art – Derby Public Library's Blog

Book Review: The Masterpiece

First line: Clara Darden’s illustration class at the Grand Central School of Art, tucked under the copper eaves of the terminal, was unaffected by the trains that rumbled through ancient layers of Manhattan schist hundreds of feet below.

Summary: For Clara, a struggling artist and illustration teacher, Grand Central School of Art is a stepping stone in the hopes of greater things to come. She has dreams of working for Vogue as an illustrator. By moving to New York City, she left behind everything but so far, things have not turned out the way she had planned.

After her divorce, Virginia Clay has been trying to figure out how to support herself and her daughter after spending years as the wife of a powerful attorney. When she gets a job at Grand Central Terminal in the information booth, she does not realize how much it will change her life. She discovers a watercolor behind a cabinet in the old art school and it leads her on search for the artist and the history of the terminal.

Highlights: I really enjoyed the character of Levon. He was fiery and temperamental. He portrays the iconic angsty artist. He had a rich back-story and little quirks that made him stand out. I wish that he were a real person so I could see some of the work that Davis describes in her novel.

The descriptions of Grand Central were amazing. Google is my best friend when reading historical fiction. I am always pausing my reading to search for pictures or more information about places and characters. It is sad that the terminal was in such bad shape in the 70s and that at one point it was going to be torn down. I have never traveled to NYC but I have seen the station at Kansas City and if it is half as pretty as that, it would have been a shame to lose it.

I have enjoyed the time jumps in Davis’ work. I think the thing that makes her work so great. She is able to switch between characters and time while keeping the flow of the story. I have not read her second book, The Address, yet but I am on hold for it now.

Lowlights: The beginning was a little slow to start. Davis gave us some background on the characters plus some information about the time. Then the speed of the relationships went very fast. I was a little shocked by Virginia early on but she grew on me as I continued to read. One scene in particular stood out between Virginia and Dennis.

FYI: If you like this try the novels of Susan Meissner.

Book Review: The Most Beautiful Woman in Florence

The Most Beautiful Woman in Florence by Alyssa Palombo

First line: It was a large canvas, big enough that it had taken two men to carry it into Il Magnifico’s chambers.

Summary: Simonetta, a new bride to Marco Vespucci, is considered the most beautiful woman in Florence. When she meets the rising star, Sandro Botticelli at the home of Lorenzo de Medici, she becomes the muse for the artist. He uses her as the model for one of his most famous works, The Birth of Venus.

Simonetta in The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli

Highlights: I really enjoyed the story. I love the time and the history of the Medici family. They were leaders of the Republic of Florence as well as supporters of the Renaissance in Italy. I had never heard of Simonetta Vespucci before reading this but since I have Googled her to see the paintings done by Botticelli. The writing was well done and flowed nicely. This is a good example of historical fiction. It has just enough history to learn from but is not filled with facts. I plan to read the author’s debut novel soon.

Lowlights: I got tired of the repetition of her being the most beautiful woman and being used to having people stare at her. It is the title of the book. It was too much. I did not need to be reminded.

FYI: Check out the artwork of Botticelli. It is amazing!

The library — a place for art!

When you think of libraries, you likely think of books, movies, and maybe even a children’s area. All could be considered a form of art. But did you know here at the Derby Public Library, our collections of art also include, well, art.

“Strawberry Fizz” was featured in an exhibit of macro photography recently in the Gathering Space Gallery.

The library has two galleries in which different forms of visual art are regularly displayed. The Gathering Space Gallery, which includes the Community Room and main entry of the library, shows several exhibitions a year, including one every spring that features students from Derby schools.

The High Wall Gallery is inside the library, in the business and genealogy area. Smaller exhibitions are displayed in this gallery, often including works from library patrons and Derby community members. Since it is a smaller space, artists with a smaller body of work also get the opportunity to exhibit.

Library records show that the Derby Arts Council was officially organized in 2010. The Arts Council is a volunteer group made up of community members who have an interest in art.

“Touching the Clouds” by Steve Marler is a quintessential Kansas photograph.

The board seeks out local artists, bringing their work into our community, allowing members of the community to expand their experience with art. The goal of the library is to encourage appreciation of and participation in the visual arts.

If you visit the library regularly, you have probably noticed the many types of artwork that have been on display. The Arts Council is pleased to be able to bring various forms of art and different mediums to the public.

One of the artists whose work has been featured is cut paper art by Angie Pickman. This piece is titled Prairie Rows.

Past exhibitions have included sculpture, abstract art on plywood, along with traditional oil paintings and photographs.

However, the Arts Council doesn’t just share the art with the community, it makes every effort to bring the artist to the community as well. Artists are encouraged to host a reception, allowing members of the community to meet the artist and learn about the art, directly from the person who created it.

A “Kaleidoscope” of Kansas artists show work in Gathering Space Gallery

The Gathering Space at Derby Public Library has a new exhibition for art lovers to enjoy, presented by the artists of the Kansas Art Guild. Installed this past week, “Kansas Kaleidoscope” will be available to view through Jan. 9, 2017.

Oil painting titled Leather Boutique by Janet Butler — “Leather Boutique” in oil by Janet Butler

Seventeen Guild artists have brought 57 pieces of artwork to share with visitors to the Gathering Space Gallery. Including mediums such as watercolor, oil, and acrylic painting, and pen and ink and pastel drawings, these works engage the eye and capture the imagination. Each artist brings his or her own energy and talent to the work, and visitors can spend a few minutes or an hour, enjoying the variety and detail presented.

Oil painting titled A Secret Place by Dixie Mills — “A Secret Place” in oil by Dixie Mills

The Derby Arts Council will be hosting an artists’ reception 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, in the Community Room. Light refreshments will be served and the public is cordially invited to attend.

More information about the Kansas Art Guild is available on its website at www.kansasartguild.com. Questions regarding purchase of artwork can be directed to Tami English, Derby Public Library, 788-0760.

Photographers offer “A View of the Seasons” in library’s High Wall Gallery

“The Deer Hunter” photography by Barney Tul

Local photographers Bill Fales and Barney Tull have put together a series of their photographs that promise to bring smiles and warm hearts. The exhibition, “A View of the Seasons,” is a treat that will be up through the holiday season.

The exhibition includes 13 photographs that will be on display through the first week of January 2017. While both men have exhibited their work at the library on other occasions, their work can also be seen in locations throughout Derby, including the Venue at Madison Avenue Central Park, City Hall, and the Derby Recreation Commission.

More works by Fales, a Derby police officer, can be found on his website, www.coastalplainsimages.com. Tull, who retired from the Army and from Boeing, offers photography classes through the Derby Recreation Center.

“Autumn Waterfall” photography by Bill Fales

Both men can often be spotted at public events in Derby, capturing the highlights and energy of whatever celebration they are attending.

Please stop by the High Wall Gallery when you visit the Derby Public Library and enjoy “A View of the Seasons.” Photo prints are available for sale from both artists, and more information regarding purchase is available by contacting Tami English, Derby Public Library, 788-0760.