All units of the NYPL will be closed July 4.
Since April 5th, the Jefferson Market Library has been hosting a series of watercolor classes for twenty adults, all aged 55+. This course, led by teaching artist Josh Millis, is funded by a grant from Lifetime Arts. The participants have been working on paintings inspired by Jefferson Market and other Village landmarks. This week, I spoke with students Leo, Judy, and Noreen, all regular patrons of Jefferson Market, to find out what they are enjoying about the class so far.
What made you want to take a watercolors class?
Noreen: To see if I had any aptitude for painting — the verdict is still out on that! But, I am learning something new at each session.
Judy: The chance to do something I've never attempted before.
Leo: Curiosity, and to learn more!
Have you painted before? 
Leo: I did paint, off and on when I was a teenager. I've just been getting back into it and learning new things!
Noreen: I've done Chinese brush painting, which is a totally different technique, and pencil drawing, at which I was awful!
What have you enjoyed most about the class so far?
Noreen: Finding out how to mix colors and how difficult it is working in watercolor. Gives me a new appreciation for all the art I've seen.
Judy: Having the chance to experiment in a totally non-judgmental atmosphere!
Thank you Judy, Leo, and Noreen!
If you would like to see the wonderful artwork being produced by these and other watercolor students, please join us for a gallery opening and reception May 31st from 3:30-5:30 pm.
Creative Aging in Our Communities: The New York City Libraries Project, a program of Lifetime Arts Inc., is generously supported by the Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, with additional support from the Laura Jane Musser Fund, and is administered in partnership with Brooklyn Public Library and New York Public Library. 
July. NYPL Art and Architecture Collection.
One of 700,000 pictures in the NYPL Digital Gallery
Comments
Kudos for Noreen, Judy, and Leo
Submitted by Brigid Cahalan on April 20, 2012 at 11:18 PM.
It's great that you all "took the plunge" into (or back into) the art world. I admire you, and can't wait to see your works of art at the exhibition!
Art Shows In NYC
Submitted by Geraldine Nathan on April 26, 2012 at 5:46 PM.
The art work exhibited in your blog is very lovely.
The one at the top, which resembles both a church and
the Jefferson Market Library is particularly beautiful
and serene.
In years gone by there was an art show in Greenwich Village
called the Washington Square Art Show. It was an exhibit
of many artists, some quite renowned and some beginners,
but all of them showing a real venue of hope for the
art world. I was wondering if the Washington Square
Art Show still exists. It usually started in May or June.
If anyone knows any information about this, please put it
in this blog.
Many thanks. Also, thank you for the wonderful blogs
written by the library bloggers. They are quite
amazing!
Blessings to you and yours!
Geraldine Nathan
I think it's great that
Submitted by Jacqueline Lambert on April 29, 2012 at 11:28 PM.
I think it's great that libraries encourage the participation in the library of older adults. 'You're never to old to learn' is true here. I hope more and varied programs are encouraged for older patrons.
Thank you!
Submitted by Corinne Neary on May 2, 2012 at 11:53 AM.
Thank you everyone for your wonderful comments! I hope you can make it to the culminating event for this class - May 31st from 3:30 to 5:30.
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