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Did you hear about our writing contests?
Reference Librarian Helen Hokanson says:
"Oh, the writing contests are GREAT!"
Are they? Are they "really" great? And if the Writing Contests are really great, just how great is "really" great? We ask the hard hitting questions in this investigative episode of Did you hear? We get answers! Can you handle the truth?
Showing at Shawnee: Fally Afani
Fally Afani’s music photography captures the electric energy and urgency of the Kansas City and Lawrence music scenes. Her love of live music prompted her to focus her energy on working with local musicians and connecting them with the community. On any given night, you can find her covering concerts in Lawrence, Kansas City, or music festivals across the nation.
Her award-winning journalism, which now spans 15 years, has been featured in magazines, newspapers, and television stations across Kansas. She has received several Kansas Association of Broadcasters awards as well as an Edward R. Murrow award for her online work in journalism.
Meet her on June 20th at Shawnee »
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What comes first – the medium or the message?
The Message.
What do you feel is your role as an artist?
My art runs parallel with journalism, and journalism is a community service. I am here to show what the musicians around me are capable of as performers, and how it engages audiences here in Kansas and even beyond because of our online presence.
What influences your practice/works?
I grew up in a country where media was mostly censored. When I moved to the U.S., I was limited to living in a small, rural area of Kansas. My only access to explore the music scenes I so desired were magazines. So much happens in an entire concert, but only one second from it gets captured in a photo to show you the extent of the activity involved. These photos define the opposite of stagnant, presenting an entire world of opportunity to music lovers who desire to live within that moment.
Who are the other artists you look to for inspiration?
Lately I’ve been enjoying concert photos from journalists who cover the East Coast hardcore music scene, such as Angela Ownes and Farrah Skeiky.
What other writings do you recommend reading to have a better understanding of your artworks and your art practice/process?
Above all, you must follow women and people of color. White men have covered the music scene for far too long and have made it an absolute bore.
The P.R. Wreuster Murder
Have you heard of the P.R. Wreuster Murder of 1911? It is a legend that has faded with time, but was once the talk of the town. Read the thrilling tale at JoCoHistory »
Did you hear about our exhibitions?
We get so thrilled about our art exhibitions at many of our locations. But when one of those artists—especially one that is as interesting and talented as Sterling Witt—is coming for a Meet the Artist visit, we get downright elated! Listen to the latest episode of Did you hear? We talk exhibitions, Sterling, and ... Love?
Meet the Artist: Sterling Witt
Wednesday, July 18
Lackman Library
This Week at the Library
This week at the Johnson County Library...
Poetry and Prose Tuesday, Jul 17, 6 pm @ Central Resource Library
Storyteller Priscilla Howe at two different locations and times on Wednesday, July 18
Wizard Rock with the 8th Horcrux at two different locations and times on Wednesday, July 18
Meet the Artist: Sterling Witt Wednesday, July 18, 6:30 pm @ Lackman Library
Movie in the Park Friday, July 20, 8 pm @ Electric Park in Lenexa and Santa Fe Commons Park in Overland Park
All this and more - plus plenty of fun for kids and the whole family!
Did you hear that storyteller Priscilla Howe is coming?
In this episode of Did you hear?, Youth Services Librarian Dennis Ross talks about his favorite storyteller, Priscilla Howe who will be visiting Wednesday, July 18 at two of our locations!
Library Night at the K
The libraries of greater Kansas City have once again teamed up with the Kansas City Royals to score big for the libraries’ annual summer reading programs. On Tuesday, July 24, the Royals will host Library Night at The K as they take on the Detroit Tigers, and a portion of every ticket purchased through Johnson County Library's ticket link will go toward our 6 by 6: Ready to Read early literacy program, Homework Help, and tutoring services.
Prior to the first pitch, all six libraries will host pregame celebrations outside Gate B with a variety of activities and giveaways including:
- The chance to meet Mid-Continent Public Library’s mascot, Marty the Martian, and see the Library’s Reading Rocket, a mobile early literacy unit. Attendees can also pick up an “I ♥ MCPL” royal blue wristband, while supplies last.
- Cooling towels, bubbles, and candy from North Kansas City Public Library
- Baseball and library trivia to win prizes with Olathe Public Library
- Fans and bookmarks from Johnson County Library
- Free book giveaways (children’s and adult), a bean bag toss game, a selfie station, and reading recommendations from Kansas City Public Library
In addition to the pregame celebrations, beloved children’s entertainer Mr. Stinky Feet will perform in the Outfield Experience between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m., including his signature hit, “Rockin' the Library.” From the time gates open until the second inning, the libraries will have tables with more activities and giveaways in the Outfield Experience, and members of the libraries’ executive leadership teams will also be recognized before the players take the field. The National Anthem will be sung by Olathe Public Library Indian Creek Branch Manager Bob Miller.
Library Night at The K also marks the launch of KCPT’s Great American Read here in Kansas City, and representatives from the local PBS station will share information about the celebration before the game. During The Great American Read, participants can cast their vote to find out what our city’s and our country’s favorite books are.
Across the Kansas City metro, these six library systems collectively serve more than 1.8 million people via 62 branches, five mobile units, and 17 other service locations. In fact, the more than 9.7 million visitors to all of these libraries over the past year would have filled Kauffman Stadium 257 times.
“When you are Raised Royal it’s all about ballparks, batters, bases, and books,” said Sean Casserley, County Librarian at Johnson County Library. “It’s what makes Kansas City great!”
Now on Exhibit at Leawood: Evin Felix
Evin Felix finds inspiration everywhere. In a time when we are bombarded with images of ugliness, violence, and destruction, her goal as an artist is to depict the natural, understated beauty that still exists in our world. Many of her paintings are renderings of photos that she has taken at home and abroad. Whether it's a boat resting calmly on a glassy sea or a quiet expansive landscape, Evin strives to artfully depict feelings of peace and beauty in her work.
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What comes first – the medium or the message? Tell me a little about the work that will be on view.
For me, I’d say that the medium comes first. I often paint from photos or life, in a more traditional style. So my biggest challenges are laying down the paint in a way that I accurately depict a scene or translate an emotion to the viewer. Even this abstract series was painted from medical pathology slides, so it is based in reality to a degree. I take some artistic liberties with colors, textures, and composition; but technically, it’s still representational. I usually don’t have a deeper message to my art, in hopes that the viewer sees it and it moves them to feel their own emotions. I feel like it's a successful piece if the viewer can connect with it emotionally.
What do you feel is your role as an artist?
I feel like my role as an artist is to find beauty in the world, and depict it in my art so that others may experience it as well.
What influences your practice/works?
It is simple: my artwork is influenced by my observations. My practice of art was intensely influenced by my mentor and father Mark Schuler. He was an illustrator and painter, and taught me a lot about observing, techniques, etc. On a day to day basis, I think my peers at the InterUrban ArtHouse inspire me and challenge me to push harder.
Who are the other artists you look to for inspiration? And what about their works do you like?
I love so many artists. From classical painters to contemporary painters, and everything in between. I’m currently loving Mark English, Rich Bowman, Carla Bosch, and Carol Marine just to name a few. Of course, I also find inspiration from my mentors and teachers Mark Schuler and Amy Trachtenberg. With all of these talented artists, I find myself drawn to their use of color, their
brushstrokes and their interpretation of value.
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Learn more about Evin Felix's work here: http://www.evinschuleroils.com/
Did you hear Dreamgirl1?
Did you hear about our partnership with the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center? We're hosting some pretty amazing local live music for you this summer! Check out our calendar chock-full of great acts! Did you miss our first featured artist Dreamgirl1? No worries! You can listen to the full performance in this podcast episode. And, don't miss our second performance in the series: Olathe-based hip-hop artist Duncan Burnett this Friday! But, if you can't make it for some reason, we've got your back. We'll post an audio recording on Did you hear?