk takes place on Saturday, September 11, from 3-6pm. Some artists will demonstrate their skills outdoors on California Street while others show their work inside a downtown Jacksonville shop. Look for the yellow flags marking participating merchants. The gallery will remain open until 6pm on Saturday for the ArtWalk.

Arts & Letters Zoom chats feature conversations with artists, authors and others who create or support the arts. Anne Brooke and Ginna BB Gordon kick-off the fall presentations with a discussion about the next novel in Gordon’s Lavandula Series, Humming in Spanish, on Friday, September 24 at 5pm.

Learn how to paint with watercolor! Reserve a Thursday evening with up to 7 of your friends to participate in Anne Brooke’s “Wine and Watercolor” workshop. All art supplies are provided. Bring your favorite wine and hors d’oeuvres and enjoy painting in a social atmosphere! $25 per person, vaccination required.

Local Artists: Art Presence has studio spaces available in our Loft with very reasonable, month-to-month rent and convenient location. You’ll have your own key and water is available. Please contact Anne Brooke to inquire.