Acclaimed Artist, Marsha Hamby Savage, Speaks at Smyrna Public Library

Thank you, Marsha Hamby Savage, for your wonderful presentation today at the monthly Sunday Lecture.   If you have not seen Ms. Savage’s art exhibit at the Smyrna Public Library, it’s on display through the end of the month in the 2nd Floor Art Gallery.

Lecture Synopsis: 

Ms. Savage discussed her exhibit in the library's upper level galleries. Based in Smyrna, Ms Savage is a seasoned artist with over 50 years of experience, known for her vibrant landscape paintings in pastel, oil, and acrylic. Her deep connection to nature is reflected in her works, which often capture the serene beauty of creeks, rocks, and cascading water. Living in the Southeastern U.S., she frequently paints en plein air, drawing inspiration from both local and western landscapes. Savage's art has been widely recognized, with numerous awards and commissions, including prominent installations at the Georgia State Capitol and various hospitals.

Sunday Lectures are sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

50 New Titles Added to the Wonderbook Collection

The Smyrna Public Library added 50 new Wonderbooks to the collection this week! These books have an audiobook built into them, so young readers can enjoy a print book while listening to the story being read aloud.

The books are wildly popular among families with young children. The library received a donation of $1,000 to purchase books in memory of former library director Doris Morris and her husband Max. The Friends of Smyrna Library matched this donation with an additional $2,000. This allowed the library to purchase these 50 new titles. Enjoy!

Friends of Smyrna Library Purchase Cover One Book Repair Machine

The Friends of Smyrna Library purchased a Cover One Book Repair Machine for Smyrna Public Library over the summer.

The machine uses heat and a special type of glue to repair books with loose pages and broken spines.

Pictured here, Technical Services Associate Lawrence C. repairs a juvenile graphic novel with a completely broken spine. The next day, the glue is set, and the book is ready to check out again!

This is just one of many examples of how your book sale purchases and donations are put to use in the Smyrna Public Library.

Sunday Lecture: Architectural Eras of Smyrna

Thank you, Jennifer Corcoran (r) and Rebekah Helfgot (l), for yesterday’s wonderful and informative "Architectural Eras of Smyrna" lecture at the Smyrna Public Library.

The lecture outlined the evolution of housing and neighborhoods in the city throughout the twentieth century, divided into five architectural “eras”. The presentation included illustrations and examples of the types of houses and neighborhoods that were constructed during each era. Jennifer and Rebekah explaind how local, national, and world events influenced the size, style, and arrangement of our local homes.

Speaker biographies:

Jennifer Corcoran is an architectural historian and NEPA planner for Jacobs Engineering. She has a Master’s degree in Heritage Preservation from Georgia State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Florida State University. She primarily works on environmental and cultural resource documentation for GDOT projects. She lives in a compact Ranch house in Cheney Woods and has been a Smyrna resident for 19 years. She is married and has one child at Campbell High School plus one pup named Apollo. Her favorite thing about Smyrna is living in a walkable neighborhood with school, restaurants, and entertainment close by.

Rebekah Helfgot is an architectural historian for AECOM. She has a Master’s degree in Historic Preservation and a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and History, from the University of Georgia. She works on architectural history surveys and historic evaluations for GDOT projects. She lives in a twenty-first century townhouse in Montclair and has been a Smyrna resident for 4 years. She is married and shares her space with 2 cats, Zoe and Eliot. Her favorite thing about Smyrna are the city events and facilities.

Sunday Lectures are sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Happy Whimsical Ceramic Art by Karen Fincannon Exhibit Opens In Display Gallery

The September/October 2024 Art Gallery exhibit has opened – Happy Whimsical Ceramic Art by Karen Fincannon Exhibit Opens In Display Gallery.  Ms. Fincannon’s exhibit is on display through October 31. 

The Art Gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Smyrna Public Library.

Art Gallery exhibits are organized by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Artist Statement:

I have always been an artist. My first customers were students on the school bus who paid me for my paper dolls. Over the years, I have worked in a variety of mediums, and now primarily work in clay and acrylic paint. Eventually, I earned degrees in Photography and Art History from the State University of New York in Potsdam, but after taking a tile making workshop in Ann Arbor, Michigan, I never went back to the darkroom. After a couple of years making the relief tiles, I took a workshop with Lana Wilson at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, which changed my entire way of working with clay.

I like to create things I wish existed. My world is populated with fat, happy animals, including some holding puppets, and some wearing vintage bathing suits. My pieces are all one-of-a-kind, handbuilt ceramic. After constructing my sculptures, they are bisque fired and finished with a variety of underglazes. I like experimenting with different underglazes and glazes to achieve bright, happy colors. The sculptures are then fired for a second time. Most sculptures have a matte finish.

I believe that art can be complex, engaging, and finely crafted, while at the same time demonstrating a sense of humor and whimsy. One of the most rewarding compliments I can receive is to be told that I have created something that makes someone happy. Because much of my work is whimsical, people often find it accessible and are easily engaged. They understand that artwork can simultaneously be fun, while also well-crafted.

https://www.karenfincannon.com/

It's the Journey! Fine Art Pastels by Marsha Hamby Savage Exhibit Opens In Art Gallery

The September/October 2024 Art Gallery exhibit has opened – It's the Journey! Fine Art Pastels by Marsha Hamby Savage.  Ms. Savage’s exhibit is on display through October 31. The Art Gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Smyrna Public Library.

Art Gallery exhibits are organized by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Artist Statement:

I have created art for over 50 years being inspired by and painting mostly landscapes! My love of nature comes naturally because of the era I grew up in. Mom always said don't come back inside until I call you for dinner! That meant go several houses down and play in a creek, or create forts, climb trees, etc. So I paint trees, and rocks and water, just to name a few things that always inspire me!

Play and experimenting with still life, flowers, figures, animals, and some abstract work is key too. An artist is on a journey that never ends, a journey to learn more. That means I have loads of studies and half-finished artwork to return to for trying new ideas.

I participate in several regional plein air events each year. Artists depend on friendships of our fellow travelers in this artistic journey for understanding and discussions about being an artist. That is as much why I attend these events as for the painting part of it.

I have been represented by many galleries, and feel lucky to currently have three great galleries in Georgia. Invitational shows, art competitions, personal solo and group shows have always been part of my journey. I am honored to have won awards in some, gaining Signature Status and a few Master Status designations. I say those things for you to know I work hard to keep learning by putting my pieces out there for input. With these experiences I have knowledge to share when giving talks, demos for art organizations, and teaching private students and workshops.

I also say those things for the potential collector of my work. You may connect with a piece of art because of your own life experiences. But, I have found that most collectors are interested in the artist and their life. You can learn a bit about me by reading the descriptions I have for each painting here on my website. And, of course, there is the "About" page.

As we all know, things were in upheaval for the last two to three years. I had hopes 2022 would be a better year for workshops and classes. I did get to teach two workshops for two different art organizations in my general North Georgia area. That was good.

https://www.marshasavage.com/

Sunday Lecture: The Liquor Wars

Thank you, Dr. William Marchione, for yesterday’s fascinating lecture about Smyrna's and Cobb County's relationship with alcohol. The presentation covered the production and sale of alcoholic beverages and how it was one of the most divisive political issue Cobb County faced from its foundation in the 1830s to well into the 20th century.  Dr. Marchione also examined the strident and often violent history of liquor regulation in Cobb County, with particular emphasis on Smyrna and vicinity.

Sunday Lectures are sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.