alma thomas

As reported by the BBC, President and Mrs.Obama have decorated their private rooms and the Oval Office with a range of modern and abstract art, adding to the extensive permanent White House art collection.

Among them are new pieces by contemporary African-American and Native American artists, as well as established artists such as Josef Albers, Richard Diebenkorn, Jasper Johns, Mark Rothko, and Edward Ruscha. Lesser-known artists such as Alma Thomas (photo), an African-American abstract painter of the 1960s and 1970s and Glenn Ligon are also chosen. (The complete list). A significant number of the library's collection of books on these artists are gifts from the Ladies Library Association.

One New York art dealer described the Obamas' choices as "highly sophisticated". The curator of modern and contemporary art at the National Gallery, where many of the items are on loan from, said it was "great art to live with".

cider

It's autumn! Time for apples, cider, pie, doughnuts and pumpkins! The orchards and cider mills are now open and offer many attractions from hay rides, apple and pumpkin picking and even haunted houses. All About Apples is a website that lists orchards all through Michigan with descriptions of what the orchards offer. If you need ideas for carving your pumpkin the library has Pumpkin Carving and Great Pumpkins:Crafty carving for Halloween. Are you a fan of pie? The library has books to help you bake with those freshly picked apples and pumpkins. Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook, James McNair's Pie Cookbook. Enjoy!

Bring your collected content from that memorable event, and we'll provide the paper and extras to pull it all together on the page.

Wednesday, July 1 | 2:00-3:00 PM | Pittsfield | Grades 4-8

ShrinkyDink

Join us to create fun jewelry accessories, like keychains and pet tags, using Shrinky Dink material, a "magic" plastic which shrinks down to 1/3 of its original size and becomes nine times thicker when heated briefly in the oven! Kids (grade 4+ please), Teens, and Adults are all welcome!

Wed, June 24 | 7:00-8:00pm | Mallett's Creek Program Room | Grade 4-Adult

Sunday, April 26th at the Pittsfield Branch, Knitgrrl Shannon Okey - Author, knitter extraordinaire, shop owner and an expert dyer will give a primer on hand-dyeing for knitters and fiber enthusiasts.

Tips and tricks on materials, supplies and tools will be discussed. Yarns and dyes will be available for a hands-on experience. Recommended for teens and adults.

The program starts at 2 p.m. A book signing will follow, courtesy of Nicola's Books.

We're trying to clean out our supplies of craft materials so that we can make room for all the new stuff we'll need this summer. Here's a chance to let your imagination soar. We'll provide all kinds of materials, you provide the creativity. For preschoolers through third grade.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Traverwood Branch
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Friday, April 17, 2009
Pittsfield Branch
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

For some ideas, look here.

Duct Tape Baby

Teens: if you're looking for something fun (and FREE) to do during the school break plan to attend Duct Tape Re-Dux on Wednesday, April 15: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm @ the Traverwood Branch. We have an awesome array of duct tape colors on hand from camouflage to the elusive plaid. We'll provide a few patterns, but you're only limited by what you can create in the time period! Prom season is also upon us and many teens make their prom outfits completely out of duct tape - take a look at this teen who knitted her entire dress out of duct tape.

All supplies will be provided. No registration required. Teens in grades 6-12 are welcome!
Wednesday, April 15: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm @ the Traverwood Branch

origami

See all the things one little piece of paper can become in this hands-on Origami workshop at Malletts Creek Branch on Sunday, March 29, 1 to 2:30. Learn more about the ancient Japanese art of paper folding as instructors from Magic Squares will demonstrate this fine art, and then teach everyone how to create their own beautiful pieces.

May Fairy

We're all ready to get outside, but it's still a little too cold - so take your coat off and visit the Matthei Conservatory for the lovely, fun and springy Enchanted Spring Display celebrating Cicely Mary Barker's Flower Fairies. Find fairies hidden in the conservatory, smell the hyacinth, dapple amongst the daffodils and other gorgeous spring bulbs all over the conservatory, and make a fairy sachet! Or make your own fairy container garden, and start some seeds for your own garden. This special display runs through March 31, for complete information on the display click here. And for complete details about the Matthei Conservatory including hours/location click here. On Wednesdays the Conservatory is open until 8:00 PM and admission is FREE! And don't forget that AADL has many of Cicely Mary Barker's Books Finally, make sure you visit the downtown library fairy door too!

Over at Inhabitots they posted about a pet groomer putting all the cut hair to use by making yarn and knitting items with it. Some breeds likely work better than others. Here is a video about her business originally aired on Animal Planet:

While you may or may not want to do it with your pet's hair, if your interested in making your own yarn we have Start spinning : everything you need to know to make great yarn and Dyeing to knit : how to use and create your own beautiful hand-dyed yarns. Then get started on your project with A fine fleece : knitting with handspun yarns and our very large collection of knitting pattern books.