Picturing America for Public Libraries

The Frederick County Public Libraries conducted the following series of programs using the Picturing America posters:

Mary Cassatt: How Her Images Transcend Tradition and Portray Feminine Experience (adult) Lecture on Mary Cassatt, 19th-century Impressionist painter, by Sue Cardella, art historian and lecturer at Frederick Community College.

Mary Cassatt and Women in Art: Lecture and Slide Show (adult) Art Historian Sue Cardella examines the roles of women in the world of art, with a focus on how American Impressionist painter Mary Cassatt challenged traditional depictions of women. The lecture highlights paintings in The National Gallery of Art in D.C.

Native American Beadwork (teens & adults) Create traditional Native American beadwork on a tension loom. No experience necessary. Note: We will be working with small beads so don’t forget your glasses! (Posters 8-B and 5-B)

Remembering Mary Jemison (adult) Historian Debra McCauslin shares the remarkable facts of Mary Jemison on the 250th anniversary of her capture near Gettysburg in 1758. Adopted by the Seneca, Mary chose to live with her captors until death at age 91.

Shelf Talk: Picturing America in Words (adult) Fall theme: Picturing America in Words. Stop by Info Desk to participate.

Basket Making (adults & teens) Master basket weaver Susan Snively demonstrates the ins and outs of basket making. Hands-on activity; call for supplies.

Happy 200th Birthday, Mr. Lincoln (all ages) (Poster 9-B) Celebrate a great American. Make a craft in his honor or participate in a trivia scavenger hunt about his life. 4 pm Enjoy Abe’s birthday cake in the lobby. 5 pm Register for a Gettysburg Address Recitation Competition. 7 pm Families will enjoy a special “Happy Birthday, Abe!” storytime.

Library Masterpieces (ages 3-5, with adult) - Explore the world of art through children’s books. We’ll enjoy a story and create masterpieces using a variety of materials and techniques.

Leaf Printing (adults & teens) This is an ideal way to learn print making techniques with artist Dorothea Barrick. Suitable for older teens.

Antique Quilts and Appraisal Facts (all ages) (Poster 10 B) Ever wonder how much your Grandmother’s quilt is worth? Learn the fascinating history of quilts and the ins-and-outs of quilt appraising from Pamela Pampe, an American Quilter’s Society Certified Quilt Appraiser. Bring your own antique quilts for show-and-tell.

Film and Discussion: Maria Martinez Native American Potter (adult) View a documentary on the noted potter of San Ildefonso Pueblo and her unique black-on-black pottery. Contemporary Native American pottery will be on display and art historian Linda Thern-Smith will lead discussion.

Celebrate Youth Art Month (ages 3-5, with adult) - Come and create a unique art project at the library.

Submitted by Rene Beaupain