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Memorial Day Music Monday: Americana
Julie Bennett Hume's musical journey has taken many twists and turns. A folk artist who began writing songs when she was a high school senior, Hume became grounded in bluegrass, Appalachian and Cajun music, sharpening her skills as a singer, bassist and guitarist. We're fortunate to share an interview with Hume about her life's work, her new album, the aptly titled Late Bloomer, and what inspires her.
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Please introduce yourself. Describe your music for new listeners.
Happy Memorial Day
We're closed for Memorial Day today, but our eLibrary never closes! Check out hilarious eAudiobooks to keep you laughing while you grill out, or a mystery eBook to curl up with this evening.
Throwback Potato Sack!
It's Throwback Thursday and May is National Physical Fitness month. So, potato sack race anyone? We feel there just are not enough potato sack races anymore! Do you feel the same? Or, are you one of those snooty three-legged race fans? ;) Whatever is your bag, we support you in your physical fitness pursuit. Go! Fight! Win!
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Now at Blue Valley: Juniper Tangpuz
Juniper Albert Tangpuz, a.k.a. T.J. was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. He received a BFA in Sculpture from the University of Kansas and currently works as a mild mannered studio assistant at Johnson County Community College. He is able to express his art in a range of materials, but considers paper to be his "native language". He is known for unlocking the secrets of the paper and cardboard sheet. He envisions universes where ideas compress, expand, and inspire. See more of his work on his website.
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What comes first – the medium or the message? Tell me a little about the work that will be on view.
It depends. There are two approaches when I make something. When I have a specific message I want to express then I try to keep focused and every decision is based on supporting that message. Other times, I just look at a piece of material and do some improvisational building. The work on view is a collection from different series of artworks . I picked pieces that had somehow affected the viewers in a special way.
What do you feel is your role as an artist?
It has changed and continues to change as I get older. At first, it was trying to gain an understanding of my soul. Then I felt I should be a guide who helps people get to the artistic realm.
What influences your practice/works?
I love to make things that I think should exist in this world. Most of the time I’m inspired by looking at people, places and things. I believe that most artists can see connections that most people overlook. I’ve found that some connections are absolutely absurd.
Who are the other artists you look to for inspiration? And what about their works do you like?
I’ve always liked the artists that make art from a place in there soul when they were free to play. I can always tell when it is genuine because it often has no other intention but to bring someone to happiness. I appreciate the art when I can sense that it flowed out naturally.
What other writings do you recommend reading to have a better understanding of your artworks and your art practice/process?
The Elements of Pop-up by David A. Carter
Between the Folds: A Film About Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Places
Music Monday: Musician and Artist Sterling Witt
Melodic and aggressive, abrasive and pretty, political and universal, the music of Sterling Witt has many starting points. In addition to writing catchy, rocking and thought-provoking tunes, Witt is an accomplished painter whose visual work is as vibrant as his music. His art is currently on display at our Lackman location.
Clubs for Kids
Kids! Love the American Girl Books? Want to have some fun with <b>coding</b>? Whatever you're interested in, we've got a club for you!
Drop-In Programs for Kids
Summer is supposed to be about lazy days, but don't your days fill up quickly with all sorts of plans! We know Summer can get busy, which is why we have so many Drop-In programs for kids and families. Come anytime during the event, stay for however long you'd like, and get on with your Summer!
Table Top Games
Wednesday, May 2 6 - 7:45 pm, Antioch Library
Wednesday, June 6 6 - 7:45 pm, Antioch Library
Wednesday, July 11 2:30 - 4:30, Corinth Library
Wednesday, Aug 1 6 - 7:45 pm, Antioch Library
Star Wars Takeover
Friday, June 8 2:30 - 4:30 pm, Cedar Roe Library
Library Rocks! Geology Drop-In
Tuesday, June 12 10 am - 4 pm, Spring Hill Library
Thursday, June 28 10 am - 12 pm, Blue Valley Library
Wednesday, July 11 10 am - 12 pm, Gardner Library
Friday, July 13 10 am - 12 pm, Blue Valley Library
Duplos® and Dinos
Wednesday, June 13 10:30 am - 12 pm, De Soto Library
Tuesday, June 26 10 am - 4 pm, Spring Hill Library
Thursday, July 12 10 am - 12 pm, Antioch Library
Tuesday, Aug 14 10 - 11 am, Shawnee Library
Paws on Patrol
Wednesday, June 13 10 - 11:30 am, Central Resource Library
Forts and Flashlights
Thursday, June 14 10 am - 12 pm, Antioch Library
Wednesday, June 20 10 am - 12 pm, Gardner Library
Wednesday, June 27 10:30 am - 12 pm, De Soto Library
Wednesday, July 11 10 - 11:30 am, Central Resource Library
Tuesday, Aug 21 10 - 11am, Shawnee Library
Let's Lego®
Tuesday, June 19 10 am - 4 pm, Spring Hill Library
Wednesday, July 25 2:30 - 4:30 pm, Corinth
Snap Circuits and Stixplosions
Wednesday, July 11 1 - 3pm, Shawnee Library
Monday, July 23 10 am - 4 pm, Spring Hill Library
Weather Science Drop-In
Tuesday, July 17 10 am - 4 pm, Spring Hill Library
Duplos® and Dinos and Legos®
Wednesday, Jul 25 10 am - 12 pm, Gardner Library
Tinkering Tots
Tuesday, Aug 7 10 - 11 am, Shawnee Library
Thursday, Aug 16 9:30 - 11:30 am, Cedar Roe Library
Tracks and Treasures
Tuesday, Aug 14 9:30 - 11:30 am, Corinth Library