“Orchard Splendor,” by Marilyn Hurst
The Artists’ Workshop will fill the walls of the new Art Presence Art Center in Jacksonville to present their 28th Annual Art Exhibit from August 3 through August 26. The exhibit will be open from 11 to 5 each Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the four weekends. The Art Presence Art Center is located at 206 N. 5th Street, the corner of 5th and D Streets. A festive reception will be held on Saturday, August 4th from 3 to 6 PM. Please come and see their latest work and visit with the artists.
The Artists’ Workshop is a group founded by Elaine Witteveen over 26 years ago. It has provided an opportunity for Rogue Valley’s finest artists to paint together weekly, to exchange ideas and constructive criticism and to put on a public show and sale of their work. This year 27 artists will hang all original work as well as have prints available in this new venue.
The members of the workshop will show work in media including acrylic, pastel, printmaking, mixed media, watercolor and oil. The artists have extensive art backgrounds, are involved in other galleries and many are teachers passing on their love of art. Artists in this years show are Elaine Witteveen, Joan Adkins, Raye Aubin, Susan Austin, Betty Barss, Steve Bennett, Sue Bennett, Nancy Block, Peter Coons, Susan DeRosa, Rick Evans, Kim Faucher, Virginia Govedare, Lynda Haghan, Dodie Hamilton, Mae Heideman, Marilyn Hurst, Judi Johnston, Susan Kelling, Gwen Kirk, Pauline Mainwairing, Ausma Nonacs, Charlotte Peterson, Dolores Ribal, Carolyn Roberts, Anne Shurman, and Deanna St. Martin.
“Daydreamin’,” by Deanna St. Martin
“Swift Stream,” by Ausma Nonacs
The work of three artists has been given recognition for representing the spirit of the Artists’ Workshop. The artists express themselves in a variety of intriguing artistic styles. The featured work for this year’s poster is a very appealing Pastel painting called “Orchard Splendor,” which reflects Marilyn Hurst’s longtime residence in the Rogue Valley. Marilyn is an award winning pastel and watercolor painter who often chooses nostalgic landscapes and portrays them in her own palette of color harmony. Exhibiting with the group for the first time will be Ausma Nonacs. A walk in Lithia Park last autumn inspired her painting called “Swift Stream.” Among the paintings that new member, Deanna St. Martin, will show is a figurative work called “Daydreamin’.” The work of these accomplished artists represent the wide spectrum of subjects portrayed by the group.
The Art Presence Art Center opens a much appreciated home to artists throughout the Valley. Artist Anne Brooke spearheaded the creation of a gallery space in the historic building that was formerly a children’s museum; help came from artists throughout the Valley. Many members of Artist’s Workshop were part of the transformation and they look forward to welcoming friends of the arts to this year’s show and reception. For more information, please contact Sue Bennett, who is managing the publicity for this year’s show.
