Arts

Bucklaew’s ‘Winter Landscapes’ Exhibit at Jamaica Plain Branch Library

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Jamaica Plain printmaker Quenby Bucklaew's Winter Landscapes solo exhibition is the first art show at the Jamaica Plain Library for 2023. Bucklaew has been inspired by her world travels, and utilizes bold shapes, a limited use of color, and tactile qualities resulting from a mixture of printmaking techniques. She captures her own ephemeral impressions of place and time, as well as the emotional impact they can have. Winter Landscapes includes travel-inspired prints from 2019, as well as new pieces created since the pandemic when she found inspiration in her own neighborhood by exploring the natural beauty of Jamaica Plain, and especially Jamaica Pond. Her multilayered compositions feature stark, snowy expanses punctuated by spindly tree branches, blurry city skylines, and the calm, reflective spread of the pond, all marked by the textured detail of woodblock and collagraph printing.

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Arts

Portman’s ‘A City in 7 Years’ Exhibit at Jamaica Plain Branch Library

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Boston artist Eli Portman's exhibit 'A City in 7 Years' is now on display at the Jamaica Plain Branch Library. Portman describes his work as “the dissonance between perceived unique individual solitude in a crowded environment, and the commonness and sameness of such feelings,” according to a press release. He specializes in detailed, studied renderings of city- and landscapes in ink and watercolor. Portman's solo exhibit is the newest exhibit as part of the rotating art program supported by The Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch of the Boston Public Library in partnership with Uforge. Portman often draws based on his own photography including Boston landmarks like the Boston Public Library and the Gardner Museum, which allow him to tap into shared experiences of those who live in or visit the city.

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Arts

Local Photographer’s Jamaica Plain Library Exhibit is ‘Preserving Nature in the City’

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Local photographer Dawn Colsia's new exhibit at the Jamaica Plain Library captures the diversity of Jamaica Pond. “Every morning I walk around Jamaica Pond with my camera in one hand and my dog in the other. What started as a daily walk has become my morning meditation and reflection on the role nature has played in my life," said Colsia. The show, Preserving Nature in the City: A Daily Walk Around Jamaica Pond, runs through August 31, with a public reception on July 28 from 5:30-7:30 pm. Prior to becoming a full-time artist, Colsia practiced law, was a mediator, and worked to improve policy for people with disabilities, according to a press release.

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Neighborhood Life

Jamaica Plain Branch Library Book Sale is May 5-7

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The Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library Spring Book Sale is May 5 through May 7. Hardcovers are $2 and paperbacks are $1. You may not use scanners or save books. The book sale is occurring at the following times:

May 5: 5-8 pm
May 6: 9:30 am - 5 pm
May 7: 9:30 am - noon

The library is located at 30 South St.

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Arts

‘In Close Proximity 2.0’ Art Exhibit at Jamaica Plain Branch Library Thru May 4

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Unlike 2020, Jamaica Plain-based collage artist Marnie Jain's art exhibit at the Jamaica Plain Branch Library, was not cancelled thanks to the lousy pandemic. And you can check out Jain's In Close Proximity 2.0 exhibit at the library through May 4. The exhibit is part of the library's rotating art program, supported by The Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch of the Boston Public Library in partnership with Uforge. Uforge described Jain's work:
With a steady hand and an incredible eye for detail, Marnie Jain is known for her delightful collage compositions featuring all manner of flora and fauna, with rabbits, frogs, birds, and snakes hidden among flowers and forest greenery. Using bright colors and a range of found imagery, her constructions are playful, textured, and often enlightening.

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City Services

Meet Children’s Librarian of Jamaica Plain Branch Library; Lots of Library Fun for Kids!

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The Boston Public Library Children's Facebook page recently featured Barbara, who's been working at the Jamaica Plain Branch Library for more than 30 years. "I love working in this community full of great kids and families and so many avid readers," said Barbara. "My favorite genre is fantasy and I'm currently reading The Last Cuentista. I love library programming and sharing books with children." Barbara said the South Street library is offering outdoor Preschool Story Times for children (ages 2-4) on Wednesdays at 10:30 am and Kids Club (ages 4 and up) on Wednesdays at 4 pm.

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Arts

‘Imagination: The Beauty of Light’ New Art Exhibit at JP Library; Artist Virtual Meet-and-Greet Jan. 20

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The rotating art program at the Jamaica Plain Branch Library is back with Garrow Throop's Imagination: The Beauty of Light, which is now on display. Throop's exhibit will be on display through March 2, 2022 on the lower level of the library during regular hours. There will be a virtual artist meet-and-greet on Thursday, Jan. 20 from 5:30 to 7:30 using this link. The rotating art program is supported by the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library in partnership with Uforge.

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Arts

These Were The Top 10 Books Checked Out at JP Libraries

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The Boston Public Library compiled their top 10 list of books checked out in 2021 throughout the entire BPL system, as well as individual branches. And one author dominated both Jamaica Plain branch libraries. Children's book author Mo Willems continues to dominate the JP branches. In 2019, Willems' books took all 10 spots on the children's book list. In 2021, Willems was in the overall top 10 lists, which included adult and children's books.

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Government

Matt O’Malley Energized About Next Opportunity, Reflects on City Council

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After 11 years, Boston City Council President Pro Tempore and District 6 City Councilor Matt O'Malley is moving on from City Hall and is very excited about what the future brings. O'Malley spoke to Jamaica Plain News about his proudest accomplishments, unsung constituent services, and what's next for him. This is an edited version of the conversation. https://twitter.com/MattOMalley/status/1463893405604401160
Q: Tell us about your new job and what does it entail? O'Malley: I was named the Chief Sustainability Officer of Vicinity.

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Arts

Celebrate New Public Art Piece at Jamaica Plain Library on Nov. 4

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A wythe is a continuous vertical section of masonry one unit in thickness, and a web is something formed by or as if by weaving or interweaving. Put those two together and you get Wythe & Web, the new public art installation at the Jamaica Plain Branch Library. Artist Matthew Hinçman started his work on the project January 2021, and the community is finally going to have the opportunity to celebrate it on Nov. 4 (4:30-6:30 pm) with the art on the front lawn of the library and Curtis Hall. The event will include music, poetry, and more.

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