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By Anna Elkins, 130 contributed posts
View all Anna Elkins's posts.
About the author: art + word + spirit: A painter and poet, I play in the crossroads of art & spirit. My paintings are visual stanzas of a poem I will spend my life writing - with brush & pen. I've had the honor to create and exhibit art in the United States, Europe & Micronesia. "As with poetry, painting is either a battle or a dance. Given the choice between music & a sword, I choose music." See Anna's listing at the Southern Oregon Artists Resource.
The other day, I was hunting for a file deep in the recesses of my Dropbox folders when I found a document from over twenty years ago. It was a self-assessment essay, written for my senior portfolio as an undergraduate.
At some point, I must have transferred it from a floppy disk, and I hadn’t read it since I wrote it. I winced before clicking “open,” wondering what young Anna had “assessed.” I started to scan the double-spaced, Times New Roman font. Two paragraphs in, and it wasn’t as terrible as I’d thought. I read on. In one section, I detailed the then-highlights of my writing education. One was a seventh-grade project on The Odyssey. Calypso’s fire of the future inspired me, and I wrote an essay musing on my grown-up life.
I was simultaneously back in my college basement apartment writing that memory and back in the grade-school classroom writing the original. Meta-historical-memory, maybe.
Toward the end of my nine-page self-assessment came this paragraph about my post-graduation dreams: “Once I have the diploma in my hands, I could find myself teaching, working on the staff of a literary magazine, publishing, curating…or even traveling as a freelance artist and poet. I cannot predict what will burn in Calypso’s fire this time, and I do not want to. Through serendipity and grace, the right things come. I am willing to wait.”
I blinked. I hadn’t realized my twenty-year-old self had known all the things she wanted to do. And then I realized I had done them all—including the “or even” of being a traveling freelance artist and poet—the least likely element on the list at the time, especially since I had no role model for that in pre-social-media 1997. It was my pie-in-the-sky dream.
Young me just reminded middle-aged me of serendipity and grace: Thank you, Anna.
Let’s remind ourselves of our dreams, live them, and keep hatching new ones. Apparently, it’s time I hatch some new dreams….
And apparently, there’s pie in the sky after all!
By Brooke Nuckles, 146 contributed posts
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About the author:
During the month of June, Judy Benson LeNier’s work will be featured in the Salon and Mary Jo Heath will be the featured artist on the back wall at Art du Jour Gallery, 213 E. Main in Medford. Music on Third Friday will be provided by Minstrel Stream.
Guest Artist Judy Benson LaNier
A professional photographer who specializes in photographing Wildlife, Judy Benson LaNier’s love of Africa began in 1961 when her family hosted Ashland, Oregon’s first Rotary-sponsored exchange student who was from South Africa. The bond forged then has continued through the years as the two families visit each other in Africa and the U.S.A. The magnetism of Africa is strong and Judy has returned there eight times. Her range of photography has expanded to include North American and Hawaiian Flora and Fauna as well as landscapes.
Judy Benson LaNier says, ““When I first went to Africa I was amazed that the animals ignored us completely. They went about their business as if nothing extraordinary was happening. Little did they know that something quite extraordinary was happening inside me! I was experiencing a catharsis, a cleansing of my soul. I was being taught what is truly important in life and I was filled with joy by the lessons!
I hope that my photographs bring you a taste of life in the Bush.”
Her photographs capture the essence of the wildlife in amazing detail. For many years Judy led Photographic Safaris to countries in Eastern and Southern Africa, teaching photography and holding workshops for participants. Her Photographic work is currently represented in five art galleries in Oregon. Judy has published seven books of her photography, the latest being FACING LIONS which recounts an adventure she enjoyed in Africa.
Featured Artist Mary Jo Heath
As the featured artist for the month of June, Mary Jo Heath presents a body of work themed “Southern Oregon”. She was born in Coos Bay, Oregon. At the age of five, she moved to the Rogue Valley with her family and attended school at Central Point and graduated from Medford High School
Mary Jo taught art in public schools for more than 30 years. The majority of her teaching experience is in Central Point Schools. In 1994, she began working with pastels and has won several awards from the Pastel Society of Oregon National and Membership shows.
When asked about her art, she said, “I have gained experience with a variety of art media during my time teaching art in public schools. Of all the media that I have tried, pastel is the most immediate, the most expressive, and the most forgiving. The pastels become an extension of my hand as I try to interpret what I see and how I feel about a subject matter. It could be the light, the compositions or the challenge of something I have never painted before. Sometimes the subject matter becomes a vehicle for a more abstract expression. Whatever the inspiration, pastel says it for me.”
Please come and enjoy the wonderful art of both Judy Benson LaNier and Mary Jo Heath at the Art du Jour Gallery. Judy’s photos will bring you closer to wildlife in an exciting way. Mary Jo Heath’s pastels show her passion for pastels.
By Brooke Nuckles, 146 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts.
About the author:
Art In The Rough:
A Plein Air Vendor Fair at Central Art!
It’s your first plein air “field assignment.” The easel’s packed, brushes are stowed, paints and canvas tucked into the nooks and crannies of your rig – which is now bursting at the seams! “But wait,” you say, “what am I missing? Is there something better I could be using?”
Bring that intrepid spirit to Central Art during our Plein Air Vendor Fair
Wednesday June 20th, 2018,
and expand your artistic horizons with a plethora of the latest and greatest in plein air essentials that will enrich your experience.
Watch live demonstrations and talk with the experts about what’s new and exciting, enjoy great discounts, and enter to win a Grand Prize!
Plus: don’t forget to share your art adventures with us on Instagram! Be sure to tag @centralart1 in your post, and use the hashtag: #rogueartadventures . We look forward to seeing what you create in the places that inspire you! |
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By Brooke Nuckles, 146 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts.
About the author:
Hello, Southern Oregon friends!
Summer’s here. Might I suggest a Saturday afternoon Poets & Painters workshop at Pennington Farms? Their summer berries inspired Mindy Carpenter & me so much, we’re holding a workshop to celebrate the sweet harvest: we’ll eat ’em, we’ll write about ’em, we’ll paint ’em.
Here’s one of Mindy’s berry celebrations:
I’ll help you write a poem (zero pressure!) and Mindy will help you paint a painting (also zero pressure!). No experience needed; this workshop is more like a playshop…it’s all about having fun 🙂
So grab a friend and come play with us:
When: Saturday, June 9 from 11-3 pm
Where: Pennington Farms | 11341 Williams Highway | Grants Pass, OR 97527
Cost: $95 per person (includes all painting & writing supplies, coffee, & berries! Savory treats will be available for purchase)
Register: Email me at [email protected], let me know how many people you’re bringing, & I’ll send you payment info.
You’ll leave the workshop with a finished 8″ x 10″ painting, a poem & berry-stained fingers 😉
Space is limited, so register soon!
Love,
anna elkins
art + word + spirit
By Anna Elkins, 130 contributed posts
View all Anna Elkins's posts.
About the author: art + word + spirit: A painter and poet, I play in the crossroads of art & spirit. My paintings are visual stanzas of a poem I will spend my life writing - with brush & pen. I've had the honor to create and exhibit art in the United States, Europe & Micronesia. "As with poetry, painting is either a battle or a dance. Given the choice between music & a sword, I choose music." See Anna's listing at the Southern Oregon Artists Resource.
I did not inherit my Grandmother’s green thumb. Alas, the extent of my gardening skills is buying basil plants from Trader Joe’s in the spring, plunking them into clay pots filled with soil, and watering them. Somewhat to my surprise, they are bright and abundant and flavorful—often well into October.
My basil’s success (or the fact that it doesn’t shrivel and die) is largely due to good soil from the Grange. The rich, composty stuff that kind of smells when you upend it from its unwieldy bag. It’s all in the soil. I take zero credit for my basil.
You might be wondering why I called this post “Growing Roses” if I can barely keep a store-bought basil start alive. Well, I grow supernatural roses, if you will. And from seed, no less.
In short—as in short enough to fit on the back of a seed packet: Life is full of shit. You can either sit in and complain about the smell, or you can choose to grow roses in it.
Me? After trying both options through many seasons, I far prefer growing roses. And though I recommend this choice highly, I would add to this “seed packet’s” suggestions for care, along with the proper watering, pruning, et cetera: once you’ve made this choice—once you set your attitude out in full sunshine, don’t be surprised if you encounter people who want to stand over your new start, casting over it the shadow of their own unhappiness.
Years ago, I stood in a kitchen, cooking with a friend and her sister. I shared a story of a lesson I’d learned from a bad circumstance and how it had turned into something beautiful. My friend’s sister turned to me and said, “Well, don’t you just shit and it comes out roses.”
Nope. But I have learned to grow ‘em. And my secret isn’t Miracle-Gro or Garden Organics. It’s choice.
That moment in my friend’s kitchen, I saw how many connections are established in commiseration. Group lament, even when staked with humorous sarcasm, is stenchy decay at best.
But spend enough time with others who are growing roses, and before you know it, you’ve got a riotous swath of them, and the air begins to fill with their sweet fragrance.
Just as I can learn to keep plants healthy and happy in my garden if I really want to, I can learn to keep my attitude healthy and happy if I really want to. Even when things are shitty—or especially when they are.
May we all choose to cultivate green thumbs in the spirit.
Happy gardening,
Anna
By Brooke Nuckles, 146 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts.
About the author:
Click on any picture to reach our website class signup page.
Kids must be at least 7 years old to attend (Photography is 10 & up)
- Classes are almost every Tuesday & Thursday during the summer
- Classes are almost always 1 – 3 pm.
- Classes are $15/day, several classes are a 2 day length.
- Please preregister whenever possible.
- Classes include all materials needed (except Photography)
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Draw! Materials & Techniques
with Kristen O’Neill
Tuesday, June 26
1 – 3 pm
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Discover the wide range of drawing materials and techniques. We’ll have fun creating the same image four different ways to showcase what we’ve learned.
$15.
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Paint! Materials & Techniques
with Kristen O’Neill
Thursday, June 28
1 – 3 pm
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Learn about brushes, different types of paint, and a variety of techniques. We’ll have fun creating the same image in different styles and learn about painting techniques through art history.
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Draw What You See
with Kristen O’Neill
Tuesday, July 10
1 – 3 pm
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Develop drawing skills and learn to turn what you see into a drawing. Lots of great tips!
$15
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Paint like Monet
with Kristen O’Neill
Thursday, July 12
1 – 3 pm
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Create your own copy of a Monet painting and learn about Impressionism.
$15.
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Photography
with Martha Gonzi
TWO DAY CLASS
Tuesday, July 17
Thursday, July 19
10 am – 12 pm both days
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Required:
- Bring your own camera (phone is okay)
- Ability to email the museum the photos taken on Day 1, or bring a thumb drive or CD of the photos taken.
- Field Trip outside on Day 1.
- Must be 10 or older
On the first day kids will be led outside the museum on a walking photo-taking expedition. Techniques for taking better pictures, lighting, and composition will be taught. The second day the photos will be reviewed via a slide show format.
$30.
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Papermaking
with Amanda Close
TWO DAY CLASS
Tuesday, July 24
Thursday, July 26
1 – 3 pm
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On the first day kids learn to create their very own paper.
On the second day simple origami style boxes will be made and kids will write out their dream and place them in their boxes.
$30.
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Zentangle
with Cindy Hernandez
Thursday, August 2
1 – 3 pm
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Zentangle is a method of creative doodling. Kids will learn how to start a Zentangle, and create several patterns. Kids are always amazed by what they make and love the fact that there are no mistakes! Cindy is a certified Zentangle instructor.
$15.
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Creating a Mixed Media Journal
with Karen O’Brien
Tuesday, August 7
1 – 3 pm
In this class we will make a book that you can to draw or write in. We will color the papers for the inside of the book using a fun technique and decorate the covers using collage and paint.
You will learn:
- How to use watercolor and medium for a surprise finish to the pages
- How to tear and put together papers to create a book.
- How to use collage to decorate the cover.
$15.
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Ceramic Fairy Worlds
with Jan Lacy
TWO DAY CLASS
Thursday, August 9 and
Tuesday, August 21
1 – 3 pm
Not only will kids get to create their own fairy house, but they can create their own world! Should there be mushrooms? A cute owl? A river? Plants?
On the first day kids will use hand-building techniques to create their world. Then Jan will take the projects, dry them out and fire them in her kiln. A week and half later everyone returns to glaze! Then Jan will fire the projects. She will have them back in the museum ready for pick up by August 30th. Beginners welcome!
A great opportunity to create a project that most of us cannot do at home!
$30
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Paper Bag Journal
with Vicki Cushing
Tuesday, August 14
1- 3 pm
Create a fun journal with a paper bag! Lots of interactive pages to hold TONS of photos, and space to add your own writing or drawings.
$15
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Draw from a Photo
with Kristen O’Neill
Thursday, August 16
1 – 3 pm
Learn how to sketch, shade, and create a copy of any photograph. Bring your own photo, or choose from one of ours.
$15.
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Kumihimo
with Stephanie Girdlestone
Thursday, August 23
1 – 3 pm
Kumihimo is a Japanese style of braiding, which is about 1500 years old. It bagan as a simple form of fingerloop braiding and grew more complex and intricate as the years went by. Create your own bracelet using a simple pattern. A Kumihimo disk will be provided in each student’s kit.
$15
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Paint like Seurat
with Kristen O’Neill
Tuesday, August 28
1 – 3 pm
Pointillism and color! Learn about the basics of color, how to make your colors feel brighter, and have fun. Create a copy of a section of a Seurat, or apply his style to your favorite subject.
$15
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Watercolor
with Barbara Burnett
Thursday, August 30
1 – 3 pm
Have fun painting with watercolors, practice different techniques, and create your own painting of a dog or cat.
$15
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By Southern Oregon Artists Resource, 1576 contributed posts
View all Southern Oregon Artists Resource's posts.
About the author: SOAR: The Southern Oregon Artist's Resource is a directory of Southern Oregon artists, artisans and those who serve them and calendar of their art events, and Art Matters!, our blog posting Southern Oregon art events and matters of interest to artists, enthusiasts and patrons of the arts near and far. SOAR was created and is maintained by art advocate and web designer Hannah West in Jacksonville, Oregon to promote our diverse and talented arts community to our visitors and the rest of the world.
Art and Music have always gone well together…. and that is why
the Rogue Gallery and Art Center
and Britt Festival are excited to blend music and art this year!
Teddy Abrams Speaks About Music at Rogue Gallery Tonight!
May 18, 2018, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Third Friday Downtown Medford Artwalk
Teddy Abrams will be at the Rogue Gallery to talk about his passion – music.
 Teddy Abrams is a versatile musician and widely-acclaimed Director and Conductor of the Britt Orchestra. He plays the piano, clarinet and composes. A tireless advocate for the power of music, Abrams fosters interdisciplinary collaboration with organizations including the Louisville Ballet, the Center for Interfaith Relations, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the Speed Art Museum, and the Folger Shakespeare Library.
In addition, on the May 18 Third Friday Art Walk the Rogue Gallery will celebrate two new exhibits. The Main Gallery exhibit “Art in Bloom: Darla Baack, Vera Melynk & Kathy Morawiec” features Mosaics, Glass & Paintings. The Community Gallery exhibit “Seductive Pathways: Photographs by Vivian McAleavey” displays mysterious and beautiful photography. Come meet these talented artists.
Refreshments and wine will be served. Wine provided by Weisinger Family Winery. May 18th at 6:30 pm, Teddy will bring his keyboard and talk about music at the Rogue Gallery. Don’t miss this special event!
The Rogue Gallery wishes to thank the sponsor of this event:
By Brooke Nuckles, 146 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts.
About the author:
Oregon Humanities’ Conversation Project offers unique and exciting conversation at Southern Oregon Guild
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Community Conversation to Explore “What We Risk – Creativity, Vulnerability, and Art”
Snacks & Social 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Interactive Program 4:00 – 5:30
Made Possible by Oregon Humanities Conversation Project
Free Program
Donations Appreciated
Pre-registration Helpful Call 541-5019
Location: Guild Gallery & Art Center at RCC, Kerby 24353 Redwood Highway, Kerby, OR
www.southernoregonguild.org [email protected] with Acclaimed Artist & Educator, Jason Graham (Hip-Hop Name MOsley WOtta – check him out on TEDx)
By Brooke Nuckles, 146 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts.
About the author:
Main Gallery
Art in Bloom: Darla Baack, Vera Melnyk & Kathy Morawiec
Exhibit date: April 27–June 1, 2018
Reception Date: May 18, 2018
Darla Baack, Sun and Moon, Stained Glass
This beautiful exhibit features works from three Northwest artists; Kathy Morawiec, who paints loose, lively, colorful flowers, Vera Melnyk, who produces mosaic of complex textures and patterns and Darla Baack, who creates luminous works in stained glass. The Rogue Gallery & Art Center celebrates Downtown Medford’s annual Art in Bloom Festival with an exhibit that features the beauty of spring. Stained glass by Darla Baack is luminous and meditative in its representation of the nature and the heavens. Vera Melynk’s bold abstract mosaics shimmer and reflect from the varied colors of stone, minerals, and glass she has acquired from her travels. Kathy Morawiec paints large floral paintings that are as fresh and lively as the flowers they depict.
Community Gallery
Seductive Pathways: Photographs by Vivian McAleavey
Exhibit date: May 4–June 8, 2018
Reception Date: Friday, May 18, 2018
Vivian McAleavey, Going Home, Photo
Southern Oregon artist Vivian McAleavey has wandered the American West finding magical pathways suggesting possibilities and capturing nature’s ability to soothe and inspire. This exhibit includes photographs that are dreamy and mysterious of natural wonders throughout the west.
Refreshments will be served at the reception on May 18, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm.
By Brooke Nuckles, 146 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts.
About the author:
Last year’s palette knife class was such a huge success that I’m offering it again!
If you’ve never tried painting with a knife, it’s a whole new experience. Knife painting is very freeing – particularly for those of you who would like to loosen up a bit with your acrylic or oil paintings. You will achieve a richness of texture and color like no other. It’s a great way to explore your medium, expand your art language, and create something new, fresh, and different.
Saturday, May 19, 10:00 am–4:00 pm
Palette Knife Painting
Acrylic/Oil
Discover the technique and secrets of applying paint directly onto canvas using a palette knife. With thorough instruction by Silvia Trujillo, you will develop skills that will enhance your work in value, design, and color harmony by adding luscious texture and rich color that will make your piece breathtaking.
MEMBERS $65, NON-MEMBERS $80
To register contact:
Rogue Gallery & Art Center
40 S. Bartlett Street
Medford, OR 97501
phone: 541-772-8118
website: www.roguegallery.org
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Rogue Gallery & Art Center in downtown Medford Oregon promotes and provides for the study, development, exhibition, and appreciation of visual art. RGAC is a vital art hub in our community and offers regular exhibits and events, art classes and workshops for adults, teens, and kids. The Rogue Gallery and Art Center features the art work of artist members and offers membership and sponsorship opportunities.
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