McGRATHPR.com – The James Library & Center for the Arts, Norwell’s historic community arts center and lending library, presents a fall season of a variety 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.
~ Fall Entertainment and Events Schedule ~
Works by Brenda M. White Henriquez
Opening Reception: Friday, September 6, 6 to 8 pm
On View: September 6 through October 5
James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West Street, Norwell
Admission is free, donations gratefully accepted
Brenda M. White Henriquez is an award-winning local artist from Norwell, Massachusetts. With a BS in Biological Sciences from Cornell University, White Henriquez is uniquely equipped for observing and understanding the intricacies of the natural world. This scientific foundation seamlessly translates into her oil paintings, where she excels in capturing the subject’s subtleties with incredible precision. Through meticulous brushwork, Brenda captures the nuances of nature and everyday life, offering viewers a new look into their world, transforming the mundane into captivating. Through her dedicated attention to detail, everyday objects metamorphose into stunning focal points. White Henriquez’s works have been shown nationally and internationally and are in many private collections.
First Lady Fashion, Presented by Cathy Phillips
Tuesday, October 8, 1 pm
James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West Street, Norwell
Tickets: $10
Explore the evolution of United States’ first lady fashion in this engaging presentation. Discover how these women’s clothing choices have become symbols of cultural shifts and national identity, reflecting societal expectations, political climates, and changing roles throughout history. From Jackie Kennedy’s elegance to Michelle Obama’s contemporary flair, each first lady has left a mark on fashion and cultural norms. Gain insights into what their attire represented beyond aesthetics—empowerment, diplomacy, or advocacy—and speculate on the future directions of first lady fashion as it continues to shape American values and aspirations.
Cathy Phillips is a former staff member at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of UMass Boston and has presented courses on art, documentary film, and podcasts. Cathy started designing and sewing her own clothes in her long-ago teens and, although she currently lives in yoga pants, she adores the styles of others.
Fall Juried Art Exhibition – Showcasing the best in local and regional art
Submission Deadline: Sunday, September 29
Opening Reception: Friday, October 18, 6 to 8 pm
On View: October 18 to November 23
James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West Street, Norwell
Admission is free, donations gratefully accepted
Juror: Makayla May, Curatorial Associate, Modern and Contemporary Art at The Art Institute of Chicago
Sponsored by Frame Center of Hanover and the Cordelia Family Foundation
The James Library’s “Fall Juried Art Exhibition” will be juried by Makayla May, Curatorial Associate, Modern and Contemporary Art at The Art Institute of Chicago. Prospectus coming August 1. Deadline for submissions is Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 11:59 pm. Only online entries will be accepted. Entries are open to all mediums, cash and prizes will be awarded to winners. For more information and a prospectus, visit jameslibrary.org. Accepted entries will be announced on October 6, 2024.
Lysander Piano Trio
Saturday, October 26, 3 pm
James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West Street, Norwell
Tickets: $35 general admission, $30 seniors, $20 students
*A limited number of free tickets for seniors are available, courtesy of the Cordelia Family Foundation
Sponsored by the Chilman Fund
Join the Lysander Piano Trio at the James for an afternoon of Beethoven, Clarke, and Schumann. The Lysander Piano Trio has spent over a decade performing around the US. Praised by The Strad for its “incredible ensemble, passionate playing, articulate and imaginative ideas and wide palette of colors” and by The Washington Post for “an uncommon degree of heart-on-the-sleeve emotional frankness” and “vivid engagement carried by soaring, ripely Romantic playing.” The group has developed a reputation for exciting programming, finding creative ways to connect well-known masterworks with pieces by lesser-known and underrepresented composers, discovering common threads across cultures and times. The Trio’s debut recording After A Dream (CAG Records) was acclaimed by The New York Times for its “polished and spirited interpretations.” Its most recent album, Mirrors, featuring world-premiere recordings of six works the ensemble has commissioned or premiered, was released in early 2021 by First Hand Records.
Halloween Traditions in Boston, Presented by Author and Historian Anthony Sammarco
Thursday, October 24, 7 pm
James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West Street, Norwell
Tickets: $20, general admission, $10 students
*A limited number of free tickets for seniors are available, courtesy of the Cordelia Family Foundation
Noah Webster identifies Halloween as “October 31: observed especially with dressing up in disguise, trick-or-treating, and displaying jack o’ lanterns during the evening.” Concise and correct, but it is so much more than just an evening. It is really a state of mind and an excuse for merrymaking, revelry, and masquerade by both children as well as adults. Halloween, short for All Hallow’ Eve, has its origins dating back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, the Celtic New Year’s festival. All Hallows really means “summer’s end” and the festival celebrated the end of the harvest season and the coming of winter. Out of this tradition, the jack o’ lantern is associated with the Irish folk tale of Stingy Jack, a clever drunk and con man who fooled the devil into banning him from hell, but because of his sinful life, could not enter heaven. After his death, he roamed the world carrying a small lantern made from a turnip with a red-hot ember from hell inside to light his way.
Many people think of Halloween as a truly American holiday. In some ways it really is, because of its recent popularity growth. Despite that surge, its roots are Celtic-European. Americans began to dress in costumes and go from house to house asking for food or money, a practice that eventually became today’s “trick-or-treat” tradition. In the title “Halloween Traditions in Boston,” Anthony Sammarco discusses the history of the Salem Witchcraft Trials which caused such tremendous anxiety and fear and the deaths of many innocent people in Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1692, to the decorating of Beacon Hill as a veritable neighborhood of whimsy, with macabre skulls, bones, and cobwebs, to pumpkins and lighted jack o’ lanterns.
Toddler Halloween Morning at The James
Tuesday, October 29, 10 to 11 am
James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West Street, Norwell
Admission is free, donations gratefully accepted
Sponsored by the Susan M. Decker Fund for Children’s Literacy
Join us for a spook-tacular Toddler Halloween Morning at the library, where little ones can enjoy a themed storytime filled with fun and not-so-scary tales. Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes as they participate in a Halloween craft station and a lively sing-along session. Tasty themed snacks will be provided to keep everyone energized, and each child will go home with a festive goodie bag. This event is perfect for toddlers and their caregivers to celebrate the season in a safe and joyful environment.
Out of this tradition, the jack o’ lantern is associated with the Irish folk tale of Stingy Jack, a clever drunk and con man who fooled the devil into banning him from hell, but because of his sinful life, could not enter heaven. After his death, he roamed the world carrying a small lantern made from a turnip with a red-hot ember from hell inside to light his way.
Many people think of Halloween as a truly American holiday. In some ways it really is, because of its recent popularity growth. Despite that surge, its roots are Celtic-European. Americans began to dress in costumes and go from house to house asking for food or money, a practice that eventually became today’s “trick-or-treat” tradition. In the title “Halloween Traditions in Boston,” Anthony Sammarco discusses the history of the Salem Witchcraft Trials which caused such tremendous anxiety and fear and the deaths of many innocent people in Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1692, to the decorating of Beacon Hill as a veritable neighborhood of whimsy, with macabre skulls, bones, and cobwebs, to pumpkins and lighted jack o’ lanterns.
Mama Steph Music, Movement, and More!
Saturday, November 9, 11 am
James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West Street, Norwell
Admission is free, donations are gratefully accepted
Bring your little ones to the James and join Stephanie Chase for traditional music, puppets, sing-a-longs, smiles and lots of laughs. This show is best for children up to seven years of age. Stephanie “Mama” Chase is an accomplished musician, singer, songwriter, entertainer and craftsperson. As Mama Steph she has a vast and loyal audience throughout the South Shore, with well attended and appreciated performances. She has published three albums of her original music, with thousands of copies sold.
A South African Perspective on Racism ~ presented by Stewart Ting Chong
Thursday, November 14, 7 pm
James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West Street, Norwell
Admission is free, donations are gratefully accepted
Norwell resident Stewart Ting Chong shares his experience growing up in South Africa and his work in the anti-apartheid movement. Please join us for this important, fascinating, and enlightening presentation.
Concert: Hanneke Cassel + Dave Wiesler | Keith Murphy + Yann Falquet
Saturday, November 16, 7:30 pm
James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West Street, Norwell
Tickets: $35 general admission, $30 seniors, $20 students
Sponsored by Owens Corning Basement Finishing Systems and South Coastal Animal Health
Effervescent and engaging, Boston-based fiddler Hanneke Cassel’s fiddle music fuses influences from the Isle of Skye and Cape Breton with Americana grooves and musical innovations. Her music is a blend of the contemporary and traditional, described by the Boston Globe as “exuberant and rhythmic, somehow wild and innocent, delivered with captivating melodic clarity and an irresistible playfulness.” For this duo project, Hanneke joins forces with pianist Dave Wiesler who has built a national reputation for his rhythmic and innovative piano playing, and his sensitive accompaniment of dance music, choruses, and soloists. Hanneke and Dave have played together for over 20 years, recorded together on six albums, and have toured the East coast of the United States and across France, performing concerts and playing for Scottish Country Dances.
Keith Murphy and Yann Falquet are masters of contemporary Celtic guitar, representing the compelling textures, harmonies and rhythms that the guitar has brought to traditional songs and instrumentals since the Celtic music revival in the 1970s. As singers, they bring a rich blending of the Franco and Anglo song traditions. Falquet comes with a wealth of songs from the French-Canadian tradition. He is probably best known for his work with the Quebecois trio, Genticorum, with whom he has been a driving force since the group’s inception. Murphy is a highly respected traditional singer and brings a song repertoire filled with gems from his native Newfoundland as well as Quebec and his current home, Vermont. He was a founding member of the groundbreaking trio, Nightingale.
Heavenly Holidays Fundraiser: An Evening of Spirit Messages with Lori Sheridan
Friday, November 22, 7 pm
James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West Street, Norwell
Tickets: $50 general admission
Experience the magic of connection this holiday season with Psychic Medium Lori Sheridan. Hope, healing, and love come together for one unforgettable evening at The James Library & Center for the Arts’ intimate setting. Join Lori for a night of uplifting mediumship messages and spiritual connections that will leave you feeling comforted and inspired. Limited to 90 guests. Secure your seat now for a truly memorable experience. As always, Lori will share as many messages with as many people as possible during the time allotted, but while every effort is made, not all guests will receive a message. All ticket sales are final. Don’t miss this extraordinary night of hope, healing, and heartwarming messages from the Other-Side.
Lori Sheridan is a professional psychic medium and spiritual teacher dedicated to helping others make healing connections through mediumship. Her ability to deliver highly evidential messages of love and comfort from the Other-Side with compassion has brought hope to individuals, families, and audiences of all sizes. She is a certified medium for the Forever Family Foundation and a contributing author to the book Signs & Synchronicities. She is also the owner of Hope Ethereal, a spiritual center in Norwell, Massachusetts. She believes love and life are eternal. Learn more at www.LoriSheridanMedium.com.
2024 Featured Artist Jake Basso
The James Library’s new public art project features new works created and installed monthly on The James’ grounds, viewable to the public. Throughout 2024, large scale sculptures created by local Artist Jake Basso are installed monthly.
Jake Basso is an interdisciplinary artist living in Norwell, who creates sculptures, drawings, paintings, and poetry. His abstract and figurative sculptures are made from reused materials that he collects at construction and industrial sites.
Jake is a graduate of Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design. His work has recently been featured at the Brickbottom Gallery in Somerville, the James Library’s gallery, and at South Shore Art Center in Cohasset. Follow @JakeBassoArt on Instagram.
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.
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.
