Berne Library Notes for Wednesday, October 2, 2019
“Cosmic Lady Walking” is by Simona Bortis-Schultz. Her artwork is now on display at the Berne Public Library.
The new Friends Art exhibit by October’s featured artist, Simona Bortis-Schultz, is in the building.
Bortis-Schultz, hailing from Romania, emigrated to America with her family when she was 8 years old during Ronald Reagan’s administration. Originally landing in Arizona, she continued her education after high school at a college in the Pacific Northwest. As far back as she can remember, drawing has been an integral part of her life. She has a finger callus to prove it.
After college, Bortis-Schultz moved with friends to New York City where she found work and met her future husband. She has been a design professional and illustrator for over 20 years working on lettering projects for brands like Nike and movie projects such as “UTurn.” The artist eventually settled here in Berne to raise a family and continue her passion for creating art.
After honing in on a certain idea or concept in her head, she uses a combination of textures to make the idea come alive visually. Drawing comes first, using water colors and/or acrylics and then scanning and using computer programs to create a layered look of textures and shadows.
Bortis-Schultz says her relationship with expressive imagery seen in Eastern European posters of historical interest can be credited for bolstering some of her artistic callings.
When asked about other blasts of inspiration, Bortis-Schultz replied, “I’d have to say I am always looking, thinking, and studying life. If you are curious and interested, ideas are sparked and flow in copiously.”
Please swing in and view October’s artwork display by Simona Boris-Schultz for a peaceful and relaxing experience. You can also visit and learn more about the artist at www.figure8design.net.
Book Discussion
On Sunday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m., the Berne Sunday Book club gathers around the table to discuss and ponder over “Some Luck” by Jane Smiley. Part of a trilogy called the “Last Hundred Years”, “Some Luck” walks you through the first 33 years of the Langdon’s growing family with their roots on an Iowa farm.
Story time
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh. Look for story time gliding into view at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Just like an owl in the throes of picking up dinner. Gliding down noiselessly with razor sharp focus.
Silently yet skillfully the half hour bumps alive with stories, movement and a craft. This week, the young ones 5 and under will be scavenging the library for Owls hidden among the stacks after hooting for the owl story offerings. Welcome to the storyboard fans, it’s owl time.
Dealing with High Blood Pressure
As Tuesday shifts toward evening, adults are invited to an informational meeting on healthy ways to address high blood pressure. Lurking silently in the background, high blood pressure, known medically as hypertension, affects 1 out of 2 adults. Many having this health issue can be clueless of their situation. Most people exhibit zero signs.
Sometimes hypertension may be a result of other medical conditions such as kidney disease. Either way, presenters Tricia Bulatao, RDN and Selethia Garcia from the Albany County Department of Health will be at the library October 8 at 6:30 p.m. to share ways to get the beast under control. Sign-up to reserve your spot for Get Healthy: Stay Healthy with simple lifestyle changes within your reach. Questions? Call the library at 518-872-1246, check program details on the website: www.bernepubliclibrary.org or look on the library’s Facebook page.
Trustees meet
The monthly Library Trustees meeting will convene at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10. All are welcome to attend this public meeting.
Escape Room
A Teen Escape Room is planned for Friday, Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m. Take on the challenge awaiting you at the library. Grab your friends, make a plan and escape the zone before time runs out. Please call or sign-up at the library.
Food Item Collection
Another program underway is the “Great Give Back” culminating on Oct. 19. The library will be collecting non-perishable food items now until Saturday the 19th. Bring your donations to the library during open hours and be a supporting leg of this community effort.