McGRATHPR.com – The James Library & Center for the Arts, Norwell’s historic community arts center and lending library, presents a winter season of music, art, and literary programming, serving the South Shore community, at 24 West Street, Norwell. The James is also home to a beautiful 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.
~ Winter Entertainment and Events Schedule ~
Holiday Songs History and Sing-a-long: Peter Golemme
Monday, December 1, 1 to 3 pm
James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West Street, Norwell
Admission is free, donations gratefully accepted
Local piano player Peter Golemme, raised in Norwell, offers a presentation and sing-along featuring some of the most beloved Christmas songs and carols. Peter talks briefly about the origins and background of each song, many of which have a local connection, and then the audience will be invited to sing along to his piano accompaniment. Lyric sheets are provided, no vocal talent required! Just bring your Christmas spirit and enthusiasm!
A lifelong pianist, Peter studied with notable teachers, explored classical and popular styles, and made a living in the ’70s performing solo gigs in resorts and lounges. Later on, balancing music with a day job, Peter continued performing regularly in Boston for several decades.
Exhibit: Business and Friendship In Art
On view December 12 through January 16, during business hours
Opening Reception: Friday, December 12, 6 to 8 pm
James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West Street, Norwell
Admission is free, donations gratefully accepted
These five artists began with a common bond: each was a student of Catherine Kehoe at MassArt. In 2019, Artists Susan Ahearn, Tish Miller, Doron Putka, Andrea Rex, and Elissa Yanover decided to stay connected through weekly Zoom meetings. What began as a way to maintain momentum in their painting quickly grew into a space for friendship, encouragement, and the sharing of ideas.
From these conversations, they began planning future workshops to attend together. Often, they reconnected at summer programs through MassArt New England, sometimes in the same class, sometimes simply sharing work and experiences afterward. Beyond workshops, they continued to meet at museums, galleries, and art association shows, exchanging feedback and support as their individual styles evolved.
Over time, busy schedules and the fatigue of virtual meetings made their gatherings less regular. Yet the foundation they built remains strong. Their friendship endures, as does their commitment to supporting one another and celebrating both shared histories and distinct artistic journeys.
Piano Concert: Laszlo Gardony
Saturday, December 13, 7:30 to 9 pm
James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West Street, Norwell
Admission: $40 adults, $30 for seniors, $10 for students, available at jameslibrary.org
Internationally acclaimed Boston-based jazz pianist and composer Laszlo Gardony is one of the most expressive and technically skilled pianists working in jazz today. “A formidable improviser who lives in the moment” (JazzTimes), Laszlo Gardony has performed in 27 countries and released 14 albums on the Sunnyside, Antilles, and Avenue Jazz labels during his distinguished decades long career.
Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, Gardony has been noted for his “fluid pianism” by The New York Times, and the legendary Dave Brubeck called him “a great pianist.”
Laszlo Gardony’s recordings and performances convey the joy of inspired creation; they draw on a deep well of emotions, a prodigious technique, and a playful curiosity that thrives on creating music that is truly alive in each unique moment.
A Professor of Piano at Berklee College of Music – who also teaches at Harvard University’s Jazz Combo Initiative, Gardony continues to divide his time between composing, recording, concerts, and teaching, and he remains, above all, committed to living an inspired, truthful, and productive life in music.
Art Unplugged: Zines of the James with The Spare Studio
Saturday, January 10, 2 to 4 pm
James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West Street, Norwell
Admission is free
Art Unplugged is a FREE hands-on, immersive art series open to all, no experience needed. Come explore, create, and connect in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
A zine is a small, handmade booklet—part soapbox, part art piece, part rebellion. In this workshop, we’ll make zines for The James that shout, whisper, and scribble about why it matters. You’ll help pull the James out of obscurity and into the hands of new visitors, with a few surprises baked in. Wanna be part of a secret that spreads through Xeroxed paper and punk spirit? Come zine with us. Generously sponsored through a grant from The Levitate Foundation.
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 11 to 1 pm. For more information, please call 781-659-7100, visit jameslibrary.org or follow The James Library 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 11 to 1 pm. For more information, please call 781-659-7100, visit jameslibrary.org or follow The James Library on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
