New lecture series at The Jacksonville Center

Educational Programming at The Jacksonville Center is pleased to announce a new lecture series by and about local and regional artists and art activities. The series will kick off on Saturday, July 31 from 5-6 pm, in conjunction with the Meet-the-Artists reception for the upcoming 8th Annual New Works Exhibit. David Page, photographer, Jax member, retired Fine Arts Photography instructor at Duke University and participating artist in this Saturday’s 3rd Annual Live Art Auction, will present the life and photography of Hugh Mangum.

Mangum, a native of Durham, NC, was an itinerant photographer who captured the people and landscapes of Southwest Virginia and North Carolina in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

“Mangum was a singular and talented person with a sense of humor and design, and a fascination for the eccentric and bizarre, for gypsies and the burlesque, for photographic props and extraordinary hats,” said Page.

As with the reception, there is no charge for the lecture, though a $3 donation would help offset the daily operating expenses of the center.

Also new at the center is Art in the Afternoon. Beginning Thursday, July 29, the Jax will host weekly art classes for kids age 4 to 7. Preregistration is helpful but walk-ins are welcome. Classes will be held from 4 to 5pm each Thursday and are only $10 per class in advance, $12 at the door and $35 for a 4-week registration.

The following programs and classes are also still around the corner:

Forge Fundraiser with the Old Dominion Blacksmith Association. Artisan instructors Gerald Boggs, Steve Kalb and John Riddle will be demonstrating blacksmithing from 10am to 5pm. Ron Howard of Collinsville, VA, will also be participating in the hammer-in and guests will have the opportunity to try their hand at the forge.

The Footbridge: Bob Ross Oil Painting with Kathy Barton, July 24. Even novice painters will leave this one-day workshop with their own complete Footbridge painting.

Introduction to Your Digital Camera with Steve Graham, July 25. You’ve got the camera – now learn the best practices for getting the most out of it, from aperture settings to pixel sizes and more.

Spray Glazing and Cone 10 Firing with Chris Lively, July 26-28. Learn the art and skills required to make beautiful drips and runs on your bisque ceramics.

Kids Art Camp, August 2-6 for kids age 9-16. Classes in leather work with Jeff Eubank, polymer clay with Teri Walters, pottery with Jayn Avery, beading with Mara Robbins, painting with Erin Coffin, and comic book drawing with Katherine Devine! Camp will conclude with a mini art exhibit during our August First Friday event. Space is limited to 20 students total (classes divided into 2 age groups). Registration ends July 26.

Class sizes are limited, and registration often closes two weeks before each class begins, so register now. Members of The Jacksonville Center receive a 20% discount on tuition for most classes. Those with limited financial resources can apply to be a part of the work-study program, in which class hours can be earned through work hours at the center.

For a full listing of course offerings, online registration options and eNews subscription information, visit the website at www.jacksonvillecenter.org or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Those with limited computer access may request a print catalog by calling (540) 745-2784.