AUCTION PREVIEW: Library-Themed Art Celebrates Branch's 100th Year

In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the , and the Friends of the JP Library have collaborated on an art exhibition entitled The pieces in the show are all interpretations of library themes and were donated by local artists.  Patch is pleased, courtesy of ,  to offer an online preview here of the art works, which will be auctioned at the on Saturday, Oct. 22.

The opening reception was held on Thursday evening at the Sedgwick Street library.  Contributors to the exhibition, which includes collage, painting, photography and prints, are Myrna Balk, Karen Boss, Brian Crete, Rob Festa, Deidre Fisher, Kate Moss, Ilene Pearlman, Robin Radin, Charlie Rosenberg and Ginny Vogel Zanger.

“We put together the call for artists as a fundraiser,” said co-owner Brian Crete.  Artists were instructed to seek inspiration in the little library’s immense resources and its century-long history.

“It’s a fabulous display,” said Don Haber, president of the Friends of the JP Branch.  “We’re very fortunate to have so many talented artists in JP who support the library.”

In one of two works donated by artist Karen Boss, she chose to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the library in her acrylic transfer work entitled “The Secret Garden.” Frances Eliza Hodgson Burnett’s children’s book of the same title was published in 1911.

Ginny Vogel Zanger, who contributed two monotypes to the exhibit, “Rolling Sea” and Trees of Summer,” stated, “Having lived in JP and used the library since 1971, I am thrilled to give something back.”

That sentiment was shared by many of the other exhibitors.  Photographer Robin Radin said “I’ve been living in the community a long time.  The library is very important, especially now that I’m a parent.”

JP resident Kate Moss’s expressed her indebtedness to the library as well.  Moss’s collage “Keep on Rolling” was made from materials that she collected in the library’s free magazine swap.

Artist Myrna Balk donated works in three different media, an etching, woodcut, and photograph.  “I research in the library for both content and technique,” she said.

 “Check It Out’ by Deidre Fisher, she explained, was created by photographing some old vintage punch cards that were once kept in the pockets of books and were used to borrow materials at the library.  In one image, Fisher used a Photoshop function called “Squeeze” to modify the old punch card that warned users that they would be fined 10 cents if they lost it.  The photographer, who rejects using a Kindle, said that her colorful work is a commentary on the way that the busy and beloved library, which faced closure last year, is “squeezed” for funds.

“I am excited about the way the community has come together to celebrate the library’s birthday,” said children’s librarian Barbara Rhodes, who expressed her gratitude to, , , and , who donated food for Thursday’s reception.  “It’s so great the way that reached out to the library’s Friends group.”

 “” will be on view at the during its regular hours.  Located at 12 Sedgwick Street, the (617-524-2053) is open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10 a.m. 6 p.m., Thursday 12 noon to 8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The pieces will be auctioned at the library’s on Saturday, Oct. 22.