The Art of Straw Weaving

Photo: Woven straw heart by Kathy Morris

Kathy Morris, artist librarian from Royalston Mass, will be teaching a multi-generational group the art of straw weaving at the Wheeler Memorial Library on Wednesday, April 1, from 3:30-4:30. Anxious to see this traditional craft preserved, Kathy will be donating her time generously to lead this free workshop for those in third grade or older. The Orange Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, will be supporting the project by covering the expense of the materials needed.

The Return of "On the Same Page"

Walt Owens, director of the Wheeler Memorial Library, has announced the kickoff of the library's annual “On the Same Page” program. This year's award winning book is " Javatrekker: Dispatches from the World of Fair Trade Coffee" by Dean Cycon, who owns Dean's Beans, an all-organic, all-fair-trade, all-kosher coffee roaster right here in Orange, Massachusetts. If you can't go with Dean on all his adventures in social justice and good coffee - read the book! Nine chapters cover ten countries of coffee farmers' struggles with globalization, women's rights, environmental concerns, war and more, while you learn about coffee cultures and customs, politics, languages and dress in these exciting inter-weavings of travel, social change and responsible business practices.

The goal of the program is to have everyone in town read the same book, discuss relevant issues, and attend special events relating to the book selected. Information about On the Same Page is available at http://www.orangelib.org/otsp/ . After the reading of the book has been completed, a variety of programs will take place relating to Javatrekker. Library staff will provide information on how to obtain a copy of the book to read, and on upcoming events. Please get involved so that Orange can celebrate reading, libraries, and being together “On the Same Page.”

“On the Same Page” is supported by a grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. This program is also being supported by the Friends of the Orange Public Libraries.

NOT YOUR ORDINARY POTATO PRINT!

Artist Helen Haddad will be coming to the Wheeler Memorial Library to present the 2^nd class in the Wheeler Library’s After School Arts Series. Her art involves an unusual printing block – the lowly potato. She has explored the medium of potato printing far beyond the kindergarten stage, perhaps now approaching the Ph.D. level. She most often works within the confines of a single potato, selecting a potato with a shape that will enhance the design. The production of each print involves carving the flat surface of a cut potato with nails, linoleum cutters, or other tools. Then she paints the block and applies the block to paper, resulting in a unique print. It is essential to complete the entire process quickly before the surface of the perishable potato starts to deteriorate. To create larger prints she use multiple carved blocks. Her largest print is the seven foot long dragon installed in the Wendell, MA library. While her potato printing techniques are self taught, she studied art at Smith College and at the school of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

Call the Wheeler Memorial Library (978-544-2495 x103) to save your place in this workshop. At the same time you can sign up for any of the following classes. This series is made possible by a grant from the Orange Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

1st of 6 After School Arts Programs

March 16, Monday 3:30-4:30 Orange Town Hall

Alotta Hoopla with Shenandoah for students in 3rd grade or higher, offered by the Wheeler Memorial Library Children’s Room. See if 30 hula hoopers will fill the Orange Town Hall auditorium and learn some new hula hoop tricks with the best hula hooper in the Pioneer Valley. What better way is there to get ready for spring? This program is the first event in a 6 part series of After School Arts activities arranged by children’s librarian, Candy Cross. The series is supported in part by a grant from the Orange Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Call the library at 978-544-2495 x103 to register by identifying the event(s) and leaving the child’s name, grade, and phone number.