A new art exhibition at the Ferndale Public Library celebrates literature’s ability to inspire with dazzling depictions and vivid visions of spellbound readers, and book covers real or re-imagined. “For the Love of Reading,” running from Saturday, March 2 – Sunday, April 21, is held in concurrence with “Ferndale Reads” and “The Day of Books and Roses.”
An Artists’ Reception will be held at the library on Friday, March 8, 7 - 9pm (live music by local singer/songwriter and signed author Josh Malerman).
Books elevate our ideas, they spark the imagination and they can transport us to other worlds. “For The Love of Reading,” the third proper exhibition curated by Ferndale Library’s Arts & Exhibitions Committee, explores the rewarding relationship of reader to tome and the timeless stories carried in their pages, from centuries’ old epics like Beowulf to recent bestsellers like Little Bee.
In a special nod to how formative a good book can be upon a young, inquiring mind: A special display of works by Ferndale High School Students will be in the Corridor Gallery and works by Ferndale Middle School students will be displayed in the Kids Corner.
Artwork will be in a variety of mediums (oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings), also featuring photographs and even an elaborately altered book. Contributors range from first time exhibitors to award winning artists: Nicole Burroughs, Kia Ix-chel Arriaga, Barbara Campagna, Julie Craigo, Ben DeFever, Paul Erlandson, Diane Irby, Rachel Joanisse, B.P. LeGault, Peggy Kerwin, Rick Lieder, Marco Mancinelli, Marija Makeska, Zachary McInchak, Juana Moore, Sarah Previch, Jerry Shirts, Justin Tumey and Jayde Williams.
”Ferndale Reads” is the library’s annual community reading event propping group-reading’s valuable impact of elevating the experience of a book. Copies of this year’s selection, Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut, are given away free to participants, with a schedule of special literary-themed events hosted around town.
“The Day of Books and Roses” is a library-hosted fundraising celebration inspired by “La Diada de Sant Jordi” (Saint George’s Day) on April 21st. The event features Spanish inspired foods, wine, and other treats. Michigan Authors will be reading from their work and selling their books. Friends of the Ferndale Library will use the funds raised to support FPL’s programming and events.
The Committee will not be involved in the sale of any artwork in the exhibition beyond providing interested buyers with the artist's provided contact information.
"Mounting an exhibition of art inspired by books, and linked to a series of city-wide literary events is a perfect example of how the library can contribute to the cultural life of the Ferndale community," says Patrick Dengate President, Ferndale Public Library Board of Trustees and Chaiman of the Arts and Exhibitions Committee.