Berne Library Notes for Wednesday, September 8, 2021
Three women artists — Joan Johnson, Nancy Murphy, and Betsy Whitlock — have their work displayed at the Berne Library.
Marshall spilled up the driveway, waving The Altamont Enterprise, nearly losing his crocs in a puddle midway to the back door.
“Sally, paper’s here!” he helloed in as he reached for the handle.
Sally watched his approach and pulled the door open just before he did. He stumbled in. Sally caught him and they laughed.
“Sorry, Marshall. I couldn’t help myself,” Sally said as she pecked him on the cheek. He smiled and hugged her. “I’ve got tea ready,” said Sally. “Let’s sit in the sunroom and you can read through the great happenings at the library this week.”
“Sounds good, Sally.”
Settling in after a sip, Marshall flipped to the library pages.
Sally leaned back with her teacup in hand.
“The new art display in the community room is anchored and ready for viewing. Eleven pieces all together, from three different artists: Betsy Whitlock, Joan Johnson and Nancy Murphy.”
“Three of them, huh? That’ll be nice,” said Sally. Sally loves the art wall at the library.
“It says Betsy Whitlock grew up on a farm near Lake Champlain and then went to college at Albany State where she took a few art classes from Ed Cowley. At the time, he was the only teacher and she really learned a lot. He was a wonderful teacher.”
Marshall glanced over at Sally and she nodded with an audible “Hmmm.”
“When Betsy travels, she always takes her art supplies. Using watercolor and oil, she enjoys painting outdoor scenes and people. She likes gardening, has been avidly making art since retiremen,t and this is the first time she has hung her art in the library space.”
“I wonder how long she’s been retired?” Sally murmured. Marshall looked at her, shrugged and continued on.
“Joan is a watercolorist and enjoys doing outdoor scenes. Every summer, she visits Maine and gets together with some artist friends to relax and paint. Joan and Betsy take painting classes in Schoharie each year. That is until COVID came along.”
“Nancy got into taking art classes while living in South Carolina. After moving back to Altamont, she tried her hand at collage painting. It’s been a satisfying fit for her.”
“They sound like interesting ladies. Let’s visit the library tomorrow and check out their display, OK Marshall?” asked Sally.
Marshall nodded.
“There’s just a couple more things. The Berne Sunday Book Club is meeting at 7 p.m. on Sunday, September 12. Diane Chamberlain’s 2019 novel ‘Big Lies in a Small Town’ is September’s read. It’s set with two timelines, 2018 and 1940, in Edenton, North Carolina. Secrets, maybe a murder and definitely a mystery to unravel.”
“Keeping an eye on next weekend, the Incredible Heldercon is on the 18th at the Berne Park.
“There’s a bike ride at Corning Preserve on the 19th and Knit Wits are back on the schedule starting the 19th.”
“I now feel inspired to rejuvenate my sewing project after hearing that,” Sally added, smiling.