Art du Jour August Announcements

Art du Jour Gallery, 213 E. Main Street in Medford, is an artists cooperative featuring the works of 17 local artists. We’ve made the appropriate modifications to ways we safely showcase our members’ artwork. First, because floorspace limits our capacity for gatherings, we must limit the amount of people standing within our confines at any one time. Second, in the event we reach our capacity of 10 we will provide a drink of cold water and a place to sit and visit with one of our friendly artists until space allows. Finally, private viewings by reservation are encouraged outside open business hours. To make your reservation, contact the gallery at the phone number above, via your favorite member artist, or by email at: [email protected].

For August we feature guest artist Betty Barss and our own Mary Jo Heath.

Betty Barss featured guest exhibit in the salon at Art du Jour through September 2020. Roy Musitelli photo 8/4/20

Featured Guest Artist Betty Barss

Southern Oregon resident Betty Barss was born in Dallas, Texas. Later she moved with her family to California in 1957. Then she graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Education.  She taught fourth and sixth grade, including art education, for 25 years with the Medford School District.  Betty and her husband Don have lived in the Rogue Valley since 1974 and have two married children and four grandchildren.

Betty’s versatility with a wide range of subjects has contributed to the popularity of her work. She has been notably recognized and awarded for her watercolor paintings. Further, her work is showcased in a handful of locations from galleries to fine restaurants.

After first painting oils in 1970, Barss slowly made the transition into transparent watercolors.  As a result, she found the challenge and spontaneity to more accurately reflect the feelings she wished to convey.  She also tutored under the late Bruce Butte of Jacksonville for 20 years.  Betty has signature membership in North West Watercolor Society and the Watercolor Society of Oregon. She is also a member of the Southern Oregon Society of Artists, the Artists’ Workshop, Rogue Gallery and Art and Soul Gallery.

Siesta Time by Betty Barss

Featured Member Mary Jo Heath

Mary Jo Heath featured artist exhibit for August 2020. Roy Musitelli photo 8/4/20

Born in Coos Bay, Oregon, Mary Jo Heath moved to the Rogue Valley with her family when she was five. She went on to earn two bachelor degrees from Southern Oregon College and the University of Oregon.  Mary Jo retired after teaching art in public schools for more than 30 years. Her inspiration for this month’s featured exhibit is a collection of colorful pastel scenery.

We remain open for Third Friday on the 21st from 5-8 pm with social distancing measures in place. In addition, we happily provide a mask for anyone who wishes to enter but shows up without one. Please go to our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ArtduJourGallery) for more current updates.