Derby Public Library plans creative program for kids

DERBY - Children ages 8-11 are welcome to join the fun at Derby Public Library for Let’s Get Creative at 3:45 p.m. March 4.

This newly introduced program is a get together for those interested in the latest loom craze of creating jewelry using bands.

Participants may bring along their own loom and bands although the Library will have a limited supply on hand.
Browse through the Library’s collection of books featuring great designs for loom projects and more.

Registration is requested.
For more information or to register, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.


This is a press release from Sue Sherman, children's librarian, Derby Public Library.

Derby library seeks to spark creativity with Legos

    DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites children ages 4-11 to use their creative talents and stir their imaginations during Lego Time sessions at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 18 and at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 23.

   Children with all levels of building skills are welcome to come by for this drop-in program which will take place twice a month.
   There is no fee to attend and all building materials will be provided.
   The masterpieces will remain on display in the Children’s Room for everyone to admire.

   For information, call the Children’s Room, 203-736-1482, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.


This is a press release from Sue Sherman, children's librarian, Derby Public Library.

Portraits paint story of Sterling Opera House

On Derby Day Saturday members of the Valley Arts Council unveiled a dozen portraits of some of the stars who performed at the stately Sterling Opera House on Elizabeth Street in Derby. The building, built in 1889, was used as a theater until 1945.
The portraits now grace the windows facing Elizabeth Street and the Green, as well as those on side doors that face a walkway.

A $1,000 grant from the Valley Community Foundation funded the project.

Here Valley Arts Council vice president Steve DiRienzo of Derby stands next to his creation, an oil and acrylic painting of the legendary band leader John Philip Sousa, who wrote several patriotic marches, including "Stars and Stripes Forever."
His band played at the opera house in the early 1900s.

DiRienzo said Sousa, garbed in a bright red band uniform, may have been the inspiration for the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper character on the cover of their 1967 album, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."
He said the tuba-like musical instrument called the sousaphone was named after Sousa, and the person who may have been the first to manufacture the sousaphone was named J.W. Pepper. Coincidence? Who knows?

DiRienzo said, "It's an open-ended exhibit geared to draw attention to the building." He said he'd like "to eventually have (the portraits) in the gallery, and have a reception for the artists." 

Shelton artist Len Grayeck stands next to his painting of the legendary comedian George Burns, who performed on the opera house stage in the glory days of vaudeville.
Behind him is a fabulous fiber-art portrait of Burns' beloved wife, Gracie Allen, created by Shelton fiber artist Karen Loprete.

Grayeck said Burns' round eyeglass frames and cigar "are almost iconic." He said he chose to capture Burns' look from the 1980s.
"I like the fact that he did it all," Grayeck said. "He started in vaudeville, went to radio, and then did TV and films." 

The project took about six months, from concept to installation last week, DiRienzo said. 

These 12 portraits created by 11 artists (council president Rich DiCarlo who came up with the original idea created two) are truly outstanding.

They're definitely worth a trip to downtown Derby to see!
This exhibit almost makes me want to get some paints and try my hand at dabbling on canvas. Almost.

Since the artwork will be up for awhile, I plan to photograph the rest of the photos and share them here at a future date. Stay tuned.

Derby poetry reading, part deux

The Valley Arts Council held its first poetry reading last Saturday evening at the Gallery@37 in downtown Derby.

Here are some photos from the event taken by arts council vice president Steve DiRienzo of Derby.

Norma Jean Moore of Seymour reads one of her poems.

New Haven artist Floatin' Fred gestures as he talks to the audience.

Artist Dara Nelson emcees the event.

My husband and I both enjoyed listening to the talented poets as they shared their work. Maybe next time I'll share a poem or two. Maybe...

Poetry reading at Derby gallery draws small but supportive crowd

Jen Mandeville of Seymour reads a poem. Patricia Villers/Register

 
On Saturday my husband and I attended a poetry reading at the Valley Arts Council's Gallery@37 in downtown Derby. It was a success; audience members were supportive of all those who read. I'd venture to say it was the first of what will undoubtedly be a series of readings open to poets and writers of all ages.

I applaud those brave souls who shared their work.

I happened to be at the impromptu planning session for the gallery's first poetry reading back on April 20. I was there to take a photo of two of the arts council members, President Rich DiCarlo and gallery administrator BillieJo Scharfenberg, sitting in the near-darkness. The gallery's electricity had been turned off because the non-profit organization couldn't afford to pay the bill. The story appeared in the paper, and the power returned a few days later. I'm happy to report that the arts council received some generous donations from the community to boost its coffers.

Saturday's poetry reading featured Seymour High School senior Jen Mandeville. She had read some of her heart-wrenching poetry to a few of us gathered there that April Friday. That's when the idea for the poetry reading was conceived.

Jen is a talented young woman. She writes from the heart and listeners can feel her pain through her words.


I admire anyone who can not only pen a poem, but who can also get up in front of a group and read it aloud.  
Kudos to all those who did just that Saturday night. I'm looking forward to the next poetry reading, and I'll be sure to give people plenty of notice about when it's scheduled. Stay tuned.