The Bad Art Night participants with the worst art absconded with their less-than-masterpieces before we thought to get a photo. But below are the top contenders for “Good” Bad Art–sometimes we are just too good to be bad, no matter how hard we try. The bluebird was the final winner in the “good” category. Thank you to all who participated–we hope to do it again soon!
Too good to be bad
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John Singer Sargent
Reading Strapless (alt+library’s September 21st book club selection) has me longing to see some of Sargent’s other marvelous paintings again–like El Jaleo and The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit. Take a look at www.garndermuseum.org and www.mfa.org for more information about each of these paintings. Since we probably can’t all fly to Boston to indulge in a little Sargent fix, try visiting our own Crocker Art Museum–currently hosting a splendid exhibit: Transcending Vision: American Impressionism 1870-1940. The Crocker will be ending their exhibit with a visit from Deborah Davis, author of Strapless.
Hope to see you at The Coffee Garden at 7:00 p.m. on the 21st to discuss Sargent, Madame X, and Strapless! –Lori
El Jaleo, John Singer Sargent, at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum--www.gardnermuseum.org
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Hometown Pride
We love our town here at alt+library, which is why we’ve spent a lot of time this summer embroidering postcards in its honor. If you haven’t made it to any of the Embroidered Postcard events, here is a little guide to stitching your own:
Supplies: embroidery floss, awl, embroidery needles, cardboard scrap, cardstock, scissors, glue, image.
You can start by printing a nice old fashioned looking postcard back onto perforated cardstock. We use Staples Matte White Postcards–$21.99 for 200 cards–we’ve made a lot of cards this summer. Remember to save half the cards for your blank postcard fronts. Or skip this completely and just cut out a rectangle of nice sturdy cardstock in the color of your choice.
Now, take an image you like the look of (we recommend starting with something with lots of straight lines if you are new to embroidery) and place the image on top of your blank cardstock (leave those fancy backs to the side for now). With the image and the cardstock on top of a piece of cardboard, use your awl to make an outline of your image. Depending on how detailed your image is this can take a while–give your wrist a shake if you get tired. There is a nice satisfying crunch each time you poke through the cardstock into the cardboard. If you don’t have an awl you can use a needle–but that is even more tiring. 
You now have a pattern for your project. Using a back stitch or stem stitch (of sorts), follow the outline you’ve made. Take a look at Jenny Hart’s Sublime Stitching for some embroidery basics and marvelous patterns.
Viola! A postcard you will probably want to frame:
And if you don’t want to frame it–glue one of the postcard backs on (or just plain cardstock)–and mail it to someone you really like.
You still have one more chance to stitch with us:
Franklin Library: Tuesday, August 30th at 6:30.
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A truly great library contains something in it to offend everyone. ~Jo Godwin
As well as something to attract everyone! There is always something to enjoy at the library. Which is why we started our alt+fitness series. For those who haven’t yet heard, alt+fitness encompasses programs like Punk Rock Aerobics, Punk Pilates, Hair-obics, and Heavy Metal Yoga. One of the best quotes overheard as someone was walking out? “I’ve never been so SWEATY in the library!” These program have been well attended and a lot of fun for the participants and the organizers. Using Grooveshark, a playlist creation website, we’ve been able to put together a variety of selections, choreograph exercise moves and rock out in the library. For reference, the previous playlists can be accessed here:
The next program will be an all-new punk rock aerobics, held at the South Natomas Library (2901 Truxel Rd) on Wednesday August 10th at 6:30p. This program is free and open to patrons who are 18+. alt+library: where more than just a novel’s plot will get your heart racing!
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