events @ the Library

May 1-June 30, 2010
Riverwalk Display

Altered Books by Jane R. Lubin

Joan Miller creates hard-edged collages of optical illusions, intended to make the viewer believe things that are not true. The illusions happen on several levels. Through the use of paper and color, depth is created. The objects look plausible, but cannot exist in the real world and can be interpreted in multiple ways. The exhibit runs April 1-May 31, 2010.

Light refreshments served. Enter through the main level Library entrance.

Joan Miller creates hard-edged collages of optical illusions, intended to make the viewer believe things that are not true. The illusions happen on several levels. Through the use of paper and color, depth is created. The objects look plausible, but cannot exist in the real world and can be interpreted in multiple ways.

Opening reception: Friday, April 9, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.
Light refreshments served. Enter through the main level Library entrance.

Light refreshments served.
Enter through the main level Library entrance.

Opening reception: Friday, February 5, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.
Light refreshments served. Enter through the main level Library entrance.

Opening reception for the exhibit “After Hours,” abstract paintings by Paul Rabut (1914-1983). Rabut was renowned illustrator known for a style which combined great attention to detail with dramatic visual compositions. He also designed three US postage stamps.

Starting in the earliest days of his career he began to develop a personal, abstract style of painting, separate from and in marked contrast to his commercial work. Very quickly this "after hours" painting evolved into a distinct style and achieved a life of its own. This exhibit is the first time the entire span of the abstract painting of Paul Rabut has been shown. As always, a retrospective show reveals the evolution of the style of an artist and provides a window into the creative mind. The exhibit will be on display for the months of December and January.

Light refreshments served.
Enter through the upper level Library entrance.

“After Hours” is an exhibit of abstract paintings by Paul Rabut (1914-1983). Rabut was renowned illustrator known for a style which combined great attention to detail with dramatic visual compositions. He also designed three US postage stamps.

Starting in the earliest days of his career he began to develop a personal, abstract style of painting, separate from and in marked contrast to his commercial work. Very quickly this "after hours" painting evolved into a distinct style and achieved a life of its own. This exhibit is the first time the entire span of the abstract painting of Paul Rabut has been shown. As always, a retrospective show reveals the evolution of the style of an artist and provides a window into the creative mind.

Opening reception: Friday, December 4, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.
Light refreshments served. Enter through the main level Library entrance.

Light refreshments served.
Enter through the upper level Library entrance.

Opening reception: Friday, October 2, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.
Light refreshments served. Enter through the main level Library entrance.

An exhibit in conjunction with the Library’s 2009 Rabbit Hill Festival of Literature, focusing this year on writers of creative biography and historical events for middle-school readers.

More about the event which runs October 22, 23, and 24.

Opening reception for the exhibit "The Art World of Frank Bolle." These watercolors by Frank Bolle will be on display for the months of August and September.

Note: We suggest that you park in the Riverwalk level parking lot near Jesup Green when you arrive for the art reception, due to a special performance at the Levitt Pavilion on the same evening. Both upper and lower (Riverwalk) level entrances of the Library will remain open.

Light refreshments served.

"The Art World of Frank Bolle," an exhibit for the months of August and September of watercolors by Frank Bolle.

Opening reception: Friday, August 7, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.
Light refreshments served. Enter through the main level Library entrance.

In conjunction with the 2009 Summer Reading Club, whose theme is “Be Creative @ Your Library,” enjoy a glimpse of some of the creative programs and activities from the past year in The Smilow Family Children’s Library.

Light refreshments served.
Enter through the upper level Library entrance.

Opening reception: Friday, June 5, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.

Light refreshments served. Enter through the main level Library entrance.

“Coloring Outside the Lines” by Elise Black, an exhibit for the months of April and May of mixed media paintings and assemblages which utilize a variety of found and unconventional materials.

Light refreshments served.
Enter through the upper level Library entrance.

“Coloring Outside the Lines” by Elise Black, an exhibit for the months of April and May of mixed media paintings and assemblages which utilize a variety of found and unconventional materials.

Opening reception: Friday, April 3, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Light refreshments served. Enter through the main level Library entrance.

A companion exhibit by Belleville, N.J., artist Karen Guancione of banner art made from plastic shopping bags from around the globe will hang from the mezzanine railings in The Great Hall from March 4 through April 30.

On Tuesday, March 17, from 6:30-8:00 pm, the Town of Westport will have a reception in the McManus Room to honor the winners and all participants.

Light refreshments served.
Enter through the main level Library entrance.
Above photo by Mike Guthman, "Shadows"

"Design in Illustration": Decorative illustration and contemporary folk art by Naiad Einsel will be on display in The Great Hall for the months of December and January.

Light refreshments served.
Enter through the main level Library entrance.

Light refreshments served.
Enter through the main level Library entrance.

"Vote for me!" 200 Years of Presidential Campaign Memoribilia.

A silent auction of the imaginative, original Altered Books made over the summer.

Enter through the upper level Library entrance. All proceeds benefit the Library. Donation requested.

Library Books Unbound website.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Westport Library.
Picture above: Book Bracelet by Megan Dunn

"The Revealing Eye", drawings by Emil Weiss, 1896-1965, will be on display in The Great Hall for the months of October and November. One of the last “artist-reporters,” an old journalistic specialty which was superseded by photography, the collection includes coverage of many political figures of the day.

Opening reception: Friday, October 10, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Light refreshments served. Enter through the main level Library entrance.

More about the event.

Opening reception: Friday, August 1, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.
Light refreshments served. Enter through the main level Library entrance.

(at left, poster by Leonard Everett Fisher)

Opening reception: Friday, June 6, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.
Light refreshments served. Enter through the main level Library entrance.

An afternoon of musical performances, art displays and poetry recitations with the Staples High School Art Club. There will also be an open-mike for those who become inspired! Refreshments will be served.

"Altered Books: Recycling Magic" showcases the artfully recycled printed page from pieces in the collection of the Portland Public Library in Portland, Maine.

(at left, Billy Goat the Counselor by Sachiyo Yoshida)

A special party! The first in a year-long celebration!
Activities and entertainment for all ages, including musical performances, historic exhibits of Westport and the Library, Imagine 2108 projects presentation, roving entertainers, arts and crafts and much more.

Library 100th Birthday website.

Abstract impressions in nature by Julie Fatherley will be on display in The Great Hall for the month of March.

Opening reception: Friday, March 7, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm

An exhibit of both original and contemporary illustrations of L. Frank Baum’s classic tale of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz will be on display through May 15.

Oil paintings by Shanghai, China artist John Tang will be on display in The Great Hall from January 2 through February 28.

Opening reception: Friday, January 4 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm

Winners from Westport Magazine's annual photography contest will be displayed in the Riverwalk Display from January 2 through February 21.

"Color Celebrations," watercolors by Laura Wilk will be on display in the Great Hall from December 1 to 31.

Opening reception: Friday, December 7 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.

Book jackets representing the authors appearing at the Rabbit Hill Festival of Literature.

Riverwalk Display Case
through October 22

"Star Wars Turns 30," celebrates the 30th anniversary of the release of the first film in George Lucas' epic series. The pieces on exhibit are from the extensive collection of Westporter and Star Wars fan extraordinaire Watts Wacker.

Friday, October 5
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
The Great Hall

The Friends of the Library invite you to an art reception for the opening of the exhibit "Special Places" to view the work of impressionist, watercolorist, Leonard Mizerek.

Light refreshments will be served. Please enter through the upper level entrance.

More about the artist

through September 30
The Great Hall

The oil paintings, drawings, and collages by Estelle Margolis are in an exhibit enitled, “Moments of Truth.” The work will be on exhibit September 1 through September 30 during regular library hours.