Thank You, Smyrna City Administrator Saddler-Jones

Special thanks go to Smyrna City Administrator, Tammi Saddler-Jones, and her son, Leland, for leading today's "Mystery Reader" story time. After reading "Giraffes Can't Dance," we did the hotdog dance and talked about Tammi's responsibilities as administrator.

Librarians from Okinawa and Japan Visit the Smyrna Public Library

Librarians from Okinawa and Japan visited the Smyrna Public Library today. They had traveled to North Carolina for training but were evacuated due to Hurricane Florence. We loved sharing our library with them and trading information on how we serve our unique communities.

Thank You, Cobb Senior Services (CSS)

Thank you, Cobb Senior Services (CSS), for the fantastic "SAIL: Stay Active & Independent for Life" demonstration class this morning at Smyrna Library. September is "Falls Prevention Month," and the Smyrna Public Library is pleased to partner with the Cobb County Public Library System and Senior Services for important events like this one. 

We had a blast, thanks again!

Flute and Harp Recital, with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Principals Christina Smith and Elisabeth Remy

Thank you to Ms Smith, Ms Remy Johnson, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and the wonderful audience members who made this program such a joy. What a great afternoon.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Principals Christina Smith, flute, and Elisabeth Remy Johnson, harp, presented an afternoon recital of flute and harp music today. The program included a wide variety of works, from American composers to the tango music of Astor Piazzolla. The program also included descriptions of their instruments and the musical selections, and time for questions and answers. 

Christina Smith is one of the most sought-after flutists in the country as an orchestral player, soloist, chamber musician, and teacher. This is her 27th season as principal flutist of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and her flute solos can be heard on 40 ASO recordings. She has also appeared with the orchestra numerous times as concerto soloist. A graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, she studied at the Curtis Institute of Music as a pupil of the legendary Julius Baker. 

Ms. Smith has also studied with Jeffrey Khaner, Tim Day, and Keith Underwood. Ms. Smith has recently appeared as guest principal flutist with orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony, LA Philharmonic, and the orchestras in Vancouver, Baltimore, St. Paul and Pittsburgh. Equally passionate about teaching, Ms. Smith serves on the faculty at Kennesaw State University and Emory University.

Elisabeth Remy Johnson is principal harpist of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, where she is frequently a soloist. Ms. Remy Johnson gives solo and chamber music recitals throughout the U.S.A. and teaches at Emory University, Georgia State University, and Kennesaw State University. In addition to numerous recordings with the ASO, she has recorded several solo and chamber CDs, most recently, “A Christmas Collection” for solo harp. Ms. Remy Johnson is a graduate of Harvard University, Phi Beta Kappa, where she majored in Music and French. Her studies were with Alice Chalifoux and Ann Hobson Pilot. 

In addition to her performances with the ASO, recent highlights include performances at the Grand Teton Music Festival, the Meeting House Chamber Music series in New England, and the International Harp Festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ms. Remy Johnson was co-founder and artistic director (2000-2010) of the Urban Youth Harp Ensemble, serving students from the Atlanta Public Schools. She has received Atlanta's Channel Eleven Community Service Award, the TBS Pathfinder’s Award, and the Atlanta Business Chronicle's "Up & Comers Award.”

The First Sunday Lecture series is sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library and Smyrna Library.

September/October 2018 Display Gallery Exhibit: Ceramics by Marise Fransolino

The September/October 2018 Display Gallery exhibit has opened – Ceramics by Marise Fransolino.  Ms. Fransolino’s exhibit is on display through October 31. The Display Gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Smyrna Public Library. The Display Gallery exhibits are sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Artist Statement:

I often tell a little bit about how I started as a potter to my new students, hoping to find common ground and to give them an incentive.

For a long time I thought my story was unique, until I started reading other potters’ biographies. It amazes me how many of us arrive to pottery “accidentally”, which makes me understand the changes one can make in life. As you grow up, you prepare yourself to become something. Many will follow that dream and will stick to it till the end. To switch to something else later in life, was not what I would have foreseen for myself!

I was 43 when I stumbled in a pottery class at a local community arts center. I was looking for a break from my professional activities as an Industrial Designer and Sales Representative. Pottery was an alternative, since the watercolor class I was looking for was full. Once I touch the clay and the wheel started spinning, I knew I had found myself! I was a potter and didn’t know it!!!

What was supposed to be a temporary activity became a life’s passion. Since then, from a beginner student, I became a ceramic’s lab assistant, children’s pottery instructor, adults’ pottery instructor, and studio potter. I started selling my work in small galleries and gift shops, participating in outdoors juried arts festivals and invitational art shows.

Looking back I realize how much experience I’ve gained and how my work has improved and changed directions. The more I learn the more there is to be learned and that’s what keeps me going - I love taking the challenges clay offers me! It gives me an un-measurable pleasure to see the successful results coming from the kiln and a learning humble moment when a piece doesn’t make it.

In my opinion, the most rewarding experience is when you have your mind and motor skills in such coordination that your hands can create exactly what your thoughts conceived.

Clay is the refuge where I find my sanity!

September/October 2018 Art Gallery Exhibit: Contemporary Acrylics by Steve Stoichev

The September/October 2018 Art Gallery exhibit has opened – Contemporary Acrylics by Steve Stoichev.  Mr. Stoichev’s exhibit is on display through October 31. The Art Gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Smyrna Public Library. The Art Gallery exhibits are sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.

Artist Statement:

Steve Stoichev's passion for creating art appearing recognized in a very early age. He was only 4 years old when he desperately clay figurines for his first exhibit.

Steve was born in Sliven, Bulgaria, EU, a very picturesque city with rich cultural life and traditions. He is multimedia artist. Self taught in many aspects, he developed a very distinctive style in any of his art creations. As a fashion designer he developed a company in high fashion for years in Europe. It was a very creative investment full with much success.

He's worked with textile design, sculpture and he is most recognized impressionism. Steve developed a technique of painting to be a joy for the eye and to be touched if the audience is disable to see . He thinks it is not fair that sometimes art cannot be accessible to everyone.

Steve exhibits in two continents and his art is displayed in private and business places. He has lived in Smyrna since 1998 with his wife and three children.