Live Oak Artists Guild Exhibit
ALNF Meeting & Luncheon
Miniature Mosaics (2 days)
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Artist of the Day
Benjamin Ragland
Benjamin Ragland, affectionately known as Benny among his friends, is a born artist whose talent spans various mediums. His journey in the realm of art began at a young age, marked by notable achievements such as clinching first place in both his county (Buckingham) and state (Virginia) art competitions at the age of 8.
Having received abundant encouragement throughout his schooling, Benjamin pursued his passion further by enrolling at the Holden School of Art and Design. There, he completed a rigorous three-year course in Graphic Arts Management, earning himself a certificate in 1973. His professional career kicked off promptly as he secured a position with an advertising agency post-graduation. However, his path took an unexpected turn when he was drafted into the US Navy a year later, where he served as an Illustrator/Draftsman for three years before receiving an honorable discharge.
After his military service, Benjamin continued to pursue his artistic endeavors. He furthered his education at Virginia Commonwealth University, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Arts and Design in 1981. Throughout his career, Benjamin has showcased his talents in various roles, including as an illustrator for a nationally syndicated newspaper feature, as well as in type setting companies and art shops. Notably, his career has been marked by freelance work, where he has completed over 1000 portraits across various mediums, from pen and ink stipple to oils and pastels.
Benjamin's artistic contributions extend beyond illustration. His murals have adorned ceilings, floors, and walls in a range of settings, from businesses to private homes and churches. Sharing his passion for art, Benjamin has also dedicated time to teaching, offering lessons in community colleges, children's classes, adult community art lessons, and private sessions.
Now enjoying retirement, Benjamin spends his days immersed in his art. Currently, he is engrossed in a series of pen and ink drawings using the stipple method. His work can be admired at the Gateway Art Gallery in Lake City, FL, where it is currently on display, showcasing the lifelong dedication and talent of this esteemed artist. His work can be seen online at www.raglandarts.com.
Benny teaches various classes at the Gallery each month, among them drawing portraits and calligraphy.
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ALNF Meeting & Luncheon
Apr 27 @ 12:00 PM–1:00 PM
Free
Multiple dates available
Miniature Mosaics (2 days)
with Laura Hunter-Null
APR 28 · Sold Out
$50.00
Hats Off to Mom 2026
Jan 1 @ 11:30 am–2 pm
$45.00
Acrylic Painting
with Shirley Zecher
Next class: MAY 4 @ 11 am–1 pm
$35.00
Multiple dates available
Stained Glass (2 days)
with Katrina Browning
Next class: MAY 5 @ 12–4 pm
$150.00
Multiple dates available
Alcohol Ink
with Mary McGuerty
Next class: MAY 7 @ 10 am–12 pm
$35.00
Multiple dates available
Journaling with Jeanne
with Jeanne Van Arsdall
Next class: MAY 21 @ 5:30–7:30 pm
$35.00
Multiple dates available
Intro to Watercolor
with Jerilyn Guiss
Next class: May 9 @ 10 am–12 pm
$35.00
Multiple dates available
Advancing in Watercolor
with Jim Riley
Next class: MAY 11 @ 9:30–11:30 am
$35.00
Multiple dates available
Intro to Realistic Oil Painting (3 week course)
with Benjamin Ragland
Next class: MAY 12 @ 5:30–7:30 pm
$90.00
Art in the Open Air
May 13 @ 9:30 AM–11:30 AM
Free
Multiple dates available
Fusing Glass in a Microwave Kiln
with Susan Larson
Next class: FRI, MAY 15 @ 4–6 pm
$35.00
Resin Art
with Lisa Amparo
Next class: MAY 17 @ 2–4 pm
$50.00
Multiple dates available
Stained Glass (1 day)
with Katrina Browning
Next class: MAY 17 @ 9 am–5 pm
$150.00
Multiple dates available
Hand Building Clay - Kurinuki Pottery
with Mikael Byrd
Next class: MAY 18 @ 6–8 pm
$45.00
Make Your Own Ceramic Beads
with Susan Larson
Next class: MAY 22 @ 4–6 pm
$35.00
Multiple dates available
Mosaic Garden Boards (2 days)
with Laura Hunter-Null
Next class: TUES, MAY 26 @ 1–4 pm
$60.00
Bring-Your-Own Wheel - Throwing Clay
with Mikael Byrd
Next class: MAY 28 @ 6–8 pm
$50.00
Multiple dates available
Digital Painting
with Sheila Carr
Next class: MAY 28 @ 1–3 pm
$35.00
Oil Painting with Sean Mullins
with Sean Mullins
Next class: JUNE 12 @ 11 am–4 pm
$75.00
Dad’s Day at the Gallery - Stained Glass for Two
with Katrina Browning
Next class: SUN, JUN 13 @ 10 am–2 pm
$75.00
Watercolor Painting
with Carol Cieslik
Next class: June 15 @ 10 am–12 pm
$35.00
Multiple dates available
Copper Repoussé & Chasing
Next class: JUNE 22 @ 1–3 pm
$35.00
Paper Clay on Terra Cotta (2 days)
with Laura Hunter-Null
Next class: TUES, JUNE 23 @ 1–4 pm
$60.00
Drawing Made Easy with Grids
with Benjamin Ragland
Next class: JUN 25 @ 5:30–7:30 pm
$35.00
Multiple dates available
Alcohol Ink for Kids
with Mary McGuerty
Next class: JULY 11 @ 10–11:30 am
$30.00
Basic Calligraphy
with Benjamin Ragland
Next class: JUL 23 @ 5:30–7:30 pm
$35.00
Hand Carving Stamps
with Sheila Carr
Next class: JULY 23 @ 5:30–7:30 pm
$35.00
Mixed Media Painting (2 days)
with Laura Hunter-Null
Next class: TUES, JULY 28 @ 1–4 pm
$60.00
Intermediate Calligraphy
with Benjamin Ragland
Next class: AUG 18 @ 5:30–7:30 pm
$35.00
Circular Weaving
with Laura Hunter-Null
Next class: TUES, AUG 25 @ 1–5 pm
$50.00
Advanced Airbrushing
with Benjamin Ragland
Next class: SEP 24 @ 5:30–7:30 pm
$35.00
Cyanotype Botanicals
with Sheila Carr
Next class: SEP 24 @ 12–1:30 pm
$25.00
Off the Walls
Randomized selections from the Gallery
