Do You Know about the Genealogy Club?
The Genealogy Club of Montgomery County IN Corp will meet at 7:00 pm, January 12, 2010. The program will pertain to "Filling Out Forms" How to Enter Info into a Genealogical Program dealing with PAF (Personal Ancestor Files), by Dian Moore, Local History Librarian, CDPL.
The meeting will be held at Crawfordsville District Public Library in the lower level in the Donnelley Room.
Public Invited! Call (765) 362-2242, Ext 4 or 118 for more information or gen@cdpl.lib.in.us.
..............................................................................................
The Genealogy Club of Montgomery County IN Corp will have "After Hours Genealogy Research" from 5:00 to 9:00 pm, Friday, January 22, 2010 at the Crawfordsville District Public Library. Pizza Supper & Research -- no charge -- donations accepted towards pizza.
5:00 pm: Pizza, Donnelly room, lower level
5:45 pm: Research in local history and reference area, 2nd floor (no time limit on computers)
9:00 pm: final closing
Advanced arrival (Before 5:00 pm) is required. Library is locked at 5:00 pm
Visitors welcome. Please confirm your expected attendance by Wednesday, January 20th 765-363-3343, Ext 4 or 118 or gen@cdpl.lib.in.us
..............................................................................................
The Genealogy Club of Montgomery County IN Corp will meet at 7:00 pm, February 9, 2010. The program will pertain to "Printing Reports" What a Genealogical Program Can Do For You, dealing with PAF (Personal Ancestor Files), by Dian Moore, Local History Librarian, CDPL.
Meeting will be held at Crawfordsville District Public Library in the lower level in the Donnelley Room.
Public invited!
Call (765) 362-2242, Ext 4 or 118 for more information or gen@cdpl.lib.in.us
Friday, December 18, 2009
Friday, December 04, 2009
In the Gallery -- December 2009
IT'S ALL IN THE BRUSH: Paintings by Nell Brown
Ah lovely December, here it is again sparkling for all it's worth, as is the Library Gallery showing off the enticing work of our three December artists. It's exciting. Nell Rose Brown has been patiently waiting to exhibit her art in our gallery. When she first came to town a few years ago, I met her in the Gallery and asked her to display. She heartily agreed and was astounded that she had to wait over a year to do so. But here is her work at last. Do enjoy! Nell was born and raised in the small town of Mecca in Parke County Indiana. She has always been interested in pictures and drew cartoons and scenery as a child. Her interest in art as a hobby began mid-life when she had the opportunity to take an oil painting class. It was love at "first brush stroke" and still is her favorite medium. Nell has been a member of the Covered Bridge Art Association for thirteen years and recently retired after serving seven years as the resident artist for Billie Creek Village in Rockville, Indiana. She is currently a member of the Jailhouse Artists who meet every other Monday at the Old Jail Museum. It is an informal gathering of artists learning from each other. Anyone interested in painting in any medium is welcome.
IT'S ALL IN THE BRUSH: Paintings by Peggy Underwood
Peggy Underwood, who joins Nell on the walls with her paintings this month, is a native of Montgomery County and grew up about three miles northwest of Darlington, on a small farm. She attended Darlington Consolidated School through eleventh grade and then had the distinction of being in the first graduating class of North Montgomery High School in 1972. She has always been interested in farm animals, baking, woodworking, photography and of course painting. Money was really tight for Peggy when she was interested in painting and she was only able to buy a brush at a time and a few tubes of paint. She discovered painter, Nancy Day and signed up to take oil painting classes for beginners. She enjoys painting, but finds it hard to stick to, so drifted into photography which takes less time and can be used as reference. She says she is not one of those artists that can finish a painting in a day. She sets multiple paintings up on easels, looks at them over a few days and sees where she wants to go with her subjects. With Nell, Peggy paints with the "Jailhouse Artists" at the Old Jail Museum and is represented at the Covered Bridge Art Gallery in Rockville, Indiana
WILLIAM WOLFE Sculptor/Painter
William (Bill) Wolfe is a native Hoosier and nationally renowned sculptor whose art career spans painting, multimedia, murals, design, and especially bronze sculpture. Around a decade ago, Bill left his advertising agency to focus on his sculpting and art career. Wolfe's studio is located in the small town of West Terre Haute, Indiana. Electing to reside in this small town setting gives Bill the opportunity to expand his creative ability while limiting distractions. From 1973-1976 he studied art at Indiana State University and from there was the co-developer/owner of Ideas Incorporated. Bill now focuses on life-size monuments. Working in collaboration with Sincerus Foundry of Indianapolis, Bill has become a successful sculptor documented by numerous television appearances and newspaper articles. His works can be found throughout Indiana and as far east as Webster, Massachusetts. Upon review of his body of work, Bill's specialty quickly reveals itself; portraiture-style sculptures that capture the spirit of historical and public figures. These frequently life-size or larger-than-life-size bronze sculptures embody more than realism, they often serve as an embodiment of the subjects' fundamental nature. Palpable examples of this exist in Bill's interpretation of Orville Wrights' inventive and imaginative nature, the unflappable determination of Hall of Fame baseball player Max Carey, and in the inexhaustible fortitude of Abraham Lincoln. While Bill has recently dedicated several veterans' monuments that portray soldiers' care and concern for others, his achievements in painting are not to be overlooked. Similar to his sculptures, his artwork tends to capture a quiet, not introspective, moment of time -- however brief. These paintings bring a Midwestern sensibility and offer a snapshot of reprieve from tumult. Both his sculptures and paintings leave a sublime footprint that echoes wisdom, reverence, and a subtle hope that is becoming an increasingly important legacy. This past May, Bill Wolfe was honored by Arts Illiana, his peers, and the Wabash Valley with a 2009 Award for Professional Artist. Wolf's 2009-2010 season is an extraordinarily busy one, with his restoration of the Gilbert Wilson at the ISU School of Education, a bronze monument in Virginia, a life-size bronze Abraham Lincoln in honor of the 200th birthday of the former president in Illinois, new murals at the Vigo County Court House, three new statues in Indianapolis, and the selected artist for the upcoming Max Ehrmann sculpture in downtown Terre Haute.
Ah lovely December, here it is again sparkling for all it's worth, as is the Library Gallery showing off the enticing work of our three December artists. It's exciting. Nell Rose Brown has been patiently waiting to exhibit her art in our gallery. When she first came to town a few years ago, I met her in the Gallery and asked her to display. She heartily agreed and was astounded that she had to wait over a year to do so. But here is her work at last. Do enjoy! Nell was born and raised in the small town of Mecca in Parke County Indiana. She has always been interested in pictures and drew cartoons and scenery as a child. Her interest in art as a hobby began mid-life when she had the opportunity to take an oil painting class. It was love at "first brush stroke" and still is her favorite medium. Nell has been a member of the Covered Bridge Art Association for thirteen years and recently retired after serving seven years as the resident artist for Billie Creek Village in Rockville, Indiana. She is currently a member of the Jailhouse Artists who meet every other Monday at the Old Jail Museum. It is an informal gathering of artists learning from each other. Anyone interested in painting in any medium is welcome.
IT'S ALL IN THE BRUSH: Paintings by Peggy Underwood
Peggy Underwood, who joins Nell on the walls with her paintings this month, is a native of Montgomery County and grew up about three miles northwest of Darlington, on a small farm. She attended Darlington Consolidated School through eleventh grade and then had the distinction of being in the first graduating class of North Montgomery High School in 1972. She has always been interested in farm animals, baking, woodworking, photography and of course painting. Money was really tight for Peggy when she was interested in painting and she was only able to buy a brush at a time and a few tubes of paint. She discovered painter, Nancy Day and signed up to take oil painting classes for beginners. She enjoys painting, but finds it hard to stick to, so drifted into photography which takes less time and can be used as reference. She says she is not one of those artists that can finish a painting in a day. She sets multiple paintings up on easels, looks at them over a few days and sees where she wants to go with her subjects. With Nell, Peggy paints with the "Jailhouse Artists" at the Old Jail Museum and is represented at the Covered Bridge Art Gallery in Rockville, Indiana
WILLIAM WOLFE Sculptor/Painter
William (Bill) Wolfe is a native Hoosier and nationally renowned sculptor whose art career spans painting, multimedia, murals, design, and especially bronze sculpture. Around a decade ago, Bill left his advertising agency to focus on his sculpting and art career. Wolfe's studio is located in the small town of West Terre Haute, Indiana. Electing to reside in this small town setting gives Bill the opportunity to expand his creative ability while limiting distractions. From 1973-1976 he studied art at Indiana State University and from there was the co-developer/owner of Ideas Incorporated. Bill now focuses on life-size monuments. Working in collaboration with Sincerus Foundry of Indianapolis, Bill has become a successful sculptor documented by numerous television appearances and newspaper articles. His works can be found throughout Indiana and as far east as Webster, Massachusetts. Upon review of his body of work, Bill's specialty quickly reveals itself; portraiture-style sculptures that capture the spirit of historical and public figures. These frequently life-size or larger-than-life-size bronze sculptures embody more than realism, they often serve as an embodiment of the subjects' fundamental nature. Palpable examples of this exist in Bill's interpretation of Orville Wrights' inventive and imaginative nature, the unflappable determination of Hall of Fame baseball player Max Carey, and in the inexhaustible fortitude of Abraham Lincoln. While Bill has recently dedicated several veterans' monuments that portray soldiers' care and concern for others, his achievements in painting are not to be overlooked. Similar to his sculptures, his artwork tends to capture a quiet, not introspective, moment of time -- however brief. These paintings bring a Midwestern sensibility and offer a snapshot of reprieve from tumult. Both his sculptures and paintings leave a sublime footprint that echoes wisdom, reverence, and a subtle hope that is becoming an increasingly important legacy. This past May, Bill Wolfe was honored by Arts Illiana, his peers, and the Wabash Valley with a 2009 Award for Professional Artist. Wolf's 2009-2010 season is an extraordinarily busy one, with his restoration of the Gilbert Wilson at the ISU School of Education, a bronze monument in Virginia, a life-size bronze Abraham Lincoln in honor of the 200th birthday of the former president in Illinois, new murals at the Vigo County Court House, three new statues in Indianapolis, and the selected artist for the upcoming Max Ehrmann sculpture in downtown Terre Haute.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Indiana Historical Atlas
Indiana Historical Atlas (1876)
In spring 2009, the Reference Department was able to borrow a copy of the 1876 edition of the Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Indiana. During that time, staff scanned the atlas to preserve this valuable resource. This versatile atlas contains maps of not just Indiana counties and towns, but national maps and statistics from the 1870 United States Census.
Take a look at the Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Indiana
In spring 2009, the Reference Department was able to borrow a copy of the 1876 edition of the Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Indiana. During that time, staff scanned the atlas to preserve this valuable resource. This versatile atlas contains maps of not just Indiana counties and towns, but national maps and statistics from the 1870 United States Census.
Take a look at the Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Indiana
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Montgomery County Veterans databse
Have you tried our new Veterans database?
The project for a Veterans database originated when staff at the Crawfordsville District Public Library realized that its collection of graves registration cards was incomplete and unusable. Thanks to transcription efforts by Latter Day Saint Elders volunteers and Reference staff member Adam Rice, we were able to begin a database that Dellie Craig is correcting and supplementing by using some of our existing records. Some of this recorded information will not be found through any other sources; thus, this list may provide genealogical data unlocking the door for many family historians of our area.
You can try it at: history.cdpl.lib.in.us/veterans.html
The project for a Veterans database originated when staff at the Crawfordsville District Public Library realized that its collection of graves registration cards was incomplete and unusable. Thanks to transcription efforts by Latter Day Saint Elders volunteers and Reference staff member Adam Rice, we were able to begin a database that Dellie Craig is correcting and supplementing by using some of our existing records. Some of this recorded information will not be found through any other sources; thus, this list may provide genealogical data unlocking the door for many family historians of our area.
You can try it at: history.cdpl.lib.in.us/veterans.html
Monday, November 02, 2009
CDPL November Gallery
CDPL November Gallery:
ARTISTRY IN QUILTS & HARMONY IN GLASS
During the sometimes blustery month of November our display gallery is ready to warm your soul and put a twinkle in your eye. The gallery walls ooze with colorfully designed and constructed abstract art quilts designed and created by Wabash Professor Dr. Karen L. Gunther. The scintillating sparkle emanating from inside the display cases is the result of the unique and unusual harmony in glass treasures designed and constructed by Younts Mill Inn owner, Barbara White. A deep vein of quilting blood must run deep within the soul of our quilt artist, Dr. Karen L. Gunther, for no matter where life takes her, quilting is always close at hand. As a youngster growing up among tortoiseshell and black cats, Karen Gunther's First Quilt, made in an elementary summer school class, just absolutely had to be about cats. Her second quilt, High Tech Tucks, came from a name created by Caryl Bryer-Fallert, the first to use dimensional folding as a quilting method. Karen created Musical Sampler in a hand quilting night school class after college. She started with black musical instruments fabric and added three light and three dark fabrics as coordinates. Because of the musical theme, she hand quilted the beginning of the Prelude to Bach's Partida in E Major for unaccompanied violin. During her first summer of grad school, Karen was paid a stipend for only nine months so she decided to create Drunkard's Weave, purposefully in colors she disliked so she could sell it for summer income. Since it is in this exhibit, perhaps she lived in a tent eating bread and water that summer. Her Cactus quilt was made in a workshop with Jane Sassaman. The workshop was right before the qualifying exam for her PhD, so she definitely was NOT in a festive mood. For Edopoly, a San Diego, CA Canyon Quilters challenge, Karen chose Monopoly using the history of her education as her theme. In a workshop with Hollis Chatelain, Karen made Lillies, a whole cloth quilt she painted first and then quilted. In Comet, Karen bought a piece of fabric dyed by Hollis Chatelain that looked like a comet, then added beads and quilting lines. Dad's Chair is the picture of an uncomfortable chair that lived far too long in Karen's family. As it left for Goodwill, Karen's dad felt sad, so for father's day that year, Karen made him a chair quilt and here it is. Karen's quilts will tantalize you...do come in to see for yourself...the rest of her quilt story.
Barbara Brookie White is a college art major, designer and former owner of The Herb Barn in Carmel, Indiana. With her husband Alan, a musician by trade, she is the new owner of the 1864 Yount's Woolen Mill and Inn located at the original sight of Yountsville, Indiana just west of Crawfordsville, Indiana. They bought the property a little over a year ago and are in the process of fixing it up to be used for wedding receptions, company gatherings, art shows and a variety of other activities. Gardens & nature paths will be established for Wildflowers of Indiana, Daylilies (1000s), and herbs. They hope to host a quilt show, have decorations for home and garden, an antique country store display and carry German themed Christmas decorations and collectibles.
Art Happens on Sugar Creek is their hope for the mill. They would like to have exhibits for artists, painters, photographers, textile artists, ceramics, art glass and musicians. "Buying this place", Barbara says, "is all about the art". She can see many possibilities for artists around the Mill. As an artist herself, Barbara knows what needs to be done to attract artists and entice them to have exhibits in her facility and perhaps even teach classes. Barbara enjoys painting, making jewelry and art glass beads. She has been making glass beads for the last six years and sells both her beads and jewelry. Barbara's beads are inspired by her art experience: painting, sculpture and gardening. "hey are pure enjoyment to make and I hope you will have ideas for special projects that will bring you much joy and lots of good use". She considers each one a piece of art and takes a great deal of pride in offering well made beads. The beads in this gallery are ready to make into wearable jewelry. The glass used is Italian, German and from American glass makers Bulleye and Borosilicate glass. She properly kiln anneals her beads and cleans them according to the highest art glass standards. Barbara has appreciated the opportunity to take workshops from: Kristen Franzen Orr, Jennifer Geldard, Michael Barley, Lish Diffendarfer, Pamela Wolfersberger, and Paul Stankard and more recently from Margaret Neher, Suellen Fowler and Loren Stump. Your eyes will be filled with sparkle after enjoying Barbar's beads and jewelry. Let your imagination go and……do come and enjoy.
ARTISTRY IN QUILTS & HARMONY IN GLASS
During the sometimes blustery month of November our display gallery is ready to warm your soul and put a twinkle in your eye. The gallery walls ooze with colorfully designed and constructed abstract art quilts designed and created by Wabash Professor Dr. Karen L. Gunther. The scintillating sparkle emanating from inside the display cases is the result of the unique and unusual harmony in glass treasures designed and constructed by Younts Mill Inn owner, Barbara White. A deep vein of quilting blood must run deep within the soul of our quilt artist, Dr. Karen L. Gunther, for no matter where life takes her, quilting is always close at hand. As a youngster growing up among tortoiseshell and black cats, Karen Gunther's First Quilt, made in an elementary summer school class, just absolutely had to be about cats. Her second quilt, High Tech Tucks, came from a name created by Caryl Bryer-Fallert, the first to use dimensional folding as a quilting method. Karen created Musical Sampler in a hand quilting night school class after college. She started with black musical instruments fabric and added three light and three dark fabrics as coordinates. Because of the musical theme, she hand quilted the beginning of the Prelude to Bach's Partida in E Major for unaccompanied violin. During her first summer of grad school, Karen was paid a stipend for only nine months so she decided to create Drunkard's Weave, purposefully in colors she disliked so she could sell it for summer income. Since it is in this exhibit, perhaps she lived in a tent eating bread and water that summer. Her Cactus quilt was made in a workshop with Jane Sassaman. The workshop was right before the qualifying exam for her PhD, so she definitely was NOT in a festive mood. For Edopoly, a San Diego, CA Canyon Quilters challenge, Karen chose Monopoly using the history of her education as her theme. In a workshop with Hollis Chatelain, Karen made Lillies, a whole cloth quilt she painted first and then quilted. In Comet, Karen bought a piece of fabric dyed by Hollis Chatelain that looked like a comet, then added beads and quilting lines. Dad's Chair is the picture of an uncomfortable chair that lived far too long in Karen's family. As it left for Goodwill, Karen's dad felt sad, so for father's day that year, Karen made him a chair quilt and here it is. Karen's quilts will tantalize you...do come in to see for yourself...the rest of her quilt story.
Barbara Brookie White is a college art major, designer and former owner of The Herb Barn in Carmel, Indiana. With her husband Alan, a musician by trade, she is the new owner of the 1864 Yount's Woolen Mill and Inn located at the original sight of Yountsville, Indiana just west of Crawfordsville, Indiana. They bought the property a little over a year ago and are in the process of fixing it up to be used for wedding receptions, company gatherings, art shows and a variety of other activities. Gardens & nature paths will be established for Wildflowers of Indiana, Daylilies (1000s), and herbs. They hope to host a quilt show, have decorations for home and garden, an antique country store display and carry German themed Christmas decorations and collectibles.
Art Happens on Sugar Creek is their hope for the mill. They would like to have exhibits for artists, painters, photographers, textile artists, ceramics, art glass and musicians. "Buying this place", Barbara says, "is all about the art". She can see many possibilities for artists around the Mill. As an artist herself, Barbara knows what needs to be done to attract artists and entice them to have exhibits in her facility and perhaps even teach classes. Barbara enjoys painting, making jewelry and art glass beads. She has been making glass beads for the last six years and sells both her beads and jewelry. Barbara's beads are inspired by her art experience: painting, sculpture and gardening. "hey are pure enjoyment to make and I hope you will have ideas for special projects that will bring you much joy and lots of good use". She considers each one a piece of art and takes a great deal of pride in offering well made beads. The beads in this gallery are ready to make into wearable jewelry. The glass used is Italian, German and from American glass makers Bulleye and Borosilicate glass. She properly kiln anneals her beads and cleans them according to the highest art glass standards. Barbara has appreciated the opportunity to take workshops from: Kristen Franzen Orr, Jennifer Geldard, Michael Barley, Lish Diffendarfer, Pamela Wolfersberger, and Paul Stankard and more recently from Margaret Neher, Suellen Fowler and Loren Stump. Your eyes will be filled with sparkle after enjoying Barbar's beads and jewelry. Let your imagination go and……do come and enjoy.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Genealogy Club of Montgomery County
The Genealogy Club of Montgomery County, IN Corp program will be held at 7:00 pm, November 10th, 2009
Immigrant Ancestors
(Round table stories by those attending)
Limit individual talks for 5 minutes.
Also the club organizational meeting for the 2009-2010 year will be at that time.
Crawfordsville District Public Library in the basement in the Donnelley Room.
Public Invited! Call: (765) 362-2242 Ext 4 for more information.
Immigrant Ancestors
(Round table stories by those attending)
Limit individual talks for 5 minutes.
Also the club organizational meeting for the 2009-2010 year will be at that time.
Crawfordsville District Public Library in the basement in the Donnelley Room.
Public Invited! Call: (765) 362-2242 Ext 4 for more information.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Paint In with Mike Bowman
You are invited to come to a very informal "paint-in" with Michael Bowman. You can come to just
watch artists paint, you can bring your own materials (any genre) and paint, or you can come to just ask questions. Mike will be here to help you get started or help in any other way he can.
For: Ages 10 to 100
(younger if interested)
When: Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Crawfordsville District Public Library
(Children's Program Room)
No registration required -- just come, relax, and have a good time painting.
watch artists paint, you can bring your own materials (any genre) and paint, or you can come to just ask questions. Mike will be here to help you get started or help in any other way he can.
For: Ages 10 to 100
(younger if interested)
When: Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Crawfordsville District Public Library
(Children's Program Room)
No registration required -- just come, relax, and have a good time painting.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Crane's Visit to Crawfordsville
Sixty-six years ago, on Tuesday, October 12th, 1943, the citizens of Crawfordsville were thrilled to learn that glamourous movie star Lana Turner was in town. Lana Turner visited with her husband, Crawfordsville native Stephen (Joe) Crane and stayed in the Crane family house at 205 West Pike Street (the house no longer exists) from October 12th through the 15th. Crane was anxious for his famous bride to meet his mother,visit Wabash's Sigma Chi house, and see his father's cigar store.
Stephen Crane was born and lived in Crawfordsville until he moved to Hollywood in 1939. Known as Joe to locals, Crane attended Crawfordsville High School and was a 1937 graduate of Wabash College. Crane's father, William, owned Stephenson & Crane's Cigar Store at 107 South Washington Street and, along with his wife Katheryn, was well-liked in the community.
Although Stephen Crane and Lana Turner's marriage ended in August 1944, both continued to make successful careers in Hollywood. Turner went on to star in classic films such as The Postman Always Rings Twice, The Bad and the Beautiful, and Imitation of Life. Although Crane made an attempt at an acting career, he found lasting success as a famous restaurateur (of the Luau in Beverly Hills, Kon-Tiki chains, and Ports O'Call restaurants) and president of Stephen Crane Associates. Stephen Crane passed away on February 6, 1985, one day before his 69th birthday and was buried in Crawfordsville. Lana Turner remained in the public eye for most of her life and died on June 29, 1995 at the age of 74.
CDPL is interested in talking to locals who knew the Cranes or have information or personal remembrances regarding Lana Turner and Steve Crane's visit. If you would like to share information, please contact 765-362-2242 ext. 117 or email us at ref@cdpl.lib.in.us.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
A GOLDEN MOMENT: October CDPL Gallery
In the gallery: A Golden Moment
Paintings & Sculpture by Jeffrey Klinker;
Rings & Things by Melinda Risk and Vessels by Nicole Paraskevas
Jeffrey Joseph Klinker, a life-long artist, didn't discover painting on location until seven years ago. His first experience painting outdoors was in 1998 at the T. C. Steele State Historic Site (the annual Great Outdoor Art Contest). At this, his first contest, Jeff received a merit award and other artists encouraged him to enter the Hoosier Salon. As a first-time exhibitor in the Hoosier Salon in 2000, he received an award for the best piece for a first time exhibitor and described this honor as a great "shot in the arm". Jeff's artistic talent was first discovered in kindergarten when the school called Jeff's mother asking her to come witness what her son had just done. He had drawn a life-sized rendition of a cowboy complete with wrinkles, rhinestones, and holsters. To this day, Jeff still loves western things. Jeff continued to amaze his teachers throughout his school years. Despite family expectations that he work on the family farm, Jeff discovered oil painting while in high school and felt a need to pursue his passion. One of his teachers, Steve Swagerle recognized Jeff's talent and arranged to tutor him during study hall periods where Jeff learned techniques like going from thin to thick, and dark to light. Later, Jeff took art courses at Purdue University and later enrolled at Herron Art School. Currently Jeff is a Master welder for the Eli Lilly Laboratory in Tippecanoe County. At Lily, Jeff has been encouraged to pursue his art, with a company artist club and fund-raising art projects. With his more flexible work schedule, he is able to attend most of the IPAPA weekend paint outs, and produce the required paintings for the Painting Indiana: the Changing Face of Agriculture project and is able to paint on his own. Jeff's believes his painting talent is a God-given gift and that painting from nature is a passion that fuels his artistic journey. He tells us that he wants to create work that people can look at and really appreciate. When he paints outdoors, he tries to capture the essence of being there -- not so much the representation of what it is, but the feeling of being there".
Melinda Risk attended Kent State University where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in jewelry/metals with a minor in graphic design. From there she moved around the country working for other jewelers while maintaining her own business. Working in her studio, she used metal techniques such as granulation, raising, forging, enameling and fusing. She has been designing and creating jewelry for more than twenty years and her work has been sold in galleries all over the country. Her ideas come from nature and her life experiences. Her work is very personal to her and the pieces she sells become very personal to their owner. From design to finished creation, each piece is designed and created solely by Melinda. This means that all of her work is virtually one of a kind. She has different collections, from more traditional jewelry to unique pieces of art. She enjoys creating them all. She asks that we enjoy looking at her work and seeing the inside of her mind!
Nicole Paraskevas is intrigued and mesmerized by the color, energy and infinite designs in nature. The act of creating beauty has been her inspiration since she was very young. She graduated from Purdue University with a degree in History of Ancient Civilizations and furthered her study with the arts in Greece, Turkey and Egypt in Study Abroad Programs. As a scholarship recipient, she studied at Triton College where she focused on drawing, painting and ceramics. Her vessels are a culmination of memories and dreams. The ideas of infinity and barakka* (An ancient concept of a blessing of the creator, transmitted through a one of a kind artistic creation) flow through these one of a kind pieces. Entwined throughout are many hidden codes and images. There are many stages to the process and as the vessel begins to reveal itself over many weeks of work, it takes on a life of its own that seems to guide her on to the finished work of art. The act of creating each work is her joy, passion, and purpose. These one of a kind pieces are made with delicate hand made papers and hand painted 18kt gold leaf. With proper care, these pieces may be enjoyed for years. As an artist, Nicole's only hope is that you enjoy the beauty of these unique art pieces as much as she has enjoyed creating them.
So now you have a glimpse of the amazing work of these three artists. Simply enjoy again and again.
Paintings & Sculpture by Jeffrey Klinker;
Rings & Things by Melinda Risk and Vessels by Nicole Paraskevas
Jeffrey Joseph Klinker, a life-long artist, didn't discover painting on location until seven years ago. His first experience painting outdoors was in 1998 at the T. C. Steele State Historic Site (the annual Great Outdoor Art Contest). At this, his first contest, Jeff received a merit award and other artists encouraged him to enter the Hoosier Salon. As a first-time exhibitor in the Hoosier Salon in 2000, he received an award for the best piece for a first time exhibitor and described this honor as a great "shot in the arm". Jeff's artistic talent was first discovered in kindergarten when the school called Jeff's mother asking her to come witness what her son had just done. He had drawn a life-sized rendition of a cowboy complete with wrinkles, rhinestones, and holsters. To this day, Jeff still loves western things. Jeff continued to amaze his teachers throughout his school years. Despite family expectations that he work on the family farm, Jeff discovered oil painting while in high school and felt a need to pursue his passion. One of his teachers, Steve Swagerle recognized Jeff's talent and arranged to tutor him during study hall periods where Jeff learned techniques like going from thin to thick, and dark to light. Later, Jeff took art courses at Purdue University and later enrolled at Herron Art School. Currently Jeff is a Master welder for the Eli Lilly Laboratory in Tippecanoe County. At Lily, Jeff has been encouraged to pursue his art, with a company artist club and fund-raising art projects. With his more flexible work schedule, he is able to attend most of the IPAPA weekend paint outs, and produce the required paintings for the Painting Indiana: the Changing Face of Agriculture project and is able to paint on his own. Jeff's believes his painting talent is a God-given gift and that painting from nature is a passion that fuels his artistic journey. He tells us that he wants to create work that people can look at and really appreciate. When he paints outdoors, he tries to capture the essence of being there -- not so much the representation of what it is, but the feeling of being there".
Melinda Risk attended Kent State University where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in jewelry/metals with a minor in graphic design. From there she moved around the country working for other jewelers while maintaining her own business. Working in her studio, she used metal techniques such as granulation, raising, forging, enameling and fusing. She has been designing and creating jewelry for more than twenty years and her work has been sold in galleries all over the country. Her ideas come from nature and her life experiences. Her work is very personal to her and the pieces she sells become very personal to their owner. From design to finished creation, each piece is designed and created solely by Melinda. This means that all of her work is virtually one of a kind. She has different collections, from more traditional jewelry to unique pieces of art. She enjoys creating them all. She asks that we enjoy looking at her work and seeing the inside of her mind!
Nicole Paraskevas is intrigued and mesmerized by the color, energy and infinite designs in nature. The act of creating beauty has been her inspiration since she was very young. She graduated from Purdue University with a degree in History of Ancient Civilizations and furthered her study with the arts in Greece, Turkey and Egypt in Study Abroad Programs. As a scholarship recipient, she studied at Triton College where she focused on drawing, painting and ceramics. Her vessels are a culmination of memories and dreams. The ideas of infinity and barakka* (An ancient concept of a blessing of the creator, transmitted through a one of a kind artistic creation) flow through these one of a kind pieces. Entwined throughout are many hidden codes and images. There are many stages to the process and as the vessel begins to reveal itself over many weeks of work, it takes on a life of its own that seems to guide her on to the finished work of art. The act of creating each work is her joy, passion, and purpose. These one of a kind pieces are made with delicate hand made papers and hand painted 18kt gold leaf. With proper care, these pieces may be enjoyed for years. As an artist, Nicole's only hope is that you enjoy the beauty of these unique art pieces as much as she has enjoyed creating them.
So now you have a glimpse of the amazing work of these three artists. Simply enjoy again and again.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Looking for the Downings? A note from a genealogist!
Most families have stories, and most family stories contain a kernel of truth and some chaff. In my neighborhood there is the story that the first Downing of the Downing farm north east of Crawfordsville was a Confederate prisoner of war who escaped from a railroad train, took shelter with a southern sympathizing family living near the railroad on the future Downing farm, and married into the family.
My research showed that Samuel Downing, Confederate soldier, date and place of discharge unknown, married Nancy Herron. Her father was born in South Carolina. Nancy's brother was William Parke Herron, captain in the Union Army. The Herron family was living west of town and not on the future Downing farm. Nancy and Samuel were married in 1867 when she was 39 years old.
Samuel died in 1874. The plat map of 1878 shows the farm as belonging to the heirs of J. D. Herron and in 1898 shows N. Downing as owning part of that land and G. Downing, Nancy's son George, as owning the other part. George was Nancy's only son. He farmed the land and was followed by his only surviving son, Harold, who died 1959 without children.
Samuel could have been a prisoner. He could have escaped from a train but he did not shelter on his future home. His in-laws were at best divided on the Civil War and were probably supporters of the Union. The marriage between Samuel and Nancy was far enough after the war for Samuel to have immigrated to Montgomery County, as did many other Confederates. Samuel probably never owned the Downing farm and might not have even lived on it.
The other Downing story is that Harold, the last of the Downing farmers, had never spent a night off the homestead until he got married and left for a honeymoon. He was so homesick that he returned the next day and never spent another night off the place until he was hospitalized as an old man. I'll let someone else sort out the facts of that story. -- Dian Moore
My research showed that Samuel Downing, Confederate soldier, date and place of discharge unknown, married Nancy Herron. Her father was born in South Carolina. Nancy's brother was William Parke Herron, captain in the Union Army. The Herron family was living west of town and not on the future Downing farm. Nancy and Samuel were married in 1867 when she was 39 years old.
Samuel died in 1874. The plat map of 1878 shows the farm as belonging to the heirs of J. D. Herron and in 1898 shows N. Downing as owning part of that land and G. Downing, Nancy's son George, as owning the other part. George was Nancy's only son. He farmed the land and was followed by his only surviving son, Harold, who died 1959 without children.
Samuel could have been a prisoner. He could have escaped from a train but he did not shelter on his future home. His in-laws were at best divided on the Civil War and were probably supporters of the Union. The marriage between Samuel and Nancy was far enough after the war for Samuel to have immigrated to Montgomery County, as did many other Confederates. Samuel probably never owned the Downing farm and might not have even lived on it.
The other Downing story is that Harold, the last of the Downing farmers, had never spent a night off the homestead until he got married and left for a honeymoon. He was so homesick that he returned the next day and never spent another night off the place until he was hospitalized as an old man. I'll let someone else sort out the facts of that story. -- Dian Moore
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Author Birthday: Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie (born September 15, 1890 in Devon, England, died January 12, 1976 in Oxfordshire, England) was famous for her large body of work including novels, short stories, and plays. Best known for her eighty detective novels and West End theatre plays, Christie also wrote romances under the pen name Mary Westmacott. Christie's most famous and loved characters are Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Many of Christie's works, most notably Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile, have been adapted for film and television.
Wikipedia Biography on Agatha Christie
Check out the author at CDPL: Agatha Christie
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The Deweys Do
The Deweys Do
Adult Winter Reading Club
Meet: 1st Monday of the Month, (except September,which will be the 14th)
Time: 6:30 to about 8:00 to 8:15 PM
Location: Basement meeting rooms at the Crawfordsville District Public Library
Aim: Read books you might not read on your own and enjoy the discussion of the books chosen by the group with others interested in reading.
Explanation: We are trying a new format this year. We have chosen a topic for each month, September through August 2010. Janice Clauser suggested this format based on one used by the Historical Society.
The topic for September is QUILTS. You can chose to read anything that includes quilts, i.e., fiction books involving quilts, non-fiction how-to books about quilts, the history of quilting, the history of a particular quilt pattern, quilting in Japan, Europe, etc. Come prepared to tell us something about what you read and the name of the book in case some of us would like to pursue it more in depth.
We generally have refreshments -- often tied to the theme of the month -- brought by volunteers. September's refreshments will be furnished by Carol and Katy.
The topics for the year are Quilts -- September
Trees -- October
Thanksgiving -- November
Water -- December
Sculpture -- January
Gardening -- February
Cooking -- March
Music -- April
Ships -- May
Weddings --June
Space -- July
Travel -- August
If you are interested in meeting with us, we would be glad to have you attend.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Genealogy Club Annual Dinner
Genealogy Club Annual Dinner
The Genealogy Club of Montgomery County, IN Corp's Annual Dinner and Meeting will be Tuesday, October 13, 2009. Dinner will be at 6:00 pm followed by a meeting at 7:00 pm in the Donnelley room of the Crawfordsville District Public Library, 205 South Washington Street, Crawfordsville, IN.
The program is entitled: Medicine, Maladies, & Marvels in Montgomery County by Kat Burkhart, Director, Carnegie Museu
Reservations are required for the dinner. RSVP before Friday, October 9). Payment of $12.00 for the meal must be made by Monday, October 12 at the Library's Local History section. Visitors are always welcome for program. For more information, contact: Dian Moore or Dellie Craig at (765)-362-2242 Ext 4, weekdays 9 am to 5 pm. Or e-mail: gen@cdpl.lib.in.us
The Genealogy Club of Montgomery County, IN Corp's Annual Dinner and Meeting will be Tuesday, October 13, 2009. Dinner will be at 6:00 pm followed by a meeting at 7:00 pm in the Donnelley room of the Crawfordsville District Public Library, 205 South Washington Street, Crawfordsville, IN.
The program is entitled: Medicine, Maladies, & Marvels in Montgomery County by Kat Burkhart, Director, Carnegie Museu
Reservations are required for the dinner. RSVP before Friday, October 9). Payment of $12.00 for the meal must be made by Monday, October 12 at the Library's Local History section. Visitors are always welcome for program. For more information, contact: Dian Moore or Dellie Craig at (765)-362-2242 Ext 4, weekdays 9 am to 5 pm. Or e-mail: gen@cdpl.lib.in.us
Friday, September 04, 2009
Monthly Meeting: Genealogy Club
Genealogy Club of Montgomery County, IN
September 8, 2009
7:00 pm
"General Lew Wallace's Montgomery Guards 1856-1861"
by Joann Spragg, Montgomery County Historian.
The meeting will be held at Crawfordsville District Public Library, lower level, in the Donnelley
Room. The public is invited! For more information call: (765)- 362-2242, Ext 4.
September 8, 2009
7:00 pm
"General Lew Wallace's Montgomery Guards 1856-1861"
by Joann Spragg, Montgomery County Historian.
The meeting will be held at Crawfordsville District Public Library, lower level, in the Donnelley
Room. The public is invited! For more information call: (765)- 362-2242, Ext 4.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Noteworthy Biography: Christa McAuliffe
Christa McAuliffe (born September 2, 1948, died January 28, 1986) was selected from more than 11,000 applicants to be the first teacher in space aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. She planned to complete an experiment and teach two lessons to her social studies class at Concord High School in New Hampshire while in space aboard the Challenger. On January 28, 1986, Christa McAuliffe along with the six other members of the STS-51-L crew perished when the Challenger disintegrated (due to design-flawed o-rings and cold temperature) just over one minute after launch. Since the tragedy, approximately forty schools around the world have been named in her memory.
Wikipedia Biography on Christa McAuliffe
Check out the NASA teacher at CDPL: Christa McAuliffe
Learn more information about the Challenger at CDPL: Challenger
Check out non-fiction books on space at CDPL: Space and Space Travel
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Wabash Community Fair
Monday, August 31, 2009
In the Gallery -- September 2009
Of People and Places
The sparkle of September brings to the Library's Mary Bishop Memorial Art Gallery a plethora of multi-talented artists sharing their talents in an exciting exhibit titled OF PEOPLE & PLACES: Artwork by Kathryn Clark, Kathryn Cox, Jimmy Cummings, Susan Doster and Nancy Hathaway.
For KATHRYN CLARK a good painting is more than the description of a place or an object. It's about how the weather feels, how the color of light changes the shadows, the beauty of reflections on water; and above all, the human response to nature. It is about the rhythm and tension of the abstract composition within a frame, the play of lights and darks and the calligraphic brush strokes on the canvas or handmade paper. There's nothing more exciting than a blank canvas, the ever changing scene in front of it and the question of what will emerge on that surface today. Kathryn was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana and received BFS and MFA degrees in fine art. Kathryn and her husband were instrumental in the revival of handmade paper in America when they founded Twinrocker Handmade Paper in Brookston, Indiana in 1971. In the 1960's and 1970's Kathryn developed many innovative techniques for using color paper pulps in the creation of finished art work. She has exhibited work in galleries, invitational exhibitions in the United States, Great Britain, Japan, at the Smithsonian, Exhibits USA, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Leopold-Hoesch Museum in West Germany, the American Craft Museum, U.S. State Dept traveling exhibit etc. When Twinrocker Handmade Paper began making watercolor paper in 1985, Kathryn began painting watercolors to test the papers. Today, Kathryn exhibits art work in watercolor, graphite, and more recently oil. She now paints out of doors, directly from nature, "en plein air", as much as possible. In the few years she's focused on painting, she's won several awards. In 2007, she won two "Best of Show" awards from the Plein Air Painters in New Harmony, and from Wabash Valley Watercolor Society. Though prestigious, Kathryn prefers letting her paintings speak for themselves.
KATHRYN WINDLE COX, of Lafayette's Wind Hyll Studio, tells us that art in some form or another has always been a large part of her life. Her earliest exposure to drawing dates back to her early childhood when her aunt drew a portrait of her at age four. Her mother also drew pictures of brides for her and her sisters when they were young. Kathryn's first oil painting experience came when she and her aunt sat at the kitchen table and painted a still life. Growing up, she took lessons from various artists, one of whom was well-known Crawfordsville artist Elizabeth C. Sharpless, her high school art teacher. Kathryn credits Elizabeth with leading her to Herron School of Art where she earned a BFA in Visual Communication. In August of 2004 Kathryn began "en plein air" painting in a workshop on her farm with artist friend Leo Neufeld. Because of her love of nature and desire to learn more about oil painting, she was easily attracted to this kind of painting. She has since studied with Ron Mack, Bob Eberle, Lois Davis, Diane Tesler, Jerry Points and many others. All of the landscapes Kathryn has chosen for this exhibit were painted "en plein air" or on location engaged with her subject. Sometimes a photograph may be used for visual reference, but soon a time comes to let the photographic image go and let your own imagination soar.
JIMMY CUMMINGS' love for drawing and painting started early. At the age of ten he placed in numerous local and state art contests. He was the art editor of the school newspaper in sixth grade. He was a fan of Big Daddy Roth cartoon characters and wanted to pursue a career as a Disney Animation artist. Although his love for painting and drawing never diminished, Jimmy's life went in a different direction for many years. Finally at the age of forty-one, he was able to pursue his goal of becoming a painter. He studied with award winning artist Hilary Eddy for three years and learned the basics of oil painting. Even though he had no formal college art training, Jimmy took advantage of every learning opportunity as a member of the Drawing Guild at the Greater Lafayette Museum of Art. He also participated in the Indiana Plein Air Painters paint outs. His work was accepted for two years running in the Grand Wabash juried art show and in the Swope juried art show in 2003. In 2004 his work was published in an International Artist Magazine publication named "How to Paint". Even though he already had a B.A. in ancient literature, Jimmy returned to college in 2006 and graduated with an A.A.S. degree in design technology. He now works for Belcan Engineering at Caterpillar Inc. in Lafayette, Indiana.
Jimmy's work is mainly focused on the artist's subjective response to life and includes Still Life, Landscape, Figures and Portraits. "Realism is merely a paradigm for subjective expression in the form of oil painting", he says.
SUSAN DOSTER grew up in West Lafayette, where she received a BA in Fine Arts from Purdue University. Her MFA came from the Graduate School of Figurative Art at the NY Academy of Art. A large part of her artistic training took place creating studies of the "Old Master" paintings at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Gradually she began a return to the Midwest, living for two years in Bucks County, PA before returning to West Lafayette, IN. Part of her journey away from NYC was meant to re-introduce her to the landscape, as in living in and painting. The work in this exhibit reflects Susan's focus on the figure as well as a few examples of her landscapes. Two of her "Old Master" studies are included, one after Flemish artist, Anthony van Dyck, and the other after Frans Hals. She used these studies to further understand the layers of paint used in the creation of their work. She learned about their pigments, brushstrokes and even the weave of their canvas. Susan is also a sculptor who creates figures in clay which are then fired and become terra cotta. There are two portrait busts, one in terra cotta and the other a plaster cast made from clay in this exhibit. The plaster cast was made at the NY Academy. The terra cotta piece was part of her diploma project. She is also showing five small cabinets which she bought as raw wood and painted. She observed some beautiful golden mushrooms in Southern Indiana which became her inspiration when decorating these small cabinets. Back home again in Indiana, after 25 years away, Susan discovered, to her delight how many other talented artists also live here. Whether inspired by the landscape or a model posing, it has been a great pleasure painting with the other artists in this exhibit.
Born in Salem, Oregon, NANCY HATHAWAY received a BA and MFA degree in fine art before moving to Lafayette, Indiana in 1994. She is a practicing artist working primarily in collage and watercolor, frequently displaying her work in the Lafayette area and beyond. The watercolor and collage pieces in this exhibit entitled, Where is Monte?, are dedicated to everyone who has ever loved and lost a special pet. Nancy hopes you will find comfort in knowing that others do understand your pain and loss. You won't want to miss this golden autumnal opportunity to enjoy the fine art and diversity of these five multi-talented artists. Do come often and stay long.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Noteworthy Birthday: Mother Teresa
Internationally known as Mother Teresa, Agnese Gonxhe Bojaxhiu (born August 26, 1910 in the Ottoman Empire, died September 5, 1997) was the most recognized humanitarian of the Twentieth Century. The recipient of a Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, Mother Teresa was praised for her work with Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity which aided those plagued with terminal illnesses, HIV/AIDs and leprosy, and included hospices, soup kitchens, counseling programs, orphanages, and schools. Following her death, Mother Teresa was given the title Blessed Teresa of Calcutta by Pope John Paul II.
Wikipedia Biography of Mother Teresa
Check out the humanitarian at CDPL: Mother Teresa
Wikipedia Biography of Mother Teresa
Check out the humanitarian at CDPL: Mother Teresa
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Monday, August 03, 2009
In the Gallery: A Joy-Filled Diversity
A Joy-Filled Diversity
From late August until early June this month's exhibiting artists may be found in the classroom at Southmont Junior and Senior High Schools teaching art. Summer gives them personal time to soar in pursuit of their own careers as practicing artists. This exhibit manifests the delicious fruits of their extraordinary personal endeavors. Milt Anderson is a young artist, born in 1969, and the new father of a beautiful red-headed baby boy, who lives with his wife and son in Lafayette, Indiana. After graduating from West Lafayette Indiana High School, Milt traveled the world compliments of the United States Navy. When his complimentary travel education was complete, he returned to Indiana and to receive a Fine Art's degree from Purdue University. Soon after graduation Milt began teaching art at Southmont Junior High School. As a practicing artist Milt works with ceramics, wood, and metals. This is his first opportunity to exhibit his work. Eleanor Brewer is a many-faceted renaissance woman who has honed her skills in many and diverse areas. As the Art Department Chair at Crawfordsville's Southmont High School she teaches Advanced Art III & IV, Painting, Drawing, Advanced Placement Art, Computer Graphics and Visual Communications. She is a graduate of Herron School of Art, Indiana University at Indianapolis and Bloomington where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Visual Arts in 1981. In the summer of 1986 she received a Master of Arts in Education and Visual Arts from Indiana University at Indianapolis and Bloomington. She received nine hours at I. U. Bloomington in Gifted & Talented Education and in the summer of 1987 served in a Research Advisory Group, Computer Art Discovery, and A Renaissance in Education, better known as CADRE. In addition to her teaching license, Eleanor earned a Diploma from the Atlanta School of Interior Design in 1995. She was accepted at Indiana Wesleyan University as an Adjunct Professor of Art and Music History in 2007. The renovation and interior design of the RENAISSANCE Gallery & Towers (circa 1876) in historic downtown Ladoga, presented Eleanor with an opportunity to utilize her knowledge and skills in interior design. Incorporating her interdisciplinary method of thinking and teaching, Eleanor developed The Grand Plan of Renaissance Gallery & Towers incorporating a Victorian decor with Classical Music, Impressionist Art, Literature, Civil War era memorabilia, politics, values and aesthetics to complete a "Renaissance of the Spirit" much like the time period in which the Block Centennial Building was built. She has entered many art exhibits and won many ribbons and cash prizes, the most prestigious of which is the 2005 Hoosier Salon, where she won Best of Show in any Medium. She is a member of many professional organizations and often presents to them and others. She has received grants and authored many educational books. Janet McVay comes to us from the "center of the universe," Tangier, Indiana, where she has lived for the past 37 years; though her introduction to West Central Indiana came at a very early age while camping with her family at Turkey Run State Park at the age of 3. Most of Janet's youth was spent in Miami, Florida, but summers provided travel opportunities to visit grandparents in Ohio and New Jersey. Janet's mother, an Art Major herself, nurtured the family in a love of the arts, often visiting art museums, symphony concerts, and dramatic productions on their many trips into New York City and elsewhere. Janet's greatest love, however, was summer camp in the hills of western New Jersey where she spent eight weeks each summer. The family also camped at Chimney Campgrounds in the Great Smokie Mountains near her favorite mountain stream, where she dangled her toes in the cold churning waters and felt surrounded by the wonders of God. Sand, surf, sun and sailing were the wonders she specially enjoyed. Janet visits her mother in Miami several times a year, but living there permanently ended in high school when Janet opted to leave the Miami multitudes to attend a small college in Ohio. Her junior year presented an opportunity to live with two families in Switzerland and in her senior year, she married a sweet guy from Indiana which is the reason for her move back to Parke County where his family resides. Janet lives in an 1870's farmhouse near a still-used barn for feeding their 30 steers. She has been a teacher of Art and Photography at Southmont High School for the past twenty-three years. Her husband has been a teacher for thirty-nine years. Previous to her teaching career, Janet stayed at home while raising their two sons, now teachers themselves who live in the area. Each son is married with two children, providing Janet the privilege of grand parenting. Janet still enjoys traveling, art, photography and classical music. She likes drinking hot coffee from a handmade mug kept warm on the wood-burning stove in her kitchen, and particularly enjoys watching the color as the seasons change. She cherishes her simple lifestyle, the rural beauty of the area, her friends and family who are honest, loving and hard-working people. Life is good! Sandy L. Minick was born in Nurnberg, Germany and grew up in a military family. She spent most of her vacations with her German mother's family in a small village in the Bavarian area of Germany. During her teen years, she enjoyed the most wonderful opportunity to travel and see many of the great art masterpieces of Europe. She loved exploring old castles and palaces and today still immensely enjoys visiting museums. The art teacher in her can never seem to learn enough. Able to create in clay, mixed media, fibers, and with a camera, Sandy still prefers drawing in charcoal or pastels and painting in oils and acrylic. She receives her inspiration mostly from what she hears; then translates it into visual elements. The Lord's word is most important to Sandy in her creation process. After reading devotions and listening to contemporary Christian music she often creates her most vivid pieces. Living on a horse ranch, with fifty-plus horses and all the work that goes along with it, inspires Sandy in the creation of pieces that reflect western cowboy life. Sandy feels most comfortable using earthy or subdued tones with hints of vibrant colors. She strives for strong composition and drawing techniques so that she is able to use soft brush strokes and depth in the paint. She tries to lure the viewer in close to promote an investigation and to stimulate wonder in the viewer about what might be under or beyond the piece itself. Currently she is exploring collage and is trying to develop a more creative approach in her current work. Currently Sandy lives with her husband and three nearly grown sons on a small horse farm adjacent to their families' horse ranch. Together they enjoy working the horses, cattle and buffalo, sweating together over the work involved in caring for a farm. While Sandy has an Art teaching license, she is currently the Vocation Aide at Southmont Senior High School. She is hoping to find a more permanent teaching position in one of the local school systems -- and soon!
From late August until early June this month's exhibiting artists may be found in the classroom at Southmont Junior and Senior High Schools teaching art. Summer gives them personal time to soar in pursuit of their own careers as practicing artists. This exhibit manifests the delicious fruits of their extraordinary personal endeavors. Milt Anderson is a young artist, born in 1969, and the new father of a beautiful red-headed baby boy, who lives with his wife and son in Lafayette, Indiana. After graduating from West Lafayette Indiana High School, Milt traveled the world compliments of the United States Navy. When his complimentary travel education was complete, he returned to Indiana and to receive a Fine Art's degree from Purdue University. Soon after graduation Milt began teaching art at Southmont Junior High School. As a practicing artist Milt works with ceramics, wood, and metals. This is his first opportunity to exhibit his work. Eleanor Brewer is a many-faceted renaissance woman who has honed her skills in many and diverse areas. As the Art Department Chair at Crawfordsville's Southmont High School she teaches Advanced Art III & IV, Painting, Drawing, Advanced Placement Art, Computer Graphics and Visual Communications. She is a graduate of Herron School of Art, Indiana University at Indianapolis and Bloomington where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Visual Arts in 1981. In the summer of 1986 she received a Master of Arts in Education and Visual Arts from Indiana University at Indianapolis and Bloomington. She received nine hours at I. U. Bloomington in Gifted & Talented Education and in the summer of 1987 served in a Research Advisory Group, Computer Art Discovery, and A Renaissance in Education, better known as CADRE. In addition to her teaching license, Eleanor earned a Diploma from the Atlanta School of Interior Design in 1995. She was accepted at Indiana Wesleyan University as an Adjunct Professor of Art and Music History in 2007. The renovation and interior design of the RENAISSANCE Gallery & Towers (circa 1876) in historic downtown Ladoga, presented Eleanor with an opportunity to utilize her knowledge and skills in interior design. Incorporating her interdisciplinary method of thinking and teaching, Eleanor developed The Grand Plan of Renaissance Gallery & Towers incorporating a Victorian decor with Classical Music, Impressionist Art, Literature, Civil War era memorabilia, politics, values and aesthetics to complete a "Renaissance of the Spirit" much like the time period in which the Block Centennial Building was built. She has entered many art exhibits and won many ribbons and cash prizes, the most prestigious of which is the 2005 Hoosier Salon, where she won Best of Show in any Medium. She is a member of many professional organizations and often presents to them and others. She has received grants and authored many educational books. Janet McVay comes to us from the "center of the universe," Tangier, Indiana, where she has lived for the past 37 years; though her introduction to West Central Indiana came at a very early age while camping with her family at Turkey Run State Park at the age of 3. Most of Janet's youth was spent in Miami, Florida, but summers provided travel opportunities to visit grandparents in Ohio and New Jersey. Janet's mother, an Art Major herself, nurtured the family in a love of the arts, often visiting art museums, symphony concerts, and dramatic productions on their many trips into New York City and elsewhere. Janet's greatest love, however, was summer camp in the hills of western New Jersey where she spent eight weeks each summer. The family also camped at Chimney Campgrounds in the Great Smokie Mountains near her favorite mountain stream, where she dangled her toes in the cold churning waters and felt surrounded by the wonders of God. Sand, surf, sun and sailing were the wonders she specially enjoyed. Janet visits her mother in Miami several times a year, but living there permanently ended in high school when Janet opted to leave the Miami multitudes to attend a small college in Ohio. Her junior year presented an opportunity to live with two families in Switzerland and in her senior year, she married a sweet guy from Indiana which is the reason for her move back to Parke County where his family resides. Janet lives in an 1870's farmhouse near a still-used barn for feeding their 30 steers. She has been a teacher of Art and Photography at Southmont High School for the past twenty-three years. Her husband has been a teacher for thirty-nine years. Previous to her teaching career, Janet stayed at home while raising their two sons, now teachers themselves who live in the area. Each son is married with two children, providing Janet the privilege of grand parenting. Janet still enjoys traveling, art, photography and classical music. She likes drinking hot coffee from a handmade mug kept warm on the wood-burning stove in her kitchen, and particularly enjoys watching the color as the seasons change. She cherishes her simple lifestyle, the rural beauty of the area, her friends and family who are honest, loving and hard-working people. Life is good! Sandy L. Minick was born in Nurnberg, Germany and grew up in a military family. She spent most of her vacations with her German mother's family in a small village in the Bavarian area of Germany. During her teen years, she enjoyed the most wonderful opportunity to travel and see many of the great art masterpieces of Europe. She loved exploring old castles and palaces and today still immensely enjoys visiting museums. The art teacher in her can never seem to learn enough. Able to create in clay, mixed media, fibers, and with a camera, Sandy still prefers drawing in charcoal or pastels and painting in oils and acrylic. She receives her inspiration mostly from what she hears; then translates it into visual elements. The Lord's word is most important to Sandy in her creation process. After reading devotions and listening to contemporary Christian music she often creates her most vivid pieces. Living on a horse ranch, with fifty-plus horses and all the work that goes along with it, inspires Sandy in the creation of pieces that reflect western cowboy life. Sandy feels most comfortable using earthy or subdued tones with hints of vibrant colors. She strives for strong composition and drawing techniques so that she is able to use soft brush strokes and depth in the paint. She tries to lure the viewer in close to promote an investigation and to stimulate wonder in the viewer about what might be under or beyond the piece itself. Currently she is exploring collage and is trying to develop a more creative approach in her current work. Currently Sandy lives with her husband and three nearly grown sons on a small horse farm adjacent to their families' horse ranch. Together they enjoy working the horses, cattle and buffalo, sweating together over the work involved in caring for a farm. While Sandy has an Art teaching license, she is currently the Vocation Aide at Southmont Senior High School. She is hoping to find a more permanent teaching position in one of the local school systems -- and soon!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Author Birthday: J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling (born July 31, 1965 in Gloucestershire, England), author of the Harry Potter series, was named Time's runner-up for the Person of the Year in 2007. Before the success of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Rowling struggled to make ends meet as a single parent on welfare. In 2007, she was ranked the 48th Most Powerful Celebrity by Forbes magazine. In addition to the Harry Potter series, Rowling is involved in many charities, including One Parent Familes, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britian, Children's High Level Group, and Comic Relief.Wikipedia Biography on J.K. Rowling
Check out the author at CDPL: J.K. Rowling
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The Best Biographies You've Never Read
Check out our special section entitled The Best Biographies You've Never Read located on the New Adult Non-Fiction Shelves on the 2nd floor!
The books featured are CDPL's "lost" biographies and memoirs, books which have been lost among other books in the shelves and never or rarely checked out.
The section includes works about baseball great Babe Ruth, president Ronald Reagan, actor Clark Gable, poet Robert Burns, musician Miles Davis, aviators Charles Lindbergh and Elinor Smith, and much more.
Check out these fascinating biographies which were previously out of sight!
The books featured are CDPL's "lost" biographies and memoirs, books which have been lost among other books in the shelves and never or rarely checked out.
The section includes works about baseball great Babe Ruth, president Ronald Reagan, actor Clark Gable, poet Robert Burns, musician Miles Davis, aviators Charles Lindbergh and Elinor Smith, and much more.
Check out these fascinating biographies which were previously out of sight!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Noteworthy Birthdays: Amelia Earhart & Alexandre Dumas
Renowned aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart (born January 4, 1897 in Atchison, Kansas) disappeared during an attempt to make a global circumnavigational flight in 1937. Earhart was the first woman to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross after successfully flying solo across the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to flying, Earhart published books, wrote newspaper articles, promoted her own lines of luggage and fashion, and became an advisor at Purdue University.
Wikipedia Biography on Amelia Earhart
Check out the aviator at CDPL: Amelia Earhart
French author Alexandre Dumas (born July 24, 1802,died December 5, 1870 in
Villers-Cotterets, France) contributed works of fiction, non-fiction, drama, travel writing, and an encyclopedia/cookbook. Dumas' works include themes of adventure, politics, culture, and French history. His most famous contributions include The Three Musketeers, The Count of Monte Christo, Robin Hood, Henri III et Sa Cour (drama), Antony (drama), and Great Dictionary of Cuisine.Wikipedia Biography on Alexandre Dumas
Check out the author at CDPL: Alexandre Dumas
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Preview Shelf -- Summer Reading at CDPL
The Crawfordsville Library's circulation wall lists titles that patrons have read for this year's Race Into Reading program, and the readers have given the books ratings. They're listed by genres like fiction, history, mystery, humor, biography etc.which might help patrons searching for their own summer reading. Here are newly requested books of fiction. The new A.D. Chronicle "Ninth Witness" by Bodie & Brock Thoene transports readers back in time when in Rome Herod's son reigns while fatherless youngsters journey to Jerusalem for Passover. "Joelle's Secret" by Gilbert Morris is set in the mid-1800s when a 17-year-old escapes her Tennessee river town to join a wagon train to California. Shatter" by Michael Robotham features the hero of his previous book "Suspect" (also available at the library) who now tries to prevent a suicide and finds himself locked in a deadly duel with a very clever killer. "Mounting Fears" by Stuart Woods is a plot involving the President and his wife who happens to be the head of the CIA; a threat from abroad looms. Karen Robards' "Pursuit" also weaves a complex tale of political conspiracy at the highest level of government. "Knit Two" by Kate Jacobs continues with tales about members of the "Friday Night Knitting Club" (also available to borrow) as the patterns of their projects symbolize their various situations. Walter Mosley's "The Long Fall" is his first Leonid McGill mystery about an ex-boxer, hard drinker, old-school P.I. working in 21st century Manhattan, the city behind the city, with mobsters, corrupt cops, compromised bankers, you know the type, from whom McGill needs to learn information for a high-paying client.The two newest books about the big expedition beginning in 1803 are "The Essential Lewis and Clark" edited by Landon Jones, essentially the most important of their journal entries, and "Along the Trail with Lewis and Clark" published by Montana Magazine with historical highlights, colored maps, and advice where to stay and what to do to while visiting that area.The Culinary Institute of America has published a large, colorful manual, "Techniques of Healthy Cooking". "Food Matters" by Mark Bittman, is a guide to conscious eating including 75 special recipes. "Foods to Fight Cancer" comes from Richard Beliveau. "The One-Dish Chicken Cookbook" by Mary Evans offers more variety of recipes than you'd expect (120 from around the world). Animals are popular subjects. Denny Rogers' "The Illustrated Owl - barn, barred & great horned" is an ultimate reference guide for bird lovers, woodcarvers, and artists because it shows the details of feathers and shapes of claws. "Training the Hard-to-Train Dog" by Peggy Swager specializes in effective techniques for working with shy, controlling, and stubborn dogs. Jon Katz' "Izzy & Lenore" is "the story of two dogs, an unexpected journey, and me" delving into his connections with a once-abandoned dog when dealing with the arrival of a new companion. "Raising Dairy Goats" by Jerome Belanger tells about breeds, their care, and the profession of dairying. "Spiders: The Ultimate Predators" by Stephen Dalton, begins with the English rhyme "If you wish to live and thrive/Let the spider run alive". It says "Spiders rarely bite, even if provoked." This book explains and illustrates all the truths and all the mistruths for arachnophobes and "bug lovers".
Friday, July 17, 2009
Sheet Music Collection
Have you ever wanted to find specific pieces of sheet music but not known where to look? Search our new Sheet Music Collection database at CDPL! Including over 1,800 song titles, the Sheet Music Collection encompasses multiple categories, from Hymns, Piano and Organ pieces, and Operas to Popular Twentieth Century and Holiday music. There are also many pieces from early Hollywood films starring legendary stars such as Fred Astaire, Clark Gable, and Bing Crosby. The Sheet Music Collection includes works by many great composers...from Bach to Bacharach!
Check Out the Sheet Music Collection at CDPL
Noteworthy Birthday: James Cagney
American screen legend James Cagney (born July 17, 1899 in New York City, died March 30, 1986 in New York) was rated the 8th Greatest Male Star of All Time by the American Film Institute in 1999. Although best remembered for his roles in gangster films, Cagney also starred in comedies and musicals. A 1942 Academy Award Best Actor Winner, James Cagney's films include The Public Enemy (1931), Angels with Dirty Faces (1938), The Strawberry Blonde (1941), Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942), White Heat (1949) and Mister Roberts (1955).
Wikipedia Biography on James Cagney
Check out the acting legend at CDPL: James Cagney
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Noteworthy Birthday: Rembrandt
Dutch painter and etcher Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn(born July 15, 1606 in the Netherlands, died October 4, 1669 in Amsterdam) is considered one of the greatest artists in European history. He is best known for his self-portraits, portraits, and Bible-influenced scenes. Rembrandt's most renowned works of art include:
Artemis
Belshassar's Feast
Self Portrait
Artemis
Belshassar's Feast
Self PortraitTuesday, July 07, 2009
The Gift of Gourds: By Patty Blacker, Verona Clark, Carolyn Rushton, and Merle Teel
The gourds shown in this exhibit are Indiana grown and have been crafted by different artists, all of whom belong to the Indiana Gourd Society which has been in existence for the past seventeen years. Each spring the IGS presents an exhibit giving members an opportunity to display their work and share their knowledge and growing and crafting skills with others. The Indiana Gourd Society meets twice a year in locations throughout the state. In addition to statewide meetings, smaller groups, called "gourd patches" meet regularly to create projects at the local level. Gourd Patch 4 consists of members from Tippecanoe, Montgomery, Benton, Parke and Clinton Counties. Regardless of their county of origin, anyone is welcome at any gourd patch meeting. Those who have provided gourds for this exhibit include:
Patty Blacker, who comes to us from Clarks Hill, has been crafting gourds grown by her husband Wayne, for the past eight years and using a number of different techniques. She also teaches cake decorating at the Crawfordsville Public Library.
West Lafayette "gourder," Verona Clark has been growing gourds for the past 25 years and enjoys making undecorated gourd birdhouses. She is the chairperson of Gourd Patch Group 4 and is available to answer questions regarding growing gourds in the area and preparing them for crafting.
One of the founding members of the Indiana Gourd Society, Carolyn Rushton, has been painting and using other mediums to decorate gourds for the past seventeen years. Her favorite medium is pyrography, commonly known as wood burning, done with a very advanced wood burning tool called a Detail Master. Carolyn's work has been published in eight books. Pieces of her work are in collections throughout the world.
Our unique "gourder," Merle Teel, has been growing gourds and making musical instruments with them for the past twelve years. During this time he has also used his instruments to provide entertainment at the Purdue Springfest and at many other gatherings throughout the state.
Do come and enjoy this simple and unique display that may be grown in the backyard of anyone's good earth!
In the Gallery -- July 2009
Fledgling becomes Masterful: The Photography of Shannon Klepfer
"Photography is my love," artist Shannon Klepfer states. "I could not imagine my life without it, nor do I ever want to imagine my life without it." In 1983, Waynetown, Indiana was gifted with a precious child born second in her family. Her mother remembers, not so happily, her special talent for drawing pictures on her bedroom walls whenever the opportunity presented itself. Even when the crayons were hidden in a special place, Shannon continued drawing on the walls. "Where on earth were these crayons coming from?” her mother wondered. The mystery persisted until one day as her mother passed her daughter's room, she noticed Shannon pulling colorful crayons from beneath her mattress! Aha, at last the mystery was solved. It appeared Shannon's passion for drawing far exceeded her need to obey her mother! As a youngster, Shannon's parents often took her to art museums where she always wanted to take home various paintings and pieces of art. That was when her parents knew art would become a very large part of her life. At the age of five, Shannon got her first "real" Barbie camera, which she carried everywhere capturing objects that felt interesting. She still remembers that little pink camera with "Barbie" stamped across the top. One day Shannon became curious about what would happen if she set off the flash right before her eye.She definitely found out, when she saw only purple for the next thirty minutes. She never told her mom for fear the camera would be taken away! At Southmont High School she took as many photography classes as possible and began researching photographers and their work, looking for inspiration in becoming a professional photographer. During lunch hour and after school, she could always be found in the darkroom making multiple images with an enlarger. The day she succeeded in photo manipulation was the day she wanted to manipulate all her images to more accurately represent what was in her imagination. During this time, she entered several art contests and regularly won. Just before high school graduation she bought her first enlarger. She kept it in her bedroom closet and washed her prints in the bathtub which didn't impress family members at all.
In 2001, Shannon started Herron School of Art in Indianapolis, Indiana. She took drawing classes, art history, and of course, photography. She spent every moment possible in the photo lab. She enjoyed being at Herron, but felt something was missing. She felt the need to experience more of the world. In May 2003, she was accepted at the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California. The school of her dreams turned out to be an intense year-round educational facility with only a one week break between semesters. While on break, assignments were still expected to be completed. She worked diligently to learn the skills necessary to make her photographs as close to her visualizations as possible. Shannon studied under Nino Rakichevich, a renowned fashion and celebrity photographer. Once she took some of these classes Shannon realized how much she loved fashion photography because of its endless possibilities. She then married fashion photography with her love of fine art to create her own version of fashion photography. While attending Brooks, Shannon had her first solo art exhibit at the Wild Cat Lounge in Santa Barbara, California. Today, Shannon lives and works on the beach in Wilmington, North Carolina where she owns and operates her own photography business. This fledgling has definitely become masterful!
Monday, July 06, 2009
Author Birthday: Dalai Lama
The 14th Dalai Lama and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Tenzin Gyatso (born July 6, 1935 in Qinghai) is the spiritual Buddhist leader in Tibet and a noted public speaker. He became the spiritual leader in 1950, at the age of 15, and has been a prominent voice for the past five decades. The Dalai Lama has written many books, including his autobiography Freedom in Exile and The Art of Happiness.
Wikipedia Biography on the Dalai Lama
Check out the leader and author at CDPL: Dalai Lama
Friday, July 03, 2009
Author Birthday: Neil Simon
American playwright and screenwriter Neil Simon (born July 4, 1927 in New York City, NY) began his successful career with his 1961 Broadway debut, Come Blow Your Horn. Simon is the recipient of multiple Tony awards as well as the 1991 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. His most famous plays (which he later produced as Oscar-nominated films) include Sweet Charity, The Odd Couple, Barefoot in the Park, and The Goodbye Girl.
Wikipedia Biography on Neil Simon
Check out the playwright at CDPL: Neil Simon
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Noteworthy Birthday: Princess Diana
Diana, Princess of Wales (nee Spencer, born July 1, 1961, died August 31, 1997) was the first wife of Prince Charles and mother to Princes William and Henry. After a royal wedding on July 29, 1981 which was viewed by more than 750 million, Princess Diana became a popular public figure. Her legacy includes charity work, raising AIDS awareness, and campaigning against the dangers of landmines.
Wikipedia Biography of Princess Diana
Check out the iconic figure at CDPL: Princess Diana
Monday, June 29, 2009
New Business Reference Work
The Indiana 2009-2010 Business Directory has been added to the library's reference collection. This work lists businesses by city, businesses by category, major employers, and employers by standard industrial classification. Why is this such a great resource? Search for potential employers, by town, complete with contact names and addresses; look for a list of car dealerships for the entire state; search for nursing homes statewide or only major employers with more than 100 employees. As always, questions are welcomed by the library's reference staff, so feel free to ask for assistance with this or any other reference item.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Michael Jackson 1958-2009
Famously referred to as the King of Pop, American entertainer Michael Jackson began his career at the age of eleven as the lead singer of the Jackson 5. The Jackson 5 produced hits such as "I Want You Back", "ABC", and "I'll Be There". Jackson launched his solo career in 1971 with the popular songs "Ben" and "Rockin' Robin". 1982's album Thriller cemented Jackson's fame throughout the 1980s. Although Jackson was mostly known for his personal and legal woes in the 1990s, he was planning a comeback in July of 2009 with 50 sold out concerts scheduled until March 2010. Michael Jackson died June 25, 2009 after suffering cardiac arrest.
Wikipedia Biography on Michael Jackson
Check out Michael Jackson Resources at CDPL:
Michael Jackson Biographies
Moonwalk by Michael Jackson
Dancing the Dream: Poems and Reflections by Michael Jackson
Author Birthday: Pearl S. Buck
American-born author Pearl S. Buck (born June 26, 1982 in West Virginia, died March 6, 1973) was the first American woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1938. Raised in China and tutored by a Confucian Scholar, Buck's writing often reflected her Chinese background. Themes dealt with in Buck's writing include women's rights, immigration, war, and Asian culture. Some of Buck's most noteworthy works are The Good Earth, Sons, A House Divided, Peony, Letter from Peking, The Big Wave, and Imperial Woman.
Wikipedia Biography on Pearl S. Buck
Check out the author at CDPL: Pearl S. Buck
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Preview Shelf -- CDPL Offers A Variety of Summer Reading
The Crawfordsville District Public Library will be closed on July 4th. Here are two interesting books of poetry. Richard Wilbur, once our country's Poet Laureate, who has written five children's books and numerous works of prose and translations, now has his name on his 17th collection called "Collected Poems 1943-2004". Ginger Andrews, winner of the Nicholas Roerich Prize has a book of poems called "An Honest Answer". "Battlefield of the Mind" by Joyce Meyer helps destroy negative thoughts in order to achieve freedom and peace. "Love Smart: Find the One You Want, Fix the One You Got" is Phil McGraw's treatise that everyone deserves a committed relationship, and that it is within everyone's control to have it. "Bad Childhood, Good Life" by Laura Schlessinger shows how to blossom and thrive in spite of an unhappy childhood. Stephanie Staal discusses living with the legacy of parents' divorce in "The Love They Lost". "Speaking of Divorce" by Roberta Beyer shows how to talk with kids and help them cope. Constance Ahrons' "We're Still Family" is the result of a two-decade landmark study about what grown children have to say about their parents' divorce. "You Don't Have to Take It Anymore" by Steven Stosny tells how to turn resentful, angry, or emotionally abusive relationships into compassionate, loving situations."Lucky Science" by Royston and Jeanie Roberts offers discoveries with experiments like "What do Silly Putty, Velcro, a three-million-year-old woman named Lucy, and corn flakes have in common?" Colin Sargent's novel "Museum of Human Beings" is about the Lewis and Clark friend Sacagawea's son, Jean-Baptiste Charbonneau, his education at court to be a European-touring concert pianist, and his return to the American wilderness. "Deadly Night" by Heather Graham is the first "chapter" in the Flynn Brothers Trilogy about a New Orleans plantation they inherited in 1863, to be followed by "Deadly Harvest" and "Deadly Gift". Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel's new novel "A Mad Desire to Dance" shows a life shaped by the worst horrors of the 20th century and one man's attempt to reclaim happiness. As a stringer in liberated Europe writing among the ruins of London, Warsaw, Paris, Prague, and Madrid after World War II, Paula Fox offers "The Coldest Winter". Jonathan Kaplan's nonfiction “Contact Wounds” tells of his self-discovery and survival, and the making of a career devoted to saving people caught in the crossfire of war as a surgeon in Angola, taking charge of a combat-zone hospital, and in Baghdad treating civilian casualties amid gunfights for control of hospitals. "The Shia Revival" by Vali Nasr studies how conflicts within Islam will shape the future. "Mahammad" by Eliot Weinberger is an essay derived from the Quran, from sections of non-Quranic writings known collectively as the Hadith, and from other early writings. In "From Baghdad, With Love" by Lt. Col. Jay Kopelman, a U. S. Marine reports things learned by the military in their search work, even finding a pitiful little dog and caring for it. "Fiasco" by Thomas Ricks tackles the American military's tragic experience in Iraq. "Warlord" by U. S. Marine Ilario Pantano recounts his courageous military career and courtroom success proving that he killed two Iraqi insurgents in self-defense. "Mere Christianity" is C. S. Lewis' series of radio lectures addressing the central issues of Christianity in 1943 England, when all hope was threatened by the inhumanity of war. In "Lockout" Michele Wucker writes her ideas why America keeps getting immigration wrong when our prosperity depends on getting it right.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Noteworthy Birthday: Lou Gehrig
Lou Gehrig (born June 19, 1903, died June 2, 1941) was an American baseball player for the New York Yankees in the 1920s and 1930s. He played in 2,130 consecutive games, accumulated 1,995 runs batted in (RBI), a batting average of .340, and a slugging percentage of .632. Gehrig was awarded as the American League's Most Valuable Player in 1927 and 1936. The baseball player's impressive career was tragically cut short by the fatal disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (now commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease).
Baseball fans, check out our Baseball display on the second floor in July!
Wikipedia Biography on Lou Gehrig
Check out the baseball player at CDPL: Lou Gehrig
Check out the sport at CDPL: Baseball
Author Birthday: Salman Rushdie
Sir Ahmed Salman Rushdie (born June 19, 1947 in Bombay, India) is an award-winning yet controversial author who often incorporates political and religious themes while examining the relationship between the Eastern and Western world. Since his debut in 1975, Rushdie has contributed novels, short stories, and works of non-fiction. Some of his more famous works include Midnight's Children (1981), Shame (1983), The Jaguar Smile (1987), The Satanic Verses (1988), East, West (1994), and Shalimar the Clown (2005)
Wikipedia Biography on Salman Rushdie
Check out the author at CDPL: Salman Rushdie
Monday, June 15, 2009
Author Birthday: Joyce Carol Oates
American author Joyce Carol Oates (born June 16, 1938 in Lockport, New York) has been an influential writer of novels, short stories, poetry, and non-fiction since her debut in 1963 titled With Shuddering Fall. Some of her more famous works include the short story "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?", the 1970 National Book Award winner Them, the essay "On Boxing", and the Oprah's Book Club pick We Were the Mulvaneys.
Wikipedia Biography on Joyce Carol Oates
Check out the author at CDPL: Joyce Carol Oates
Preview Shelf -- Library Offers Bicentennial Darwin Reading
This year is Charles Darwin's bicentennial, and three new books at the Crawfordsville library explain his importance. "Darwin's Sacred Cause" by Adrian Desmond shows how a hatred of slavery shaped the scientist's views on human evolution and restored the moral core of his motivation. In the huge book, "On the Origin of Species" (the illustrated edition), David Quammen begins by saying it is "a surprising, peculiar work in many ways, but among all its peculiarities my favorite is this: Seldom in the history of English prose has such a dangerous, disruptive, consequential book been so modest and affable in tone...because its author...was himself a modest and affable man". Sketches complete the full picture. "Born to be Good" uses Darwin's work on uncontrollable and fleeting facial expressions as the point of departure as Dacher Keltner weaves together insights from new studies of positive emotions in neuroscience, evolution, and philosophy.
The library also has new American history books. "Crossing the Continent 1527-1540" is Robert Goodwin's story of the first African-American to explore the American South, facts based on groundbreaking research in Spanish archives; Esteban Dorantes and three Spanish noblemen survived shipwreck, famine, disease, and Native American hostility from Florida to the Gulf of California. "A Short History of the United States" by Robert Remini, Historian of the United States House of Representatives, contains the essential facts about our country's development. Ronald Walker's "Massacre at Mountain Meadows" is the account of a one of the darkest events in Mormon history and a key event in American religious history; on September 11, 1857, Mormon militia and Piaute allies killed 120 men, women and children, all unarmed emigrants. Robert Roper writes of Walt Whitman and his brothers in the Civil War in "Now the Drum of War". Two significant biographies are Stefan Kanfer's "Somebody" telling the reckless life and remarkable career of Marlon Brando, and Fidel Castro's own "spoken autobiography" called "My Life" organized for the book by Ignacio Ramonet. New art books include the colorful "The Lion Companion to Christian Art" by Michelle Brown, who embraces much of the history of art in the West and in parts of the Middle East, Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australasia from antiquity to the present day showing Christianity's central role in shaping Western culture. The photography collection "America at Home" is a close-up look at how we live, created by Rick Smolan and Jennifer Erwitt, another in the series of collections made in seven days by photo-journalists fanning out in the United States to produce 250,000 digital photos of "home". Kaffe Fassett offers 25 quilt designs in "Glorious Patchwork". On to the future. Howard Rosenberg & Charles Feldman discuss the menace of media speed and the 24-hour news cycle in "No Time to Think". "Paranoia" the 21st-century fear is the menace analyzed by Daniel and Jason Freeman. "The Universe in a Mirror" is Robert Zimmerman's saga of the Hubble Telescope and the visionaries who built it. "Siesta Lane" describing one cabin, no running water, and a year living green, is Amy Minato's own Walden Pond story in Oregon. "Why We Make Mistakes" how we look without seeing, forget things in seconds, and are all pretty sure that we are way above average, is the work of Joseph Hallinan, who notes our design flaws (we're often in the wrong frame of mind) and suggests ways we can do better the next time.
The library also has new American history books. "Crossing the Continent 1527-1540" is Robert Goodwin's story of the first African-American to explore the American South, facts based on groundbreaking research in Spanish archives; Esteban Dorantes and three Spanish noblemen survived shipwreck, famine, disease, and Native American hostility from Florida to the Gulf of California. "A Short History of the United States" by Robert Remini, Historian of the United States House of Representatives, contains the essential facts about our country's development. Ronald Walker's "Massacre at Mountain Meadows" is the account of a one of the darkest events in Mormon history and a key event in American religious history; on September 11, 1857, Mormon militia and Piaute allies killed 120 men, women and children, all unarmed emigrants. Robert Roper writes of Walt Whitman and his brothers in the Civil War in "Now the Drum of War". Two significant biographies are Stefan Kanfer's "Somebody" telling the reckless life and remarkable career of Marlon Brando, and Fidel Castro's own "spoken autobiography" called "My Life" organized for the book by Ignacio Ramonet. New art books include the colorful "The Lion Companion to Christian Art" by Michelle Brown, who embraces much of the history of art in the West and in parts of the Middle East, Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australasia from antiquity to the present day showing Christianity's central role in shaping Western culture. The photography collection "America at Home" is a close-up look at how we live, created by Rick Smolan and Jennifer Erwitt, another in the series of collections made in seven days by photo-journalists fanning out in the United States to produce 250,000 digital photos of "home". Kaffe Fassett offers 25 quilt designs in "Glorious Patchwork". On to the future. Howard Rosenberg & Charles Feldman discuss the menace of media speed and the 24-hour news cycle in "No Time to Think". "Paranoia" the 21st-century fear is the menace analyzed by Daniel and Jason Freeman. "The Universe in a Mirror" is Robert Zimmerman's saga of the Hubble Telescope and the visionaries who built it. "Siesta Lane" describing one cabin, no running water, and a year living green, is Amy Minato's own Walden Pond story in Oregon. "Why We Make Mistakes" how we look without seeing, forget things in seconds, and are all pretty sure that we are way above average, is the work of Joseph Hallinan, who notes our design flaws (we're often in the wrong frame of mind) and suggests ways we can do better the next time.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
In the Gallery -- June 2009
Dynamic Duo in the Gallery for June
For most of her life, PAT MYERS PARIS has had a passion for detail that has only intensified with the passage of time. When she is dissatisfied with one of her drawings and needs a little something extra, her passion for detail clicks in and she is able to define a whole new texture or use waves of light to inject new drama into her piece. After successfully investigating several other art mediums, Pat became enamored with the powerful potential of using charcoal and pencil in the creation of her exquisitely detailed images. She prefers to start with something that is already outrageous then pushes it to the limits until it is almost "microscopic"! Since these adventures are so labor intensive, (up to two hundred hours each), there is always the risk of getting "too much of a good thing"! The payoff for all these hours of work comes during the photographic and enlargement process when she begins to "see" things she didn't even realize were there. "It has to be magic", she says. Pat finds herself in love with the whole wonderfully stimulating process of being emotionally gratified, soothed and excited by the masterful drama found in her work. Her fondest hope is to continue to improve with age, just like a fine wine! Pat is an active part of Thorntown's Sugar Creek Art Center, home to over 40 working artists. She is also taking classes from a very talented and well known artist, Bill Pattison, who recently completed a film special for PBS. The creative learning opportunities available are endless.
Friend and fellow-artist KATHLEEN NORTON is comfortably fluent and masterful in many mediums which include drawing, watercolor, oil painting, photography and one-of-a-kind pieces of handmade jewelry. Kathleen has been interested in art as long as she can remember. Growing up she was never without a crayon, pencil or needle and thread in her hands. She remembers being fascinated by coloring books and paper dolls. Betsy, the paper doll from McCall's Magazine, received new clothing and accessories from the magazine every month along with the designs Kathleen created for her. In junior high, she began making her own clothes. When high school rolled around she designed her prom dresses and later, her wedding dress. After high school, Kathleen earned a bachelor's degree in Fashion Design and Business from Woodbury University, an art and business college in Los Angeles, California. After graduation, she was a designer for a sportswear-manufacturing firm. It was the life she had always dreamed of; spending her days sketching and buying fabric samples, submitting designs to the pattern department and seeing the finished garment ready for purchase. When her husband's job brought the family to Crawfordsville, marriage and three daughters became her priority. Personal artistic endeavors were put on the back burner for later. As the children grew more independent, and time permitted, Kathleen completed classes in Fine Arts at Purdue University which enabled her to explore even more new areas of art. As a self-taught artist Kathleen has relished inspiring teachers who came her way; Pat Fay, her first watercolor teacher and Pat Paris, a relaxed pencil artist who helped her fine tune her drawing skills. During this time Pat and Kathleen partnered in teaching adults and home school students multi media art at Campbell's on Main. Kathleen has traveled in the US, Italy, and Provence, France. She discovered that photographing what she was experiencing would provide a "hard copy" memory which she could enjoy later and perhaps use as a theme for her work. Kathleen's studio is located in Thorntown, Indiana's Sugar Creek Art Center where you will find more of her paintings, photography and her line of jewelry.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Preview Shelf -- Jerry Smith's New Book
Art is a popular subject in Montgomery County, as a curriculum in our schools, practiced in businesses and studios, and produced by individuals in many ways. Jerry Smith, whose Green Street Gallery is a favorite destination in downtown Crawfordsville, has issued a new book called "Common Ground", dedicated to his children and grandchildren and to their love of nature and the land. He explains his lifelong love of art and shows his acrylics, watercolors, and oils in his chapters named Hoosier Roots, Water, Snow, Studies, Sketches and Small Paintings, Seacoast, Diversions and New Directions, Flowers, Still Life, Ireland's Dingle Peninsula, and England and Wales. You'll see how hard it is to settle on a favorite painting. This book exudes peace, beauty, and color. His "How To Paint Expressive Landscapes in Acrylic" issued in 2005, is also in the Crawfordsville District Public Library's collection. Other new books about art begin with Jonathan Lopez' "The Man Who Made Vermeers" the legend of master forger Han van Meegeren. "The Forger's Spell" by Edward Dolnick tells the story of Vermeer, Nazis, and the greatest art hoax of the twentieth century. "The Art and Colour of General Motors" provides essays edited by Jonathan Stein on the history of the company's design department from 1927 to the present, showing models including the Corvette, Camaro, and the once-ubiquitous tail fin, the final illustration (prophetic?) being a yellow 2008 Pontiac Solstice GXP. "The Complete Book of Woodcarving" by Everett Ellenwood begins with a history of the craft, followed by colored instructions for many kinds of shapes. Tony Dungy's "Uncommon" discusses what it takes to live a life of significance. In his book "Culture Making" Andy Crouch calls Christians to make culture instead of criticizing it or just consuming or condemning it. He describes the valuable life as one that participates in always-better ideas from the Bible. Thomas Howard's "Dove Descending" studies T. S. Eliot's "Four Quartets". "A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards", the brilliant Colonial theologian, missionary, college president, family man and philosopher, is research by George Marsden. Candy Harrington's "Barrier-Free Travel" is a full guide to going here and there when you need special physical help; it gives accurate and up-to-date advice about planes, trains, buses and ships. There are three significant biographies: Jim Mann's "The Rebellion of Ronald Reagan" a history of the end of the Cold War, "Flannery" Brad Gooch's life of Flannery O'Connor "whose books will live on and on in American literature", and "Let Me Stand Alone" the journal of Rachel Corrie, a charming, busy, State of Washington native and creative writer featuring her growing up years; she was killed at 23, trying to block the demolition of a Palestinian family's home in the Gaza Strip. There's new fiction. "World's Tallest Woman" by Rita Rose is a novel based on the real-life experiences of Sandy Allen, who graduated from Shelbyville High School. Earlene Fowler's "Love Mercy" explores "the knots in family ties" through the experiences of a grandmother estranged from her grandchildren. "While My Sister Sleeps" by Barbara Delinsky fastens on the unique and emotionally complex world of siblings when one of them suffers a life-threatening experience. A couple's supposedly safe adoption of a baby is threatened by the birth father in "Three Weeks to Say Goodbye" by C. J. Box.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Adult Summer Reading Program is Starting Its Engine
"Race Into Reading (Or Why Should The Little Readers Have All the Fun?)"is the theme of the Crawfordsville District Public Library's summer reading program for adults that starts June First. The Youth Department is using a similar theme so the building is bedecked in snazzy black and white. Adults will race their cars by reading different kinds of books labeled along their racetrack. The champion will be crowned in the Winner's Circle August 31st, receiving the drawing's big prize. The track is already posted on the south circulation wall. These three months promise to be both fun and mind-expanding for all. Here are the final new May mysteries. "A Death in Vienna" by Frank Tallis is set in the 1902 Austro-Hungarian Empire's days, introducing a young physician who uses psychoanalysis to combine intuitive examination and hard evidence in crime solutions. The same author's "Vienna Blood" takes us to the same place at the same time when a serial killer leaves cross-like symbols with his victims. In "An Incomplete Revenge" by Jacqueline Winspear, her World War I aftermath character Maisie Dobbs investigates a potential land purchase in Kent, England, and finds evidence of criminality . "The Redbreast" by Jo Nesbo finds detective Harry Hole monitoring neo-Nazi activities in Oslo when members of the nation's government willingly collaborated with Nazi Germany. "The Likeness" by Tana French features returning Dublin Murder squad detective Cassie Maddox who finds that a certain victim is her "double". "The Return" is Hakan Nesser's Inspector Van Veeteren mystery about a nearly perfect murder. Parnell Hall's "Hitman" a Stanley Hastings story features the "unlikeliest private eye in New York City". New Dilbert volumes by Scott Adam have arrived. These are clever graphic books, meaning written in cartoon form. Number 6 is "It's Obvious You Won't Survive By Your Wits Alone". No. !0 is entitled "Seven Years of Highly Defective People" which is the author's guided tour of the evolution of Delbert featuring comic strips from previous Dilbert books. No. 12 is called "Journey to Cubeville (Population: You)". No. 14 is "Dilbert Gives You the Business" as a lawyer, entrepreneur, secretary, intern, programmer, accountant, and as other professional workers. The other arrivals are "It's Not Funny If I Have to Explain It", "What Would Wally Do?", and "What Do You Call A Sociopath In A Cubicle?". The other new graphic book is "Reflections" the Fifteenth Anniversary collection of Cathy cartoons by Cathy Guisewite. Some readers favor commentaries. "A Tolerable Anarchy" by Jedediah Purdy is described (upside down on the cover) as "rebels, reactionaries, and the making of American freedom". "Stealing MySpace" is Julia Angwin's treatise on the battle to control the most popular website in America. Peter Singer's advice on acting now to end world poverty is called "The Life You Can Save". How common sense can rescue American foreign policy is discussed in Leslie Gelb's "Power Rules". Next are books about animals. In "American Buffalo" Steven Rinella contemplates the 14,000 years of hunting in North America and the place of this animal in the American experience, after learning that there were 40 million at the time of the Revolutionary War. It's a total study of this lost icon. "Deer World" by Ontario wildlife photographer Dave Taylor follows the calendar year viewing species of the deer world, namely wolves, foxes, cottontails, beaver, and moose.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Barbie's 50th Birthday
Guess who is 50?
Barbie!
The new upstairs display at the Crawfordsville Library celebrates the doll Barbie's 50th Anniversary.
Library staff members Janet Palin, Debbie Barry, and Dellie Craig gathered up family favorites. Janet's daughter Paula McLain is sharing her six holiday Barbies, Christmas gifts from Mom, the favorite one showing Barbie in a ball gown of gold lame. Debbie shows her 1958 Ken, his amazingly preserved sailor suit and original bathing suit, and her vintage blond Barbie in a shiny black formal. Dellie's contribution is a "Crystal Barbie" with brilliants on her bodice, purchased in Japan in the early '80s while her husband Roger was stationed at Yokota Air Base. But besides these, you'll spy many more gems like her famous Jeep, and a suitcase box allowing you to peek at her inside a roadster on one side and on an airplane on the other.
See it now on the 2nd floor!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Preview Shelf -- Library Display Celebrates Barbie's 50th Birthday
The new upstairs display at the Crawfordsville Library celebrates the doll Barbie's 50th Anniversary. Library staff members Janet Palin, Debbie Barry, and Dellie Craig gathered up family favorites. Janet's daughter Paula McLain is sharing her six holiday Barbies, Christmas gifts from Mom, the favorite one showing Barbie in a ball gown of gold lame. Debbie shows her 1958 Ken, his amazingly preserved sailor suit and original bathing suit, and her vintage blond Barbie in a shiny black formal. Dellie's contribution is a "Crystal Barbie" with brilliants on her bodice, purchased in Japan in the early '80s while her husband Roger was stationed at Yokota Air Base. But besides these, you'll spy many more gems like her famous Jeep, and a suitcase box allowing you to peek at her inside a roadster on one side and on an airplane on the other. Here's some new nonfiction to borrow. Notes of a Christian exile called "American Babylon" by Richard Neuhaus (1936-2009) discusses the well known phrase "in but not of the world" and the ways in which the sentiment holds particularly true in America today. ."Christ & Culture Revisited" by D. A. Carson considers the same subject, showing how Christians must maintain a balancing act as our culture departs from its Judeo-Christian roots. Kevin Vanhoozer's "Theological Interpretation of the Old Testament" is a book-by-book survey, discussing each one in turn explaining its history, interpretations, and major ideas. "Basilica" by R. A. Scotti tells the story of the building of St. Peter's in Rome, and describes that turbulent century including the "splendor and the scandal". "Troublesome Young Men" is Lynne Olson's report of the rebels who brought Winston Churchill to power and helped save England. "Forever Green" is Chuck Leavell's history of the American Forest, pointing out that wood is one of our most critical resources that must be wisely used and conscientiously renewed. "Billions of Missing Links" by Geoffrey Simmons, looks at the mysteries evolution can't explain, "from the blue whale to the virus, from the macro to the micro, current scientific evidence "revealing Darwin's most fatal flaw - "the missing links in the story of chance development of life." "Space Missions" edited by Jim Winchester, covers the history of space flight and the individuals involved from Sputnik to SpaceShip One. "Seeing in the Dark" by Timothy Ferris explains how amateur astronomers are discovering the wonders of the universe.Sandra Lee's "Semi-Homemade Money Saving Meals" offers dishes that taste like they're made from scratch. Kathleen Daelemans' "Getting Thin and Loving Food" comes from the Food Network with her recipes; "Your body is your temple. You wanna live there or in a warehouse?" "A Year Along the Garden Path" is given in month-by-month ideas by Ann Lovejoy with pictures by Mark Lovejoy. "A Jury of Her Peers" by Elaine Showalter is a history of American women writers from Anne Bradstreet to Annie Proulx (from 1650 to 2000).Oprah Winfrey's text about the movie "Journey to Beloved" is accompanied by photographs by Ken Regan. "The Gamble" by Thomas Ricks reviews General David Petraeus' direction of the American military adventure in Iraq from 2006-2008, using hundreds of hours of exclusive interviews with top officers and special on-the-ground reportage.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)