Berne Library Notes for Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Meet Sandra Mengo, self-taught artist. Twenty-seven of Sandra’s creations are currently hanging for your viewing pleasure on the art wall in the community room of the Berne Library now through Nov. 30.
Art has always been a hovering interest for the artist. Especially after going on a field trip, with her school’s French club, to a Chicago art museum. Viewing famous works by Van Gogh and other post-impressionist painters grabbed the young girl’s attention.
In Sandra’s words, “I was drawn to the bold colors and the energy that seemed to radiate from the paintings. There was a wildness about them that was electrifying.”
Sometimes skipping school and heading back to the city to commune further with the great works of art housed in various museums, Sandra was smitten.
Life choices eventually brought her to Africa. She met her husband there and, after a bit of time, they moved back to the States. Time traveling forward, Sandra needed a distraction from her high stress job.
Canvas, oil paints, and capturing outdoor scenes became her distraction on weekends.
After retiring, Sandra dove deeper into the painting life and went on to join the Schenectady Art Society, a group dedicated to finding platforms for members to display and sell their art. The society also challenges its member artists to reach beyond their comfort zone.
“The Art Society has helped me grow as an artist,” noted Sandra.
On your next library visit, check out the variety of Sandra’s art on the walls. From palm trees, to starry night scapes, to waterfalls and streams, you will be drawn in.
Coming up
These events are unfolding soon through your library:
— Monday, Nov. 15, at 6:30 p.m.: Medicare Basics, a program presented by Senior Services of North America will be held in the community room. Alyssa, a licensed insurance agent with the group, will head up the discussion on Medicare beneficiary options. Bring your questions and leave with answers;
— Nov. 20, from 1 to 3 p.m.: Meet and experience hands-on drawing tips from Ira Marcks, local author, illustrator, and creative genius. Marcks is offering a workshop for 8- to 14-year-olds, illuminating the graphic novel creative process. Kindly register for this special opportunity being held at the Senior Center located at 1360 Helderberg Trail in Berne by calling 518-872-1246; and
— Knit Wits are on the calendar for Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. in the community room. Get hooked in, include your projects and bring a few yarns.
Friends want your
help for the holidays
Look for the Friends sock tree in the library. Bring in your new-sock donations to hang on the tree. All contributions will be distributed to local charities in need.
Also from the Friends, add your literary comments or art to foam cutouts available at the circulation counter. Your embellished cutouts will help decorate a tree sponsored by the Friends in the Festival of Trees event run by the Helderberg Family and Community Organization.