Colorful Day at the Carnegie Branch

by John Byrne –

Rainbows, portraits, stars, trees, and owls as well as free flowing bursts of color filled the Albany Public Library’s Carnegie Branch Saturday, August 9, when the Albany Public Library Foundation hosted the second of the four August Arts programs it is presenting at the Carnegie.  This session featured watercolor painting.

Over sixty participants ranging in age from two to eighty created dozens and dozens of paintings with the assistance of Cheryl French, a local artist.  All the necessary materials were provided by the Foundation.

Tables were set up (and properly covered) on the main level of the library and in the children’s room and in the two teen rooms downstairs.  There were adults and kids at all the tables and volunteers circulated to provide any missing supplies and to change the water buckets used to clean the brushes.

The results varied enormously as some participants went for the free flowing approach and others kept the paint under tight control.  Cheryl French provided tips to assist either approach.  Three of the resulting pictures are provided below.

Many of the youngsters mixed painting with playing with the toys in the children’s area or reading the picture books.

A good time was had by all.

The third of the August Arts series at the Carnegie, Saturday, August 16 will feature making small sculptures that can be taken home for baking to harden them.  Instruction and all the necessary materials will be provided by the Albany Public Library Foundation.  Don’t miss it!