Oils and Acrylics by Devin KOLbY Painting Exhibit Opens at Smyrna Public Library Art Gallery

The January/February art gallery exhibit for 2016 opened today - Oils and Acrylics by Devin KOLbY. Devin’s exhibit is on display until February 28. The art gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Smyrna Library. The art gallery exhibits are sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library. 

Biography:

Devin KOLbY, the Artist of KOLbYcreations was born March, 1991 in Atlanta, Georgia. Devin KOLbY’s passion for creativity started at an early age. He played the Double Bass in the school Orchestra from 6th grade until his senior year where he held the position of 1st chair. His musical talent extended to playing piano into enjoying all genres of music. KOLbY’s interest took a detour towards photography and visual editing. This led his pencil to pad and he began sketching and experimenting with watercolor and other art mediums. While away in college his passion for art grew and as the stroke of his paint brush filled with acrylic colors met the canvas the self taught artist KOLbY, was created.

In 2011, Devin KOLbY unfortunately struggled with depression that resulted in his suicide attempt. Through, divine intervention he survived life support and today he’s on a journey to recovery. Devin KOLbY and his mother are advocates for suicide prevention and together they are erasing the stigma and sharing information with the hope that one day there will be services, resources and support for this unrecognized, unrepresented group, Survivors of Suicide Attempts. Through his traumatic experience, KOLbY’s now, creating with a renewed sense of life and perspective. In 2015, KOLbY, will continue his education and enhance his creative abilities by enrolling into art school.

KOLbY’s, detour has come, full circle and evolved into remarkable art, photography, music and living. He’s artistically influenced by Basquait, Warhol, KAWS and Dali. He’s inspired by color, life and energy. KOLbY’s abstract Creations include mediums of acrylic, oils and mixed media.

Follow KOLbYcreations on: facebook, twitter & instagram.For upcoming KOLbYcreations exhibits, booking information and purchases contact: (404) 580-9464 Not Your Usual Event or KOLbYcreations317@gmail.com.

Pottery by Mariella Owens Exhibit Opens at Smyrna Public Library Display Gallery

The January/February display gallery exhibit for 2016 opened today - Pottery by Mariella Owens. Ms. Owens' exhibit is on display until February 28. The display gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Smyrna Library. The display gallery exhibits are sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library. 

Artist Statement:

Hi, I'm Mariella Owens. I've been doing pottery for 35 years. And have made many accomplishments.As an artist, I attempt to be very creative with my work, exploring all the different ways of utilizing the clay and making it work for me. I try to have parallels between my work and nature.

The artwork shown on my website supports my vision and development goals by enabling me to move forward with my art shows and studio. It makes a continuation of my developmental style. 
My career as an artist started as a hobby for relaxation. I would hand build pieces and play on the wheel. After 2 or 3 months, it became so fascinating that I started spending my lunch breaks on the wheel, slab roller, and extruder at Riverbend Art Center in Dayton, Ohio.

I wanted to improve my technique and skills as a potter, so I took 9 week sessions of classwork at Riverbend Art Center. After completing the three sessions, I was invited to participate in the student's show Riverbend. Within that first show, I sold enough of my work to buy my first potters wheel. After several smaller shows, I was asked to be an instructor by the Art Counsel in 1984 at Riverbend Art Center. After teaching my first 9 week session, I was asked to return to do 3 sessions instead of one.

I have been doing 10-12 art shows per year and have won numerous awards from Best of Show to Honorable Mention since 1984. In March of 2000, I purchased a barn that I renovated into a studio. The grand opening of "Mariella's" happened on November 2000.Currently I'm living in Georgia and doing lots of shows.

FOSL Donates $1000 To Purchase Children’s Audio Books

The Friends of Smyrna Library recently donated $1000 to purchase a new collection of juvenile audio books. The collection arrived today. 

Smyrna Public Library Awarded $2,000 Grant

The Smyrna Public Library recently received a $2,000 grant from Gas South to support STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) resources in the collection. The grant allowed the library to purchase more than 75 new STEM-related titles for Youth Services and created 15 new MAKER BOXES. Each box contains a book on a STEM topic and a related hands-on activity. These boxes may be checked out from the Youth Services Desk and used in Smyrna Library.  

The Bright Side featured the grant in a December edition article.  Youth Services Librarian Rebecca Power, left, and Smyrna Library Director Mary Wallace Moore display some of the new Maker Boxes in the article photo.

Thanks to Gas South and The Bright Side for their support of the Smyrna Public Library. 

FOSL Hosts 25th Anniversary Celebration

The Friends of Smyrna Library hosted “An Evening with the Friends…” on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at the Smyrna Public Library to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

President Charlie Stannard opened up the event with a speech where he chronicled FOSL’s history and major achievements over the last 25 years. Former members of the Board of Directors were in attendance and they were recognized for their past contributions.  

The event was well attended and featured heavy hors d'oeuvres, desserts and punch. The entertainment highlight was a dramatic reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas by actor Neal Arnoff. The dramatic reading was paired with a performance of the Pebblebrook High School Chamber Orchestra.  The evening concluded with the winners of the silent auction, which raised $1000, being announced. 

Photo: Friends of Smyrna Library President Charlie Stannard

Teen Territory Upgrade

Take a look at the new cafe table and four chairs the Friends of Smyrna Library purchased for the Teen Territory!

New Genealogy Research Computer Workstation

Smyrna Public Library now has a dedicated computer workstation for genealogy research as well as a brand new ScanPro microforms reader to make copies and scans from microfilm and microfiche. 

Thank you to all our generous project partners!