August Teen Programs: Stretch Yourself @ Your Library

Teen T-Shirt Crafts Recycle old t-shirts by transforming them into new things! We'll be making t-shirt pillows, bags and necklaces. Bring your own shirt or use one provided by the library. Wednesday, August 15 at 7:00 pm in the second floor Teen Area. Grades 6-12.

Mother-Daughter Book Club, Thursdays in August September Join us on Thursdays, August 16 and September 20 at 7:30 pm in the second floor Teen Area for the Mother-Daughter book club. Registration is required. Please call Liz, the Teen Librarian, at 617-796-1380 or email teens@newtonfreelibrary.net after July 19 for the name of book for the August meeting. Ages 12-15.

But Is It Art? The Art of Illustration and its Art-Historical Sources

by: Kristin Angel

In a lecture titled But is it Art? The Art of Illustration and its Art- Historical Sources, Nick Clark, Chief Curator of the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, will explore the relationships and what are often direct correlations between picture book art and the canon of the history of art. Mr. Clark will speak about the connection between Eric Carle and Henri Matisse, Ferdinand Leger and Franz Marc and Maurice Sendak's debt to Albrecht Dürer. Through these explorations he will underscore the thesis that truly great artists of all genres are deeply steeped in the tradition of art, and that great illustration is great art. The program will take place on Tuesday, August 14 at 7:30 pm.

Nick Clark is the founding Director of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and now serves as its Chief Curator. He has held posts at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D. C., the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia and was Instructor in Art and Director of the Lamont Gallery at Phillips Exeter Academy. While at the Chrysler, he was co–curator of the exhibition Myth, Magic and Mystery: One Hundred Years of American Children's Book Illustration, which resulted in a book of the same title. Mr. Clark received his PhD in Art History from the University of Delaware.

Discovering Boston Harbor Islands

The Boston Harbor Islands were recently named as a Top 10 Urban Escape by National Geographic. According to Christopher Klein, author of Discovering the Boston Harbor Islands: A Guide to the City's Hidden Shores, each island has something different to offer. From wartime ruins to camping and scenic views, the islands have something for everyone. Join him on Thursday, August 23 at 7:30 pm for a talk about the history and heritage of these local gems. The program will be followed by a book signing with books provided by New England Mobile Book Fair.

Christopher Klein is an author and freelance writer specializing in history and travel. He is a frequent contributor to History.com and the travel pages of The Boston Globe.

Computer Classes

Stop by the library and sign up for a free one-session computer class in Internet, PC Basics or other topics. For more information call 617-796-1380 or see class schedule.