McGRATHPR.com – The James Library & Center for the Arts, Norwell’s historic community arts center and lending library, kicks off the holiday season and winter with festive events, programs, and an exhibit 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.
Fall Juried Show ~ showcasing the best in local and regional art
Deadline for submission: Sunday, October 29
On view from Friday, November 17 to Saturday, December 16
Opening Reception: Friday, November 17, 6 to 8 pm
James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West Street, Norwell
Admission is free, donations are gratefully accepted
The James Library’s fall show is juried by Misty Flores, Assistant Curator, Rienzi, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The exhibit accepts online entries only, open to all mediums, cash and prizes will be awarded to winners. Accepted entries will be announced on November 5, 2023. For more information and a prospectus, visit jameslibrary.org. Sponsored by The Frame Center, Cordelia Family Foundation, and the Norwell Chamber of Commerce.
Best Books of 2023 for Children at Buttonwood
Thursday, November 30, 6 to 7:30 pm
Buttonwood Books & Toys, 747 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Cohasset
Former Inly School librarian, author, and national book reviewer Shelley Sommer, together with Buttonwood Books’ Manager Kristine Jelstrom-Hamill, present their top picks for holiday gift giving! This event is free and all are welcome. Sponsored by Buttonwood Books & Toys and the Susan M. Decker Fund for Children’s Literacy.
Laszlo Gardony Jazz Trio ~ with John Lockwood, bass, and Yoron Israel, drums
Saturday, December 9, 7:30 pm
James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West Street, Norwell
Tickets: $35 adults, $30 seniors, $20 students
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. Gardony has performed in 27 countries and released 14 albums during his distinguished, decades-long career. As the winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, Gardony has been noted for his “fluid pianism” by The New York Times. The legendary Dave Brubeck called him “a great pianist.” His 14th album, “Close Connection” was released in December 2022 on Sunnyside Records. Sponsored by Coastal Heritage Bank, Karen Mullaney, CPA, and Michael and Kathleen Vital. Note: A limited number of free tickets are available to seniors, courtesy of a grant from the Cordelia Family Foundation.
Italianate Architecture on the South Shore and Beyond ~ with Architect Jim Kelliher
Tuesday, January 23, 1 pm
James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West Street, Norwell
Admission is free, donations are gratefully accepted
Local architect Jim Kelliher discusses the Italianate style of architecture, a distinct 19th-century phase in the history of classical architecture. First developed in Britain by John Nash about 1802, it launched with the construction of Cronkhill in Shropshire. This small country house is generally accepted to be the first Italianate villa in England, from which is derived the Italianate architecture of the late Regency and early Victorian eras. The Italianate style was further developed and popularized by the architect Sir Charles Barry in the 1830s. Barry’s Italianate style drew heavily for its motifs on the buildings of the Italian Renaissance, though sometimes at odds with Nash’s semi-rustic Italianate villas. Sponsored by Axiom Architects.
For more information about programs and events, please call 781-659-7100, visit jameslibrary.org or follow The James Library & Center for the Arts 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 us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
