State of the Art Presence – April 2025

APRIL SHOWERS bring more than just rain—they bring a vibrant celebration of art to Jacksonville’s beloved non-profit gallery! This month, prepare to be inspired by a captivating guest artist, a spotlight on a talented member artist, and an exciting call to artists for a special Jacksonville-themed exhibition in May. Plus, unleash your inner artist at our ever-popular Messy Hands class!

Meet Lane Hall: April’s Mesmerizing Guest Artist—Prepare to be captivated by the artistry of Lane Hall, our featured Guest Artist for April. Lane masterfully blends realism and impressionism, evoking powerful emotions through bold contrasts and intricate textures inspired by the natural world. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts from SOU and numerous accolades, including Diamond Membership in the Watercolor Society of Oregon, Lane’s work is sure to impress. Don’t miss the Opening Reception on Saturday, April 5, from 1-4pm, to meet Lane and delve into his artistic process. His exhibition runs from April 2 to 27.

Member Artist Nancy Sterling’s Whimsical World—Our Member Artist of the Month, Nancy Sterling, invites you into her wonderfully-whimsical world of found object art. Her captivating patterns and color contrasts draw you in, revealing the stories hidden within each piece. Come and experience the joy and beauty of Nancy’s creations!

Calling All Artists: Celebrate Jacksonville in May!—We’re calling on artists of all media to join our May exhibition, a tribute to the vibrant and historic town of Jacksonville, Oregon. Whether you’re an emerging talent or an established artist, we want to see your unique artistic vision of our charming town and its scenic landscapes. Learn more about the show and learn how to apply at art-presence.org (Exhibitions > Jacksonville Community Exhibit).

Carol Branan’s Messy Hands Class—Carol’s whimsical lamps and frames are a community favorite. Now it’s your chance to learn with Carol. Join us for an afternoon of frame painting as Carol guides you through the steps she uses to create her fantastic frames. All supplies will be provided. This is a free event, thanks to a generous grant from the Carpenter Foundation, however you’re welcome to bring a tip for the artist. Register online at art-presence.org (Education > Messy Hands). The class takes place on April 12th, from 1:30-3pm, in our upstairs classroom.

Visit Us!—Don’t forget to visit our Gift Gallery for small pieces of art and jewelry that make great gifts. Our regular gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, noon-5pm.