RS Library Hosts "Women in Art" Series

For several weeks, patrons from the Cove and surrounding areas have been gathering at the Roaring Spring Community Library to learn about female artists and recreate their artistic styles. On Aug. 14, the quiet basement art room was bustling with patrons of all ages excited to learn about the life and art of Frida Kahlo, a Mexican artist known for her vibrant self-portraits and distinct artistic style.

"In this program participants celebrate the diverse creativity of famous women artists and share ideas about what is seen in their artworks. Then, based on each artist's innovative techniques, participants will create their own masterpieces," Library Director Michelle McIntyre said in a press release.

Library Volunteer and Artist Julie Manherz of Roaring Spring is teaching the program. Her background includes training in numerous art forms, and she used to teach various art classes, including some on a military base in Italy.

Manherz has volunteered for the library off and on for years. Her daughter had volunteered there about 10 years ago when she was in school, and ended up staying to work for the entire school year. Manherz has picked up more volunteer hours in the past 6 months especially. She initially helped to bring art to the library with its "make and take" program. "Make and take" art kits include all the materials and instructions necessary for their respective art and craft projects and can be picked up inside the door of the library. Initially, the projects were geared towards younger patrons, but the program ended up drawing adults, as well, so she has expanded the offerings. With fall and winter on the horizon, she said there are many potential make and take projects on the horizon.

When the library received a grant from the Hollidaysburg Area Women's Club for the Women in Art program, McIntyre recruited Manherz for the job. Patrons can sign up and complete a project related to the artist being studied each week. They come and learn a bit of biographical information about each artist, explore her techniques, and then put them to practice. At the end of the program, they receive a book about the relevant artists.

Betty Martin of Roaring Spring said that she really enjoyed the opportunity to come and have an artistic outlet.

"It's fun and relaxing. You get to do something different than you normally do," she said.

Jill Rutter and her daughter Skye, 9, of Hollidaysburg, found the program via the Library's Facebook page and came to enjoy it together.

"It's nice to have mixed-age activities that we can go to together," Jill said.

Skye added that she was excited to do her own color blends and paint the evening's portrait in her own way.

"It's fun," she said.

Manherz said she hopes the program continues to grow each week, along with other upcoming art opportunities at the library.

"People really like it; we've gotten lots of questions about it," she said.

Upcoming artists to be explored include Beatrix Potter, Harriet Powers and Mary Cassatt. Interested persons can call the library to register for this free program and are encouraged to check the library's Facebook page regarding other future programs.