Friends of Smyrna Library Salute Retiring Library Director Michael Siegler

Since 1995 he has been a regular fixture for visitors to the Smyrna city library. Whether a book report, research paper or just a search for a good read, for the past 18 years, Library Director Michael Siegler has been there to offer a good book recommendation or to steer users to the right information. On December 28th, after a career of quality service to the readers of Smyrna, Michael will be retiring and transitioning to the next phase of his lifelong journey of personal growth and development.

He said, “I’m looking forward to continuing my education and taking all the classes I didn’t have time to take before. I am interested in a curriculum centered around the humanities and am already enrolled in a few courses.”

Much has changed over the past 18 years in the library business since Michael first walked through the doors. After relocating from Manchester, Georgia, Michael has been at the helm of making the Smyrna library a trailblazer in keeping up with the changing times.

It was one of the first libraries in the state to have and provide public internet access and was also one of the first to have wireless computer technology. It also has one of the largest library video selections with more than 6,000 offerings and currently offers access to many titles through a full E-books program. According to Michael, the most significant change in the library during his time has been the complete computer integration of all its systems. Everything from checking books in and out to ordering new inventory to searching national databases can be done on one computer terminal.

When asked what has been most rewarding during his tenure he said, “It’s the people I’ve gotten to help and direct to the right resource. Helping a kid with a book report, a college student with a term paper or an adult with a job search, those are some of the fondest memories.”

Siegler was asked what he will miss the most, to which he replied, “The interaction with all the people. The great people of the library staff, the great attitudes of the people who work for the city of Smyrna and the mix of people that come through the doors every day. Never a dull moment, everyday is different.”

One of the more enjoyable aspects of his job through the years has been the on-going relationship with the Friends of Smyrna Library. “The FOSL have been a huge help over the years in assisting the library in meeting some of its needs. The funds they have raised have been instrumental in making the E-books program possible, and in getting many of the library programs off the ground.

Their hard work has helped us to publicize the events and activities of the library and their willingness to roll up their sleeves and get involved in the work has been a blessing. Murder Goes South, the signature event put on by FOSL, is something we look forward to seeing and a ‘save the date’ every year on the calendar. The Friends of Smyrna Library is one of the largest and most successful organizations of its type in the state and one that the library is fortunate to have. They truly have made a difference.” When asked where The Friends might run into him down the road, Michael said, “At a concert. I love all music, rock and roll to opera and love to be around it whenever I can.” And any advice for the next director? “Be flexible. Everything changes so fast, you’ve got to be able to roll with it to stay current.”

Michael, you certainly did a terrific job being flexible and rolling with change and as you now step into change again, know that the Friends of Smyrna Library will miss you. You have been a true friend to all of us. Good luck and we will look for you where the music is playing.

Annual Holiday Event Held on December 7

On Friday evening December 7th, the Smyrna Library was the place to have a good time as the Friends of Smyrna Library held their annual holiday event. About 40 of the FOSL membership gathered to reflect on the group’s activities over the past year, eat some holiday cookies and listen to fantastic music performed by the Campbell High School String Quintet.

FOSL Board president Charlie Stannard addressed the group and highlighted the FOSL accomplishments over the past year that included the funding of the E-books program, funding for key children’s programming and the decorating of the library break room. He and fellow board member Jane Lamkin presented outgoing library director Michael Seigler with a gift of appreciation from FOSL for his 18 years of quality service to the library. The evening was a success and hardly a cookie was spared.  

PHOTO: Campbell H.S. String Quintet members left to right: Taylor Baldwin,Oscar Ramirez, Jefren Cruz, Au Vin and Isiah Brown

Landscape Drawings by James Bennett Opens in Art Gallery

On Display Through January 3, 2013

Jim, a retired insurance executive, began his newfound art career only in the year 2000. At the time, he was successfully recovering from a bout with Cancer and at the suggestion of his wife, Dolores, took a pen and ink course taught by a noted nature artist. By the end of the third class, the instructor asked Jim to join him in teaching the class and later encouraged him to enter juried art shows.

Jim has a natural talent, with minimal formal training, who somehow is innately aware of the various drawing techniques as well as the principles of light and perspective. His specialty is drawing landscapes, seascapes and animal life, in great detail. Later while recovering from a heart attack, Jim expressed his grief at the tragedies of 9/11 in two paintings, embodying an emotional property. One of these drawings was delivered to then President George Bush, where it remained on the wall outside the West Wing and now is part of the George Bush’s private art collection. Another print hangs in the Office of Emergency Management near ground zero.

Originally, he sketched only in pen and ink, but later enhanced his drawings with color, using pencils, watercolors, acrylics, oils and pastels—and when called for, he employs a number of different media in the same drawing.

His drawings contain an intrinsic, spiritual quality, drawn on his personal beliefs and convictions. “Living in the mountains of Georgia, I am constantly amazed at the natural beauty all around us—just waiting for artists like myself to capture on paper.”

Jim has served on the Boards of the Cherokee County Arts Council, the Sharptop Mountain Arts Association and The Lake Arrowhead Arts Association--and is also a member of the Arts Alliance of Georgia and the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association. He has received many First Place ribbons over the past ten years.

James can be reached at 770-704-0390 or at topdog197@windstream.net.

The Lilliput Lane Collection by The Gilmans Opens in Display Gallery

On Display Through January 3, 2013

Joe and Susan Gilman are long-time residents of Smyrna, having moved here in 1990. They are the proud parents of 3 daughters—Emily Gilman, Natalie Gilman Powell, and Hannah Gilman. Shortly after moving here, Joe was asked to lead a major project in Australia for BellSouth which allowed him to travel extensively throughout Asia and periodically meet with business partners in Europe. On one of his trips to London, he purchased their first Lilliput Lane cottage, “Butterwick,” as a homecoming gift for Susan.

Lilliput Lane cottages were the creation of David Tate in 1982. David had a background in chemistry and materials and developed the plaster-like material used in casting the models. The material allows more intricate details to be formed. His first cottage, done as a project for a school that was closing that wanted to honor its students, was “Cliburn School.” Only 64 of the models were made and were given as gifts. The value of one of these models today on the secondary market is approximately $2500.

Numerous models have now been produced, ranging from tiny cottages to large landscapes. Each is made and hand-painted in the borderlands between England and Scotland. The display here is only a small portion of the Gilmans’ collection and captures several different phases and types of Lilliput cottages. The displays include the original American Roadside series, European collections, and, in honor of the season, snow-covered cottages. The snow-covered cottages are among the Gilmans’ favorites, especially during the holidays.

Fall Jonquil Festival Book Sale Update

The Fall Jonquil Festival Book Sale was a resounding success, despite the uncooperative weather and rain. Jeff Jones, FOSL book sale manager for the past 10 book sales, said “even though we only had a few nice hours of weather on Saturday we still raised $1,450.” More than 40 local volunteers made this sale successful!

The next sale which will be held during the weekend of April 27, 2013.

Fall Reading List & Featured Book

Featured Book


A Suspension of Mercy
by Patricia Highsmith

15 Seconds by Andrew Gross
And She Was Good by Laura Lippman
A Foreign Country by Charles Cumming 
Backfire by Catherine Coulter
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
Calico Joe by John Grisham
Creole Belle by James Lee Burke
Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris
Dearie:The Remarkable Life of Julia Child 
by Bob Spitz
Die a Stranger by Steve Hamilton
Earth Unaware by Orson Scott 
Fearless by Eric Blehm
Friends Forever by Danielle Steel
Home by Toni Morrison
I, Michael Bennett by James Patterson 
In One Person by John Irving
Judgment Call by J. A. Jance
Kiss the Dead by Laurell K. Hamilton
Line of Fire by Stephen White
Mortal by Ted Dekker
Night Watch by Linda Fairstein
Off the Grid by P. J. Tracy
Red Ink by David Wessel
Sneaky Pie for President by Rita Mae Brown 
Stolen Prey by John Sandford
The Admirals by Walter R. Borneman
The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker
The Amateur by Edward Klein
The Bourne Imperative by Eric Van Lustbader
The Inn at Rose Harbor by Debbie Macomber
The Kingmaker’s Daughter by Philippa Gregory
The Kings of Cool by Don Winslow
The President’s Club by Nancy Gibbs & Michael Duffy
The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian
The Spymasters by W. E. B. Griffin
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Tuesday’s Child by Fern Michaels
Tumbleweeds by Leila Meacham
Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
Yes, Chef by Marcus Samuelsson

Compiled by FOSL Volunteer

En Plein Air" by Betty Martin Loud Opens in Art Gallery

On Display Through October 31, 2012

Always a lover of the outdoors and the beauty of nature, painting “en plein air” provides a creative energy and excitement for her paintings. The changing light, color and values are a great teacher.

In addition to painting on location, she paints in her studio. Inspiration comes from extensive travel. Her favorite places include the southeast, California, Washington, Alaska, Arizona, Spain, Greece, Italy, Germany and Thailand. She finds beauty watching a sunrise or sunset, in a field, by a river or ocean and in the woods or desert. She paints mostly in oil and also enjoys working in pastel.

She has taken classes or workshops with oil painters Bill Davidson, Ann Templeton, Debra Nadelhoffer and Philip Carpenter and pastel instruction from Marsha Savage, Duane Wakeman and Fred Somers, among others.

Betty has a studio at Kudzu Art Zone in Norcross and is also a member of the Atlanta Artists Center, Dunwoody Fine Art Association, and Southeastern Pastel Society.

Basketry by Georgia Basketry Association Opens in Display Gallery

On Display Through October 31, 2012

The purpose of the Georgia Basketry Association is to perpetuate the art of basketry, stimulate interest and share knowledge in all phases of basketry.

They also work dilligently preserve the importance of basketry as a heritage craft. Membership is open to anyone.

The Georgia Basketry Association (GBA) was formed from the Greater Atlanta Basket Guild. The GBA hosts a convention in the Atlanta area in February each year with members attending from more than 15 states.

Learn more about the Georgia Basketry Association from their website.

www.georgiabasketry.com

Adilah Barnes Book Signing

Adilah Barnes Book Signing - Wednesday July 18, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Smyrna Library 770-431-2860. In this special program co-sponsored by the Wolfe Center's Writers Work Group award winning actress Adilah Barnes will be reading and signing her book "On My Own Terms."

Adilah's tv credits include Harry's Law, The Middle and five years on Roseanne. Movie credits include working with Julia Roberts on Erin Brockovich.

Photographs by Myrtie Cope Opens in Art Gallery

On Display Through August 30

Myrtie Cope earned her college degree in interior design but after many years in the office furniture and the retail fabric business, decided to get serious about her passion for

Photography. She spent five intensive months at Rocky Mountain School of Photography before returning to the Atlanta area where she is active in Women in Focus and Southeastern Photographic Society. She has participated in numerous juried exhibits and has had two dual events exhibiting her work. She loves photographing the lines and angles of historic and contemporary architecture and has begun to explore the landscape and natural areas of the Southern states.

Graduate of Florida State University and Rocky Mountain School of Photography

Previous careers with Pintucks & Pinafores-Heirloom Sewing Store and Ball-Stalker Company Office Furniture Company

Clients include Wilma Lofts in Missoula, Montana; Hodges, Ward, Elliott; Northside Drive Bptist Church; Bass Hair Salon; Pursley, Lowery, Meeks LLP; Working Buildings, LLC; Table One Dinners Juried Exhibits and Awards include: Two Views – Joint Exhibit at UUCA 2009; Slow Exposures 2010; Trees Atlanta 2010 – My Favorite Tree – Honorable Mention; Women in Focus XVII at the Georgia Tech Ferst Center 2010; Crossroads at Jill Celeste Gallery; Women in Focus XVIII- Illumination at Mason-Murer Gallery 2011; Southeastern Flower Show 2011 All Things Musical – Third Place.

Shoe Collection by Dorothy Fletcher Opens in Display Gallery

On Display Through August 30

I am a native of Atlanta. After graduating from Spelman College in 1962, I relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where for thirty-five years I served as an elementary school teacher with the Chicago Board of Education. Several years after retiring, I moved back to Atlanta from Chicago in 2009.

I have been collecting miniature shoes and other "shoe stuff" for over twenty-five years. As my trademark has always been that of a "fashionista", I have always been attracted to designs and styles for women that have an intriguing appeal. One day while I was shopping in the Hallmark Card Shop in Chicago, the glass case displaying the miniature shoes attracted my attention. I was fascinated with the different array of designs. Because I have always been fond of shoes, I finally decided that I would make my first purchase. I bought two of them and placed them on my living room etagere. When friends and family came over to visit, they would comment about how cute they were and became fascinated with them. I have purchased only a few of the shoe things you see, for most of them have been gifts for my birthday, Mother's Day, holiday gifts and souvenirs from trips. I have received some of the "shoe stuff" at other times from people just because the shoe things they saw reminded them of my collection which also showcases my favorite colors of yellow and pink.

As I am an avid traveler, having visited London, Switzerland, Austria, Amsterdam, Venice and Paris, as well as Alaska and the Caribbean. Many of my shoe pieces have come from shopping while in Europe. One such shoe is a perfume bottle that was purchased in Paris. A favorite in the shoe collection is a canvas lace up shoe I purchased in Barcelona, Spain. Another favorite shoe is a black and white saddle shoe. The one furniture piece in my collection is a shoe chair which is always the topic of conversation. The shoe collection also includes a shoe calendar, address labels, a shoe door stop, a floor shoe mat, a shoe telephone, a shoe purse, shoe pictures, shoe note pads, shoe stationery, jewelry, and a shoe address book. I also have cake shoe mold for baking. This is short list of the many shoe things that I have in my collection.

Summer Reading List & Featured Book

Featured Book


Ape House
by Sara Gruen

11th Hour by James Patterson
A Land More Kind than Home by Wiley Cash
Beastly Things by Donna Leon
Born To Darkness by Suzanne Brockmann
Capitol Murder by Phillip Margolin
Carry the One by Carol Anshaw
Come Home by Lisa Scottoline
Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris
Dorchester Terrace by Anne Perry
Elegy for Eddie by Jacqueline Winspear
Fair Game by Patricia Briggs
Fall from Grace by Richard North Patterson
Force of Nature by C. J. Box
Guilty Wives by James Patterson
Gypped by Carol Higgins Clark 
In One Person by John Irving
Lover Reborn by J. R. Ward
No, They Can’t by John Stossel
Phantom by Ted Bell
Prague Winter by Madeleine Albright
Private Games by James Patterson
Sacré Bleu by Christopher Moore
Some Assembly Required by Anne Lamott
Stay Close by Harlan Corben
Stolen Prey by John Sandford
The Beginner’s Goodbye by Anne Tyler
The Big Cat Nap by Rita Mae Brown
The Columbus Affair by Steve Berry
The Cove by Ron Rash
The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan
The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection by Alexander McCall Smith
The Lost Years by Mary Higgins Clark
The Passage of Power by Robert A. Caro
The Road to Grace by Richard Paul Evans
The Sins of the Father by Jeffrey Archer
The Thief by Clive Cussler
The Wind through the Keyhole by Stephen King
Unnatural Acts by Stuart Woods
What Doesn’t Kill You by Iris Johansen
Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Compiled by FOSL Volunteer

Photography by Fielding Etheridge Opens in Art Gallery

On Display Through June 30

Artist Statement:

Yes, Fielding really is my name. My first name. Not my last name. :) Bet you never heard that name before.

I am 20 and have never had a day of photography training in my life. One day when I was 15 I simply picked up our family's little digital camera and began taking photos as it came so naturally.

Now I am lucky enough to have Nikon D40 (hoping to get a D5000 soon!) All in all, I simply love the art of photography. I suppose you could say it is in my blood, as my grandfather was a professional photographer.

Art of Quilling Exhibit by Charlotte Canup Opens in Display Gallery

On Display Through June 30

While in high school, I happened upon a how-to book about quilling (also known as paper filigree) and was immediately enthralled by all of the beautiful designs that could be made with coiled and scrolled bits of paper. I wanted to learn more about this centuries-old art form that was enjoying a resurgence of popularity in the craft world and amassed quite a collection of books, each one showing me something new and exciting that could be done with quilling. I lost no time creating framed quilled art and dimensional pieces as gifts for family and friends. These works were so well received that I entered my first craft fair at the age of 16 and sold out the first day. I have been a quiller ever since.

Along with participating in craft fairs, and giving demonstrations, I teach the art of quilling to other paper craft enthusiasts in my studio located within Art Things (a retail art gallery located in downtown Dallas, GA). Various tools can be used to curl the paper strips (slotted tool, corsage pin, needle tool, and even the trusty toothpick) and I show my students how to work with each. However, I still love the feel of the paper between my fingers and prefer to finger roll my coils and scrolls.

My designs have been published in Crafts 'n Things™ and CardMaker™ Magazines. Two of my quilled cards ("just ducky" and "Christmas Cheer") appear in the book, 1,000 Handmade Greetings: Creative Cards and Clever Correspondence, by Laura McFadden (Author), and Deborah Baskin (Author).

I'm a proud member of the North American Quilling Guild and the South Cobb Arts Alliance, Inc.

Spring Jonquil Festival Book Sale Results

Thank you to everyone who volunteered and shopped the April Jonquil Festival Book Sale over the weekend.  We raised over $1700 to support the 2012 Summer Reading Program.  

The next book sale will be in October 2012.

Lunch & Learn Workshop provided by ReferenceUSA to be Hosted by SPL

ReferenceUSA provides library cardholders instant access to residential and businesses databases. It’s a perfect tool for conducting job searches, locating out-of-town companies, tracking down addresses and phone numbers, conducting patent and market research, and much more!

Enjoy lunch on us and learn about how you can benefit from ReferenceUSA!

Monday, April 23, 2012
12:30 PM–1:30 PM
*Additional time available for questions*

Please call or email the Reference Department to register to attend.

Phone: 770-431-2860 x 4 Email: sreference@smyrnaga.gov
  

Friends of Smyrna Library Sponsor a Local Authors’ Discussion Panel and Book Signing

Friends of Smyrna Library will sponsor a local authors’ discussion panel and book signing on Sunday April 15th at 3:00 in the first floor meeting room at the library. The following participants will be discussing family and school influence and early writing experiences:

Margaret Johnson-Hodge is the author of several books that have received national acclaim. She is a winner of the 1998 Reviewer’s Choice Award for “The Real Deal”. “Butterscotch Blues”, made the Blackboard Bestsellers List, the Essence Magazine’s Bestsellers List and Black Expressions Book Club Book of the year in 2000.

Patricia Sprinkle’s roots lie deep in southern soil and form the background for her work. Since 1988 she has written 30 southern mysteries and four southern novels. Her latest novel is Friday’s Daughter, set in a small college town in the North Georgia Mountains.

Award winning children's author Diane Z. Shore says that her short attention span, limited vocabulary, and immaturity prepared her well to be a children's writer.

Deborah Elizabeth Merriman was born in Savannah, Georgia in 1949. As a child she lived with many families due to unlovely circumstances. She recently completed her first book: Hiding Places, a memoir of her childhood.
 

Smyrna Public Library Publishes April Children's Program Calendar

The featured event this month is:

Family Matinee Movie

“HOP” Rated PG
Tuesday April 3
3:30 PM, ALL AGES
Running time is 95 minutes

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR MAGNIFICENT MAY EVENTS!

Muffins with Mom

Have a special morning out at the library with your little ones and enjoy Mother’s Day stories and fun! Join us on Saturday, May 5th at 11 AM. This program is for children, ages 2 and up, and their mothers or grandmothers. Register now to attend.

Meet Curious George

Our favorite curious monkey is visiting the library in celebration of National Children’s Book Week! Join us on Saturday, May 12th at 11 AM. We expect a large turnout for this program, so please register your family to attend as soon as possible before the program fills up.
 

Spring 2012 Reading List Published by Friends of Smyrna Library

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is the featured book in recognition of April's designation as National Poetry Month. Other recommended selections include New York Times fiction and non-fiction bestsellers that were recently added to the library's collection.

Other Recommended Reading Selections

11/22/63 by Stephen King
A Dance With Dragons by George R. R. Martin
A Perfect Blood by Kim Harrison
Abyss by Troy Denning
Another Piece Of My Heart by Jane Green
Arcadia Falls by Carol Goodman
Betrayal by Danielle Steel
Celebrity In Death by J. D. Robb
Chasing Midnight by Randy Wayne White
Cinnamon Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke
Death Comes To Pemberley by P. D. James
Defending Jacob by William Landay
Fair Game by Valerie Wilson
Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult
Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo
Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen
Home Front by Kristin Hannah
I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella
Kill Shot by Vince Flynn
Letter From a Stranger by Barbara Taylor Bradford
Monday Mornings by Sanjay Gupta
Selling Sunshine by Tony Hartl
Silverthorn by Raymond E. Feist
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
The Art Of Fielding by Chad Harbach
The Best Of Me by Nicholas Sparks
The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott
The Expats by Chris Pavone
The House I Loved by Tatiana De Rosnay
The Irish Americans by Jay P. Dolan
The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
The Nearest Exit by Olen Steinhauer
The Paris Wife by Paula Mclain
The Perfect Soldier by Ralph Peters
The Sense Of An Ending by Julian Barnes
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
The Song Of Achilles by Madeline Miller
The Thief by Clive Cussler And Justin Scott
The Wolf Gift by Anne Rice
Victims by Jonathan Kellerman

Beautiful New Children's Area Reading Rug!

We want to send out a BIG thank you to our Smyrna supporters!  

Through your donations to the Friends of Smyrna Library and book sale purchases at our book sales we were able to buy this beautiful new reading rug for the children's area. 

Stop by the Smyrna Public Library soon and check it out! 

March-April Art Gallery Exhibit Now on Display at Smyrna Public Library

Art by Betty Laygn on display through April.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Art and books are two of my loves and go hand in hand.

I majored in Art at Agnes Scott College and then graduated from Emory’s Division of Librarianship. My career has been as an elementary school librarian and I’ve loved presenting literature with beautiful illustrations to children.

When my husband, Bill, and I moved to Smyrna almost seven years ago, one of the first things we did was join the Friends of the Smyrna Library. We enjoy the benefits of living nearby. Our children are grown, but we’re the parents of Lily, a West Highland white terrier who loves her walks around the Library.

After not doing any art for a number of years, my friend, the accomplished Beverly Key, handed me some watercolors. When I asked her where to start, she said, “Paint what you like best first.” It’s been fun ever since. My subjects are my dogs, my garden, and my travels.

I’ve had wonderful teachers. I studied figure painting in pastels with Kate Fetterolf at Callanwolde. Now I’m enjoying my watercolor classes at the Chastain Art Center from my excellent teachers Kathy Rennell Forbes and Marie Matthews and being with a fun group of fellow students.

March-April Display Gallery Exhibit Announced by Smyrna Public Library

Imagine That! by Kevin Rucker on display through April.

ARTIST STATEMENT

"Ever since I can remember, I have always loved to draw. In one of my earliest memories as a child, I drew a 'friend' on the garage wall with green chalk. At a very early age, my mother encouraged me to create. In the summers of my youth, she would provide me with reams of notebook paper to draw on. My life has been devoted to art."

Kevin Rucker’s remarkable, imaginative illustrations have gained this award-winning Atlanta artist an enthusiastic following. By combining detailed 2-D and 3-D images with abstract concepts, Kevin creates illustrations that appeal to traditionalists and modernists alike. As Kevin says, "Art evokes emotion. When I am creating, I am at my best."

Originally from New York, Kevin began his formal art education with a degree in Commercial Design and then went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree (with a minor in Visual Arts) from the State University of New York at New Paltz. After moving to Atlanta in 1997, Kevin earned a degree in Computer Animation from the Art Institute of Atlanta, achieving many honors as a student. He was then invited to join the faculty as a 2-D and 3-D animation instructor.

Kevin went on to a distinguished career as a Graphic Artist, Illustrator, and Creative Director. The quality and creativity of his work has attracted numerous public and private commissions, with past clients including Coca-Cola, The Home Depot, and Visa.

As an artist, Kevin has won numerous excellence awards and produced illustrations that have had global influence. Working as a commercial designer for over 20 years has now afforded him the opportunity to pursue his creative passions full-time. Kevin reflects:

"...I have considered myself extremely lucky to have had such talented and patient art teachers and invaluable opportunities to make a living doing what I love. I feel very privileged that God has given me such a gift. Of course, I give Him all the credit."

In addition to his expertise in illustration and graphic arts, Kevin Rucker is an avid woodworker and accomplished 3-D mural artist.

Smyrna Public Library Publishes March Children's Program Calendar

Seuss Spectacular is ths month's featured program event.

We’re having a party. We’re making a fuss. We want YOU to celebrate with us! It’s Dr. Seuss’s birthday on March 2nd. Join us for a Seuss Spectacular on Saturday, March 3rd at 11:00 as we celebrate one of our favorite authors! We’ll read some Seuss stories, sing some songs, and we’ll even enjoy a visit from THE CAT IN THE HAT! Feel free to bring cameras for a photo with the cat. You can even bring your favorite Seuss book to be autographed! This program is for all ages, but registration is required to attend. Please call or email the library to register. Be sure to provide your Smyrna Library card number when registering.


(View Calendar)
  

Imagination Contest Announced by Friends of Smyrna Library

“Imagine That” is the theme of Kevin M. Rucker’s upcoming exhibit at the Smyrna Library March 1-April 30th. His work is in the form of small, unusually framed illustrations which evoke the imagination. Media include graphite pencil and colored markers.

We invite you to write down your reactions to his provocative work. Do you have a story to tell about one of the illustrations? Let your creativity go and tell us what you see in these illustrations.

Your thoughts legibly written on paper may be submitted to the Smyrna Library circulation desk or emailed to dsibert_30082@yahoo.com by the 15th of April. This opportunity is open to viewers in the community (from elementary school through adulthood).

A panel will enjoy reading your responses discovered in your “imagination viewing.” Kevin has very graciously offered to donate his illustrations to those who write about his work. Responses will be acknowledged and the illustrations will be awarded at the end of the exhibit, April 30th.
  

Smyrna Public Library Publishes February Children's Program Calendar

Storytelling by Josie Bailey is this month's featured program event.

February is Black History Month! Help us celebrate with a special storytelling program on Saturday, February 18th at 2:00 PM. The one, the only Josie Bailey will make a stop at our library and has some awesome stories to share with ages 3 and up. It’ll be fun for the whole family! Register now to attend!

(View Calendar)
   

January-February Art Gallery Exhibit Announced by Smyrna Public Library

Art by Paula McInerny on display through February.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

Paula McInerny is a native of Atlanta, attended the University of Georgia and graduated from Georgia State University. She is an award winning artist who paints exclusively with a palette knife.

She loves the textured quality that is best achieved using this technique. After a long career as a professional photographer, Paula turned to oil painting as an extension of her artistic expressionism.

She strives to keep her work fresh and lively, as evidenced by those pieces on display. She can be found daily in her studio at Tula on Bennett Street in Atlanta, or she can be reached by e-mail at phmcinerny@earthlink.net.

January-February Display Gallery Exhibit Announced by Smyrna Public Library

Mixed Media by Barbara Johnston on display through February.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

My natural instincts have led me in my artistic endeavors, although I am not trained in the traditional sense. My areas of emphasis are sculptural and functional clay, abstract art, and silver jewelry. I’ve dabbled in batik, weaving, silkscreen, stain glass work, kaleidoscopes, silver-smithing, knitting, quilting, glass torch work, auto body work, gourmet cooking, ceramics, mosaics, home decorating, and landscaping.

Today I combine my hand building, wheel, and mosaics to create sculptural/function pottery, unique furniture pieces, accent pieces (lamps, picture frames etc.) utilitarian vessels, sinks, and built- in countertops. I also like to combine my original glass beads into silver jewelry I’ve designed. Contemporary painting is an emerging field for me as well. I’m always looking for new outlets for my creative urges. Different things have inspired me over the years, at present most of my inspiration comes from nature and organic textures(which is hopefully evident in my work).

My work is presently on display in private and public forums throughout Germany, Florida, Georgia, S. Carolina, Texas, Colorado, California, Michigan, New York and Wisconsin. I have been featured at Saks Fifth Avenue, and do fundraising events whenever possible. I also have occasion to be a resident artist at local schools.

ladybugbarb@bellsouth.net
 

Smyrna Public Library Publishes January Children's Program Calendar

Family Matinee Movie! is this month's featured program event.

Be sure to join us on Friday, January 20th for “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” at 3:30 PM. The movie stars Jim Carrey and is rated PG. The running time is 94 minutes. Feel free to bring some movie snacks for your family to enjoy too! Did you know that the movie is based on the book, Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard & Florence Atwater? Check it out today!