WESTFIELD — The Westfield Memorial Library continues to offer a wide range of programs through June. The library is located at 550 East Broad Street.
On Monday, June 29 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., the newest Artist-in-Residence Shen Rosen presents a painting class for adults. In this workshop, participants will choose colors of different values that they would like to recreate in an image of their choice (example images will be provided). Ms. Rosen will teach the importance of values in painting, while also allowing participants to feel free of the pressure to create something too ‘realistic.’
Ms. Rosen is a 21-year-old artist from Westfield, now based in Plainfield, whose work uses painting to process and express deeply felt emotions. She has written that her paintings emerge from a visceral, pre-verbal space, transforming lived experience into raw visual form.
During Ms. Rosen’s residency, she will have studio hours on-site, Mondays and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and teach a workshop for children (grades 46) on July 11. Her artwork can be seen at the library from now until the end of July.
On Tuesday, June 30 from 10:30 a.m. to.12:00 p.m., “Paintings of the American Revolution” will be presented by Mallory Mortiallaro, art historian and educator. People know the story of the Revolutionary War, but much of their understanding is colored by the way the war is depicted by artists.
Paintings of the American Revolution have been essential in the way that the war was understood, both at the time of the conflict and for generations after. This lecture will explore well-known paintings such as Emanuel Leutze’s Washington Crossing the Delaware, John Trumbull’s Declaration of Independence, and Asher Durand’s The Capture of Major André.
Mallory Mortillaro is an art historian and educator. As a researcher, she consults for private collectors, museums, and organizations in the New York metropolitan area, with a primary focus on provenance research. Her discoveries in the art world have garnered her international attention. A popular lecturer, she has presented more than 400 art history lectures to audiences around the country.
The Lion’s Roar Brewing Company at 519 Westfield Avenue, Westfield will be the site of the library’s first “Bring your own Book” Book Chat on Wednesday, July 1 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. People are invited to grab their favorite book (or books!) and come join in at this social hour to talk about their favorite reads. Though the program ends at 8:00 pm, participants are welcome to stay and continuing chatting after. Parking is available at 360 Watterson Street.
On Thursday, July 2, the monthslong series of the “Fundamentals of Tai Chi with Gang Huang” continues from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. These classes, which run on Thursday evenings through September 24 unless otherwise indicated, must be registered for individually, and each builds upon skills learned in the previous week.
Tai Chi, an ancient practice that originated in China, is proven to boost both mental and physical health. It’s also proven to promote balance and prevent falls; relieve depression, Parkinson’s disease, dementia; and reverse disease progression in osteoarthritis.
Tai Chi helps with insomnia, hypertension, and fibromyalgia and is often referred to as “Meditation in Motion.” Huang leads a hands-on session to work on Tai Chi fundamentals such as joint health, standing meditation, weight shifting and balance, and Tai Chi walking.
He is one of the formal disciples of Master Yang Jun, who is the direct descendent (sixth-generation) of Yang Cheng Fu and of Yang Lu Chan, the creator of Yang Style Tai Chi. Huang is an authorized instructor of Yang Family Tai Chi Association and is currently teaching Tai Chi classes in Bridgewater.
Westfield Memorial Library is a public library dedicated to providing free and equitable access to information, resources, and cultural experiences for residents of Westfield and the surrounding community. Through innovative programming and responsive services, the library advances literacy, lifelong learning, and civic engagement.
Visit the library’s website at wmlnj.org to register for events, sign up for a library card or learn more about library programs and resources. The library is located at 550 East Broad Street and hours are Monday – Thursday 9:30 a.m. 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday 1:005:00 p.m. The library will be closed Friday, July 3 and 4 for Independence Day.
