Celebrate MLK Day at the library

Thursday, January 14, 2010

GREENCASTLE -- In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Putnam County Public Library will be hosting MLK Days -- a series of mini-art sessions. The focus of the series is the MLK Open Art Show in March, where self-portraits created by local residents will be on display.

"These self-portraits can be words, symbols, collages, drawings, paintings, mixed media or photography," said PCPL program coordinator Rajean Gallagher. "Even jewelry can be a strong statement of who you are and how you relate to where you live."

The only requirement is for the portraits to be 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches in size. The self-portrait doesn't have to be a work created for this event, but could be something from years ago. However, it can be created at home using any type of computer program or editing or other mechanical means, as long as it is an original work of art.

"The self-expressive works collaged together, all equal in size, speaks to King's message of equality, community, diversity and peaceful communication," Gallagher said.

The self-portraits will be collected through the end of February and all submitted works of art will be returned following the art show. Anyone interested in creating a self-portrait can also do so at PCPL during open art sessions.

Sessions will begin Friday from noon to 5:30 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the Kiwanis Room at PCPL. A final session will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 30 with two more planned in February.

"I would be happy to stop by classrooms or agencies and show examples and provide materials to work with," Gallagher said.

For questions about this event or to become more involved, contact Gallagher at 653-2755 ext. 113 or e-mail rajeang@putnam.lib.in.us.

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