Art show provides lift from winter doldrums
“The Winter Show — Six Women Artists” opens this Friday, Jan. 23, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., just in time to lift people out of their winter funk. The walls of the library will be filled with a variety of colors, styles, subject matter and media, ranging from oils to acrylics, watercolors to mixed media. Most of the six artists have exhibited at one time or another during the library’s Summer Show. This exhibition gives the community a chance to see more of their accomplishments. The artists are Joan Bepler, Katya Lebrija, Renée Santhouse and Kathleen Wrampe all of Wilton; Marion Pershan, who hails from New York and Florida, visits Wilton often as it is the home of her daughter, Diana Moskowitz, and Berenice Pliskin is from Peekskill, N.Y. More than 50 works will be featured with the majority of them available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the library. The reception is open to the public. The exhibition runs through Feb. 27. See the library’s website for details about the artists.
Cool jazz sizzles in the Brubeck Room
Jazz phenom Grace Kelly returns to Wilton Library for a Hot & Cool: Jazz at the Brubeck Room concert on Friday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. with the Grace Kelly Quartet. Grace will be performing from her repertoire of original pieces and jazz favorites with Pete McCann on guitar, Julia Pederson on bass and Ross Pederson on drums. Grace has been on the Brubeck Room stage performing in 2011 as an 18-year old. Nov. 22, the Korean-American singer/songwriter/saxophonist/composer returns to delight the audience with an even more skilled performance. CDs will be available for purchase and signing during the informal reception that follows the concert. The Hot & Cool concerts are funded by the William and Karen Tell Foundation with special thanks to Ed and Catherine Romer and Chris and Tish Brubeck. Pre-registrants should arrive no later than 7:50 to be guaranteed seating; wait-listed and walk-ins will be accommodated after that if space is available. A donation of $10 is suggested per person for the concert. Registration is strongly recommended.
Technology classes this week
Whether it’s 3D Printing, figuring out a new iPad or putting eBooks on a Kindle, the library is offering classes this week for each of these skills. Introduction to 3D Printing is a demonstration-style class that takes place on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 2 to 3 p.m. People will learn the basics of 3D printing with the library’s MakerBot printer. Introduction to Tinkercad 3D Design, from 3:30 to 4:30 on Saturday is the next level up for people who want to dabble in 3D printing with their own projects. The Intro to 3D Printing is a pre-requisite for this class. Both classes are for people ages 13 years and older. A valid Connecticut library card must be presented along with a signed Innovation Station agreement form. Registration is required for both classes. Moving on to downloadable books, Introduction to eBooks on Kindles takes place on Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 2 to 4. This class starts out as a demonstration of the library’s Overdrive, a free downloadable eBook system, and then moves to hands-on training for anyone with a Kindle eReader. Kindle Fire users needing assistance may call the library’s Reference Desk at 203-762-3950, ext. 211, to set up a one-on-one appointment. Registration is suggested. On Thursday, Jan. 29, from 12:30 to 2 and again from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Mary Anne Franco presents I Have a New iPad. She will be discussing how to get on the Internet, settings and apps. This class is for iPad and iPhone users and it is demonstration style. Registration is encouraged especially during the winter months.
Story time for puppies
Children who are independent readers may join the Tales to Tails program on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 11 to noon. ROAR (Ridgefield Operation Animal Rescue) brings its gentle therapy dogs to the library for children to read to. Registration is essential. There is no charge.
Weir Farm artist exhibition
Benisse Lester is the Weir Farm artist-in-residence this month who will be exhibiting her works at the library on Monday, Jan. 26, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Her paintings will depict the grounds and interior of Weir Farm celebrating and honoring the beauty and heritage of the farm and J. Alden Weir. The program is co-sponsored by Weir Farm Art Center and Weir Farm National Historic Site and presented by the library. There is no charge. Registration is suggested.
Young imaginarians wanted
The library is starting a Young Makers Club with the goal of creating self-directed projects that will be revealed at Innovation Day on Saturday, May 30. The club is for kids in grades 7 through 11 and will meet on Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 28, through May 20, from 4 to 6 p.m. Kids will work in the library’s Innovation Station with mentors. Participants will be introduced to 3D printing, soldering, Arduino, coding, electronic sewing and other tinkering tools with the goal of creating their own projects. Projects might include electronic wearables, interactive games, furniture, electronic gadgets, motorized design, light-up jewelry, musical instruments, etc. Teens who are interested in tinkering, learning and creating are encouraged to check out the club. The program is supported by the Amadeo Family Fund. Registration is required.
To register for programs, visit wiltonlibrary.org and click on Events or call 203-762-3950, ext. 213 for adult programs, ext. 243 for teen events and ext. 217 for children’s activities.