McGRATHPR.com – The James Library & Center for the Arts, Norwell’s historic community arts center and lending library, presents a spring season of a variety of music, literary programming and art gallery events serving the South Shore community at 24 West Street, Norwell. The James is also home to a beautiful community art gallery featuring the works of local and regional artists for monthly gallery openings and exhibits. Visitors are welcome to attend the openings, or view the works on display during business hours.
~ Spring Entertainment and Events Schedule ~
Immersed: A Photographic Exploration of Water – Exhibit by Photographer Laura J. Cardello
Currently on display through February 15
Admission: Free, on view during business hours
Water, like emotion, is fluid, changing, ebbing and flowing. Imagery of water has long been used in literature and film to describe human experience and human emotion. Water is essential for life; it is part of each one of us, and we interact with it every day. It has the power to sustain us…or to drown us. Water can be destructive and fearsome; alternatively, it can be soothing and nurturing. Ice, steam, droplets, oceans, clouds – in many different forms, water is the perfect artistic metaphor for a wide range of emotions.
This project arises from a common theme that runs through Cardello’s photography: She hopes to take visitors on this journey with her, absorbed in emotion, captivated by water…immersed.
Smart Phone Photography for Adults (ages 18+) with Professional Photographer David Lee Black
Saturday, February 2, 11 am to 1 pm
Admission: $25 per person, space is limited
Ever wonder how to take the perfect picture of a butterfly or how to catch the light just so as it filters through the trees? What about a great candid of your friends or family? Join professional photographer David Lee Black as he shows you exactly how to capture the moment with nothing more than your smartphone. David has photographed everything from the human form to landscapes, portraits to sculpture, and has taught others all over New England and beyond how to hone their skills. Now he joins us at the James to share his knowledge and unique style with you.
David Lee Black, an award-winning photographer, references the depth of the natural world and its inhabitants with his unique vision. Conveying not only light and shadow, David imparts a sense of storytelling folklore and a timeless mythology. Evoking emotion and the sense of being connected to abandoned places almost sacred, David’s images articulate emotional truths far beyond the scope of literal meaning. Class sponsored by Image Resolutions.
Mondays at the James: Starting Your Genealogy Journey
Presented by Kristen Cabral
Monday, March 4, 7 pm
Reservations recommended at (781) 659-7100 or jameslibrary@verizon.net
Admission is free, donations appreciated
Join professional genealogist Kristen Cabral of Trading Stories as she guides you through what you’ll need to know to get started on your genealogy journey. During this presentation, you’ll learn tips on organizing and preparing for research, common pedigree/family chart structure, how to get started on Ancestry.com, and research dos and don’ts.
Kristen Cabral was raised in Canton and became interested in her own genealogy 15 years ago. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the National Genealogical Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, the New England Historic Genealogical Society, and the Sandwich Historical Society in New Hampshire. Mondays at the James is sponsored by the Cordelia Family Foundation and South Shore Music Circus.
The James Library & Center for the Arts Spring Juried Show
Juried by Beth Urdang of Beth Urdang Gallery, Boston and Wellesley
Exhibition: March 8 to April 12; Opening reception: March 8, 6 to 8 pm
Beth Urdang Gallery is one of Boston’s leading exhibition galleries focusing on contemporary American paintings, works on paper and important secondary market works of the American Modernist period (1915-1945). Prior to opening the gallery on Newbury Street in Boston in 1989, Beth Urdang graduated with a BFA and MA in Painting and subsequently worked in New York as the Associate Director of the Zabriskie Gallery and served as the Director of Jeffrey Hoffeld & Co. from 1973-1984.
After 25 years, the Newbury Street gallery has re-located to the SoWa Arts District in the Boston’s South End. The Wellesley gallery is located at 16 Grove Street. In addition to outstanding solo exhibitions of contemporary art, theme exhibitions of museum quality – often spanning the period 1915 to the present – are a unique aspect of the gallery.
For more juror and gallery info, please visit to bethurdanggallery.com. For more information on this show and how to participate, please visit jameslibrary.org. Sponsored by The Frame Center in Hanover.
Celtic Concert with Winifred Horan, Colleen Raney, and Hanz Araki-Campbell
Saturday, March 9, 7:30 pm
Tickets: $30 Adults, $25 Seniors 65+, $15 Students
Irish fiddler extraordinaire Winifred Horan brings her signature flare to the James with an evening of lively Celtic music alongside traditional Irish singer Colleen Raney, and singer and flute player Hanz Araki-Campbell. Formerly of Cherish the Ladies and Irish traditional music group Solas, Horan has traveled the world entertaining audiences with her fierce mastery of the fiddle and incredible vocals. Enjoy these Irish music all-stars as they entertain in the James’ beautiful and intimate performance hall. Sponsored by benefactors HUB International and the Monahan family, and partner Coastal Heritage Bank.
Mondays at the James: Favorites from the Great American Songbook, 1920’s – 1970’s
Presented by Jack Craig
Monday, March 11, 2 pm
Reservations recommended at (781) 659-7100 or jameslibrary@verizon.net
Admission is free, donations appreciated
Celebrate a kind of ‘best of’ songwriting by singing along with two dozen cherished songs from the American Songbook. From a few Roaring 20’s hits on to some classic Broadway and movie musical tunes . . . and even a few more modern classics, Jack Craig explores the songs that remind us of all the wonderful years of music in our lives. Mondays at the James is sponsored by the Cordelia Family Foundation and the South Shore Music Circus.
Lost Boston with Author Anthony Sammarco
Thursday, March 14, 7 pm
Tickets: $20 Adults, $10 Students; A limited number of free senior tickets are available courtesy of the Cordelia Family Foundation by phone reservation at (781) 659-7100
Join author and historian Anthony Sammarco for a nostalgic journey back in time to visit some of the disappeared buildings and places in all their grandeur, before the wrecking ball and decline set in. From the 1870s up to the present day, 68 different losses are represented here, including schools, churches, theaters, grand mansions, dockyards, racetracks, parks, stores, hotels, offices, and factories. Organized chronologically starting with the earliest losses and ending with the latest, the book features much-loved institutions that failed to stand the test of time, along with old-fashioned hotels and sports facilities that were beyond updating or refurbishment. Sponsored by benefactors Axiom Architects, Handrahan Remodeling, and Wendy and Dan Bawabe.
Mondays at the James: Collage and Mixed Media Workshop
Presented by Karen Baker
Monday, April 1, 7 pm
kReservations required at (781) 659-7100 or jameslibrary@verizon.net
Admission is free, donations appreciated
Join award-winning artist Karen Baker of Hanover as she guides you through the art of collage making. Please bring small items such as pictures, newsprint, ribbons, or other materials you might like to incorporate into your artwork. If it can be glued, it can be used! The beauty of collage is it can be whatever you wish it to be. Materials provided, but please bring small items, pictures, newsprint, or other materials you might like to incorporate into your artwork. Mondays at the James is sponsored by the Cordelia Family Foundation and the South Shore Music Circus.
Mondays at the James: Maine Appalachian Trail 100-Mile Wilderness
Presented by Dexter Robinson
Monday, April 8, 7 pm
Reservations recommended at (781) 659-7100 or jameslibrary@verizon.net
Admission is free, donations appreciated
In August of 2017, Dexter Robinson and three others backpacked the Maine Appalachian Trail 100-mile wilderness. The 100-mile wilderness is generally considered the wildest section of the entire 2,187-mile Appalachian Trail that runs from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to Mt. Katahdin, Maine. In this presentation, Dexter shares his preparation and experience backpacking this section of the Appalachian Trail using photos and a gear display.
Dexter Robinson is an avid four-season hiker. He is a longtime Appalachian Mountain Club member and for many years led AMC hikes and backpacks to various locations both local and throughout New England. He has climbed all 67 of New England’s four thousand foot mountains as well as the New Hampshire’s four thousand foot mountains in winter. He recently completed hiking Mt. Washington in every month. He has also hiked several mountains out west over 10,000 feet. Dexter is retired from the IT world and lives with his wife and daughter in Hanson. Mondays at the James is sponsored by the Cordelia Family Foundation and tSouth Shore Music Circus.
Weekend Classics Encore: Pianist Eleanor Perrone
Sunday, April 7, 3 pm
Admission is free, donations appreciated
Dynamic and versatile pianist Eleanor Perrone has captivated audiences at home and abroad with her imaginative programming and depth of artistry. From grand concert halls to community centers, Ms. Perrone is deeply committed to the visceral experience of live performance. Concerts of her extensive repertoire have consistently elicited rousing standing ovations, and her ability to communicate intensity or intimacy is as extraordinary as the music itself. Sponsored by the Cordelia Family Foundation, the Douglas N. Perry Fund and Kathleen and Michael Vitale.
Story Slam: “I Can’t Believe I…” with Host Andrea Lovett
Friday, April 12, 7:30 pm
Tickets: $20 General Admission, $10 Students
A limited number of free senior tickets are available courtesy of the Cordelia Family Foundation by phone reservation at (781) 659-7100
Ever do something and wonder what the heck you were thinking? Share that story or participate by listening in. The theme for the evening’s storytelling is “I Can’t Believe I…”, all submissions are welcome.
Story Slams bring stories and people together. Storytellers share funny, emotional and sometimes heartbreaking tales, woven on the model of the popular Moth Radio Hour or NPR’s adored program This American Life. The audience and spoken word create a connection, tapping the power and intimacy that only storytelling in front of a live audience can bring. Modeled after poetry slams, story slams invite participants of all skill levels to share true stories in five minutes or less. Storytelling candidates register upon entry to the Story Slam, and ten participating storytellers will be chosen at random to share stories on the theme of “faux pas”. Audience members will vote on their favorite story and prizes will be awarded to the top three. Everyone has a story, what’s yours?
Renowned storyteller Andrea Lovett appears as host and emcee. Lovett has been performing and teaching storytelling professionally since 1992. From the moment she begins to speak, her audiences are caught up in the magic of story. She has appeared worldwide. Sponsored by benefactors U.S. Wealth Management and Mortgage Corp. East.
“In Plain Sight” — Art Gallery Exhibition by Photographers Sue Scavo Gallagher & Janis Owens
Exhibition dates: April 19 to May 15; Opening reception: April 19, 6 to 8 pm
Admission is free, donations appreciated
Join photographers and artists Sue Scavo Gallagher of Scituate and Janis Owens of Duxbury as they capture moments in time, and the subtleties of everyday life.
Mondays at the James: Tenor David Won and Pianist Timothy Steele
Monday, May 13, 7 pm
Reservations recommended at (781) 659-7100 or jameslibrary@verizon.net
Admission is free, donations appreciated
image by Axie Breen Photography
Tenor David Won is a popular recitalist and concert singer in the Greater Boston area. In April of 2018 he made his debuts to South Korea and Taiwan, in May of 2016 his European debut in recitals in Padova and Venzia Mestre, as well as a Cremona TV1 interview in Italy. He was a featured soloist at the 9/11 memorial service in 2015 at the Massachusetts Statehouse. In 2013 he was a featured soloist in the Great Mass in C Minor by Mozart with Chorus pro Musica and the New England Philharmonic, under the direction of Dr. Betsy Burleigh. Since December of 2014 he has coached regularly with Timothy Steele and has performed more than 50 full recitals.
Timothy Steele is an active vocal coach, collaborative pianist, and conductor, and is currently in his twenty-seventh year on the opera faculty at New England Conservatory. He has conducted for outreach tours with the Boston Lyric Opera (more than 200 performances for school children) and is a former music director for Opera Providence. He has served as conductor/pianist for over 180 operatic productions with 33 companies, including Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Boston Lyric Opera, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Wolf Trap Opera, Central City Opera, and Opera Maine. In workshops and rehearsals, he assisted the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Madame White Snake’s productions in Boston and Taiwan.
He currently serves as producer of Milton Community Concerts and is the music director/organist at historic First Parish Church in Milton. A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Timothy received his Bachelor of Music from Drake University and a Master of Music from the University of Southern California, where he studied collaborative piano with Gwendolyn Koldofsky. Mondays at the James is sponsored by the Cordelia Family Foundation and the South Shore Music Circus.
“Night & Day” — Art Gallery Exhibition by Artists Anthony Pilla and Dorothy Amore Pilla
Wood Block, Mixed Media and Digitally Altered Photography
Exhibition dates: May 17 to June 15; Opening reception: May 17, 6 to 8 pm
Admission is free, donations appreciated
Dorothy and Anthony, husband and wife, are longtime residents of Duxbury. Anthony is the Director of Arts Education at South Shore Art Center (SSAC) in Cohasset and both are instructors at SSAC as well. The title of the exhibit, “Night & Day,” represents the difference, independence and slight similarities in the work of this dynamic and unique couple.
For more information about The James Library’s programs and events, please call 781-659-7100, visit jameslibrary.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About the James Library & Center for the Arts
Since 1874, The James Library has served the South Shore community as a warm gathering place. Housed in a landmark Victorian in historical Norwell Center, The James is dedicated to serving the community by providing high-quality programs, resources and materials through a concert hall, art gallery and the operation of a free lending library. As an independent, non-profit arts center we foster a mission for the creation, appreciation and enjoyment of the arts for residents of all ages on the South Shore, while preserving the historic character of our home. The James Library is located at 24 West Street, Norwell and is open to the public Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 to 5 pm, Thursday and Friday from 12 to 5 pm and on Saturday from 10 to 2 pm. For more information, please call 781-659-7100, visit www.jameslibrary.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
