McGRATHPR.com – The James Library & Center for the Arts, Norwell’s historic community arts center and lending library, presents a summer 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.
~ Summer Entertainment and Events Schedule ~
Exhibition: Madeleine Lord
Friday, May 1 through Saturday, June 13
Opening Reception on Friday, May 1, 6 to 8 pm
The James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West St., Norwell
Admission is free, on view during business hours
jameslibrary.org/tickets/solo-exhibition-madeleine-lord
Enjoy large woodblock prints in a solo exhibition by Artist Madeleine Lord in the Concert Hall, inspired by instruments and the musicians that play them.
Madeleine Lord is a multidisciplinary artist whose oeuvre includes drawing, painting, woodcut prints, monoprints, photography, and animation as well as metal sculpture.
Madeleine majored in art at Smith College, where Leonard Baskin taught print making and professor Elliot Offner stated if you can’t draw you can’t make art. Her career has spanned decades; her first public work “Revolutionary Figures” was installed at Fort Washington Park, Cambridge, MA in 1987.
Scott Ketcham The Wild Iris: Paintings Inspired by the Poetry of Loise Gluck
Friday, May 8 through Saturday, June 13
Opening Reception: Friday, May 8, 6 to 8 pm
The James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West St., Norwell
Admission is free, on view during business hours
jameslibrary.org/tickets/scott-ketchum-the-wild-iris-paintings-inspired-by-the-poetry-of-loise-gluck
Artist Scott Ketcham is a prolific and evolving painter with over 30 years of experience. He is a Professor of Visual Arts at Massasoit Community College and holds a BA from Williams College and an MFA from Johnson State College. He has been a pupil of William Schultz, Clement Micarrelli, Andrew McMillan, and many others.
Ellis Island and Genealogy Research with Seema Kenney
Tuesday, May 12, 1 to 3 pm
The James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West St., Norwell
Admission: $10
jameslibrary.org/tickets/ellis-island-and-genealogy-research
Who was processed at Ellis Island and what did that involve? How did the Legislation of Immigration affect Ellis Island? Join genealogist Seema Kenney as she discusses the history of the island, other inspection sites, and of immigration to our country.
Seema Kenney started in the business of genealogy after completing the Genealogical Research Certificate Program at Boston University’s Center for Professional Education in 2010. She continued her education via ProGen and NIGR in 2012. Along the way, she joined several genealogy societies, attended local conferences, and enjoyed several webinars.
Kenney is a wife, mother of three boys, and entrepreneur. She started exploring her family history during high school. Her paternal family roots go deep into Colonial New England, especially Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maine. Her European roots include English, German, and Swedish. DNA has recently added a branch to my family tree from The Netherlands.
Keeney’s other hobbies include puzzles and needle arts projects, and she holds a BA in Spanish & Social Science and a BS in Management Information Systems/Business Administration (MIS/BA).
Children’s Storytime
Fridays May 29 through June 26, 11:30 am to 12 noon
The James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West St., Norwell
Admission is free, no RSVP necessary
jameslibrary.org/tickets/childrens-storytime
Children’s Storytime is perfect for toddlers and caregivers. Explore our Children’s room and enjoy a morning of reading fun!
Art Unplugged: Off The Grid, On The Wall with The Spare Studio
Saturday, May 30, 2 to 4 pm
The James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West St., Norwell
Admission is free
Reservation required, register at: jameslibrary.org/tickets/art-unplugged
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.
There’s a lot of paper waste in this world. From junk mail to school worksheets, every household deals with the guilt of having to throw paper away. In this Art Unplugged, The Spare Studio will teach us about simple homemade paper making. We’ll get a chance to create our own paper and create a beautiful piece that will hang in the James Library for all to enjoy. Suitable for all ages, so sign everyone up in the family!
James Book Club: An Unfinished Love Story – A Personal History of the 60’s
Wednesday, June 10, 7 to 8:30 pm
The James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West St., Norwell
Admission is free
jameslibrary.org/tickets/firstladies-9zyz8-2ygpj-xwad3-eslzn
This unforgettable novel puts human faces on the Syrian war with the immigrant story of a beekeeper, his wife, and the triumph of spirit when the world becomes unrecognizable.
The James Library’s Book Club is a self-directed group of dedicated readers who meet monthly at the James unless otherwise noted. If you are interested in learning how to become involved, please email rbilling143@gmail.com for more information.
Art Unplugged: Paper Lanterns
Saturday, June 13, 4 to 6 pm
The James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West St., Norwell
Admission is free
Reservation required, register: jameslibrary.org/tickets/art-unplugged-m27w4
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. For this June session, create bamboo and paper star-shaped lanterns with Liz Helfer.
Exhibition: 4 Seasons: Paintings by Daniel Lloyd-Miller
Friday, June 26 through Friday July 31
Opening Reception: Friday, June 26 6 to 8 pm
The James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West St., Norwell
Admission is free, on view during business hours
jameslibrary.org/tickets/4-seasons-paintings-by-daniel-lloyd-miller
Artist Daniel Lloyd-Miller is a painter of two faces: toying with motifs of structure in-studio, and representational plein-air paintings outside.
Originally from Vermont, he attended MassArt for his bachelor’s degree in fine art and School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) for his graduate studies. He has exhibited across multiple states in various solo and group shows and currently operates out of Somerville, painting and teaching at Middlesex Community College and Rhode Island School of Design Continuing Education.
About The James Library & Center for the Arts
Housed in a landmark 1874 Victorian building in the heart of Norwell Center, the James Library & Center for the Arts (the James) is a non-profit cultural hub dedicated to inspiring the community through the arts. As a unique hybrid of a lending library, a professional concert hall, and a contemporary art gallery, the James provides high-quality cultural experiences that are educational, entertaining, and enriching for all ages.
The James Library is located at 24 West Street, Norwell and is open to the public Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 5 pm, and on Saturday, 11 am to 1 pm. For more information, call 781-659-7100, visit jameslibrary.org, or follow The James Library on Facebook and Instagram.
