McGRATHPR.com – The James Library & Center for the Arts, Norwell’s historic community arts center and lending library, presents a spring season of a variety of music, literary programming and art gallery events serving the South Shore community at 24 West Street, Norwell. The James is also home to a beautiful community art gallery featuring the works of local and regional artists for monthly gallery openings and exhibits. Visitors are welcome to attend the openings, or view the works on display during business hours.
~ Spring Entertainment and Events Schedule ~
Valentine’s Desserts Party
Friday, February 9, 7:30 to 10:00 pm
Tickets: $45 in advance, $50 at the door
A benefit evening of decadence, the Valentine’s Desserts Party showcases “boutique” bakers and confectioners noted across the region for their elegant presentations of fine quality desserts featuring the latest in gourmet sweet trends. Spirits and entertainment abound from businesses and musicians from across the South Shore. Guests enjoy mingling with friends over a vast array of delectable treats, fine wines, craft beer and smooth jazz. Attendees have the chance to win original, one-of-a-kind artwork, fine wine and liquor, gift certificates to some of the South Shores finest bakeries and restaurants and other great items! Step into the nostalgic sweetheart photo booth to capture a memory of your night. Proceeds benefit The James’ annual fund, which supports its mission of inspiring creativity, learning and an appreciation for the arts through music, visual, and literary programs. Sponsored by Jennifer and Mark McGreenery.
Art Gallery Opening: We the People
Group Invitational Show
Friday, February 16, 6 to 8 pm
Admission is free, donations gratefully appreciated
On view February 16 through March 14
Curator William Houser describes this group exhibition as a timely exploration into the chaotic and rapidly changing political environment in which we all are collectively living in. With the current political and social consciousness now changing by the hour thanks to the immediacy of social media, artists are constantly challenged in creating work that remains relevant as we are living in times where a simple tweet can change the public’s perception on what is relevant within moments. This exhibition reflects the hopes, feelings, fears and expressions of over twelve distinct and accomplished artists. Artists participating in this exhibit include work by emerging, local and national artists with some works yet to be created in anticipation to creating work as timely as possible. Artists included are: David Lee Black, Stephanie Roberts-Camello, Aldous Collins, Virginia Fitzgerald, Ray Genereaux, Larry Guilmette, Laura Harvey, the late David Lang, Kimberley Majury Albanese, Stephen Sheffied, Alison Silva and Christina Zwart.
Till all the Seas Gang Dry
A concert by Friends in Song A capella Ensemble
Friday, February 23, 7 pm to 8:30 pm
Admission is free, donations gratefully appreciated
Friends in Song a capella vocal ensemble presents Till all the Seas Gang Dry, a concert from its spring performance tour featuring light concert repertoire of tunes originating from the British Isles and the Celtic tradition, including ballads and contemporary selections.
The group of 14 singers, many professional musicians, has performed across the region for eight years, recognized for their tightly woven harmonies and joyous concerts. Vocalists reside on the South Shore and Cape Cod, featuring Diana Barnes, Larry Carlson, Caroline Chapin, Carol Cybulska, Brian Dudley, Todd Herrmann, Lynne Hare, Chris Holl, Kate Holl, Anne Jones, Dan Miot, Michelle McGrath, Music Director William B. Richter and Sally Tucker.
Mondays at the James
Religion Today: Cultivating Tolerance While Upholding Our Differences
with Reverend Leanne Walt
Monday, February 26, 7 pm
Admission is free, donations gratefully accepted at the door
With the prevalence of religiously-inspired violence in the world, it is natural to want to locate commonalities and patterns among major world religions. However, there are very real differences in beliefs and practices among major world religions. True tolerance and hope for peace rests not in saying that all religions are basically alike but in understanding the unique features of history, belief and practice characteristic of the major world religions.
Are there patterns among the major world religions? What is their relationship to one another? What do they have to say to the world at large? What do they have to say to us?
Rev. Leanne Walt serves as Lead Pastor of United Church of Christ, Congregational in Norwell.
Winifred Horan and Friends
Saturday, March 10, 7:30 pm
Tickets: $25 Adults, $22 Seniors, $10 Students
Irish fiddler extraordinaire Winifred Horan brings her signature flare to the James with an evening of lively Celtic music. Formerly of Cherish the Ladies and Irish traditional music group Solas, Horan has traveled the world entertaining audiences with her fierce mastery of the fiddle and incredible vocals. Join us as she and a few surprise guest musicians entertain us all night long! Sponsored by Colburn Guyette, the Kearney Family, and The Tinker’s Son.
Art Gallery Opening: Home
Sculpture by Gillian Christy
Friday, March 16, 6 to 8 pm
Admission is free, donations gratefully appreciated
On view March 16 through April 18
Inspired to create artwork based on the familiar objects that one may view on a daily basis, Gillian Christy uses the term “Connectors” to describe prevailing themes that she explores, while considering elements in our built or natural world that connect home with one’s everyday surroundings. “My interest lies in recreating intricate architectural forms that hold details which illustrate a narrative. Most recently I have been depicting events in my life, focusing on my place in society as a women and mother. I have been inspired by the beauty and mystery found in the seasonal growth of a budding plant as metaphor for personal growth. I set out to express our worldʼs interconnectedness between home, nature, and one another.”
Immerse yourself in the music of Franz Joseph Haydn!
Alison Barr and Janna Bruene present on Haydn’s life and music
Lecture/Recital on Friday, March 30, 7 pm
Admission is free, donations gratefully appreciated
Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) was a central figure in the growth and development of the mature Classical style, in particular the forms of the symphony, sonata, and string quartet. Known as “Papa” Haydn, he was mentor to Mozart, teacher of Beethoven, and, during his lifetime, was considered Europe’s most famous composer. His music is filled with delight and depth of spirit, inventiveness, unpredictability, and humor. No charge, but donations at the door to support the Steinway piano are welcome.
Mondays at the James
How to Tell a Five-Minute Slam-Dunk Story
with Andrea Lovett
Monday, April 2, 7 pm
Admission is free, donations gratefully appreciated
Come and enjoy a fun and thoughtful workshop to cultivate a story based on personal experience into a performance. Participants learn how storytelling differs from theater, stand up, or twisting balloon animals. You will explore the art of storytelling through guided sense memory, writing, performance, individual and group exercises. Participants will leave with a personal, ready-to-tell story for a stage or in a group, a packet of handouts and a sense of accomplishment. Andrea Lovett is the co-founder of the award winning nonprofit organization Massmouth. She has taught and performed stories nationally and internationally. Lovett is currently a teaching artist for Young Audiences of Massachusetts. She believes stories and storytelling help create strong, healthy and connected communities.
Story Slam: Siblings and Roommates
Friday, April 13, 7:30 pm
Hosted by Andrea Lovett of South Shore Story Slam
Admission: $20, $10 for students
Have a five-minute story about siblings and roommates? Share your true story in front of our audience. Submit your name to tell your story; ten lucky names will be drawn to share their stories and prizes will be awarded. Cash bar. Everyone has a story. What’s yours? Sponsored by Karen Mullaney, CPA and U.S. Wealth Management.
A limited number of free tickets for seniors are available courtesy of the Cordelia Family Foundation. Please call 781-659-7100 to reserve.
Art Gallery Opening: EKLEKTIKOS
The artistry of Ray Genereux
Friday, April 20, 6 to 8 pm
Admission is free, donations gratefully appreciated
On view April 20 through May 16
Works by Ray Genereux are a culmination of a journey of discovery and imagination. His inspirations are found in color, themes or statements either profound or random in their simplicity. Like the writer who starts with a word, Ray starts with an image. The final story for a writer is expressed in words; his story is displayed in images.
Ray’s work is a fusion of old and new, of photographs, quotes, scans, shapes, objects, and typography digitally woven together. His work is a mix of pop fusion, and he describes his work as sometimes “elegantly haphazard,” “whimsical,” “indiscriminate,” and “thought provoking.”
Books in Bloom
Opening Preview Party: Friday, April 27 from 6 to 9 pm, tickets are $25
Exhibit: Saturday, April 28 from 10 am to 2 pm
Admission is free and open to the public, donations gratefully appreciated
Welcome spring! The James is overflowing with creative flower arrangements based on the themes of favorite book titles. Attend the festive benefit party on Friday night featuring live music, light fare, a cash bar, and spectacular displays. The Books in Bloom exhibit is open to the public on Saturday, a perfect harbinger of the season. Sponsored by Cavanaro Consulting, HUB International, and Image Resolutions.
Art Gallery Opening: C’mon Get Happy
The artistry of Kimberley Majury Albanese
Friday, May 18, 6 to 8 pm
Admission is free, donations gratefully appreciated
On view May 18 through June 13
Kimberley Majury Albanese is an award-winning monoprint artist whose bold, colorful pop art has appeared in over twenty regional shows in New England. With a passion for mixed media and a crush on Andy Warhol, Kimberley’s works invite viewers to escape the everyday, get lost in a paradise of rich color, and (c’mon) get happy.
For more information about The James Library’s programs and events, please call 781-659-7100, visit www.jameslibrary.org or follow our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About the James Library & Center for the Arts
Since 1874, The James Library has served the South Shore community as a warm gathering place. Housed in a landmark Victorian in historical Norwell Center, The James is dedicated to serving the community by providing high-quality programs, resources and materials through a concert hall, art gallery and the operation of a free lending library. As an independent, non-profit arts center we foster a mission for the creation, appreciation and enjoyment of the arts for residents of all ages on the South Shore, while preserving the historic character of our home. The James Library is located at 24 West Street, Norwell and is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 5 pm and on Saturday from 10 to 1 pm. For more information, please call 781-659-7100, visit www.jameslibrary.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
