The Friends of The Verona Public Library, with the assistance of Tena Mancini of The Artist Frame Gallery in Verona, have purchased and installed a professional hanging system in the Jack Foley Room in The Library, converting it to a permanent gallery for the display of professional and amateur art. This gallery was 100% funded through donations made to the Friends by their members, as well as proceeds from the annual Friends book sale, held in early December.
“We are very happy to continue to position the Verona Library as a destination for local art, entertainment and culture,” commented Cheryl Ashley, director of The Library. “The addition of an art gallery gives our patrons another reason to visit with us.”
The first photography exhibition will be of the award-winning nature works of Janet Markman. A Caldwell resident of more than 20 years, Ms. Markman has always been fascinated with nature. Her true creative passion, observing and photographing birds, has expanded to include other flying creatures–notably picturesque butterflies and moths, and captivating photos of trees, flowers, landscapes, as well as other intriguing creatures. Besides being an active member with the Essex Photo Club, the Montclair Bird Club, National Audubon Society, and the New Jersey Audubon Society as well as local historical societies, Ms. Markman has served as the Official Photographer for the Borough of Caldwell for the past five years, and is also an Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of The Caldwells.
A selection of her work will be on display at the new Verona Public Library throughout the month of October. A special reception will be held on Monday, October 19, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. where members of the community will be able to meet the artist.
According to Christine McGrath, president of the Friends of The Verona Library, “Now that the Verona Public Library has the system in place to showcase hanging art we invite local artists to contact us so we may schedule solo, multi artist, or theme shows in the future. We will welcome art from children’s classes as well as middle and high school students as well.”
Interested artists may contact “The Friends” by emailing [email protected].
