Freedom to Create: The Artists Who Shaped America

TOMS RIVER – Celebrate the diversity and creativity that shaped the American art story through an engaging lecture and hands-on art-making session during "Freedom to Create: The Artists Who Shaped America" at the Ocean County Library.

The program will take place on the following dates and locations:

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·Wednesday, October 7 @ 2:30 p.m. – Upper Shores Branch – 112 Jersey City Ave., Lavallette, 732-793-3996

·Friday, October 23 @ 2 p.m. – Point Pleasant Beach Branch – 710 McLean Ave., 732-892-4575

·Tuesday, October 27 @ 11 a.m. – Plumsted Branch – 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, 609-758-7888

Explore how each artist's experiences and challenges informed their creative voice – from Georgia O'Keefe's meditative connection to the natural world to Faith Ringgold's storytelling quilts that wove art and activism together, to Keith Haring's bold visual language created inservice of social change.

Through an engaging lecture and hands-on art-making session, participants will explore the power of self-expression and create original works inspired by the techniques and stories of these groundbreaking artists. Celebrate what it means to make art in the spirit of freedom.

Jenny Santa Maria will present the program. She is a Teaching Artist and Art Coach who specializes in creative empowerment workshops designed to awaken artistic confidence in people of all backgrounds and abilities. With a Master's Degree in Special Education and over a decade of experience in arts education, Jenny brings a warm, accessible approach to drawing, folk arts, and meditative practices.

Registration is required for this free program. To register, visit tinyurl.com/CreateOCL, or call or stop by the branch of your choice.