Irvin L. Young Memorial Library offers programming in April

The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, 431 West Center St., Whitewater, has announced several activities planned in April. 

Among them are: “Art and Mindfulness Workshop,” which will be presented by visiting artist and professor Michael Velliquette, according to information released by the library. 

The program is offered as a community engagement project, during which participants will be encouraged to apply techniques derived from mindfulness meditation, the release noted, adding that techniques are designed to “generate intimate and contemplative arts-based experiences.”

The workshop is offered to adults and is free, although, the release states, space is limited and registration is required.  

The workshop is anticipated to last approximately three hours, from 1 to 4 p.m., Friday, April 21.  All supplies will be provided, the release stated. 

“The idea for this workshop arose out of the influence meditation has had on my artwork and my teaching. My art has had a renewed sense of purpose and as an instructor I’ve felt more engaged with my classes. Overall, I’ve attributed several positive developments in my life since beginning my daily “sitting” practice over a decade ago including an increased sense of focus and concentration, being better able to manage everyday stressors, and a greater sense of overall ease and well-being,” Velliquette was quoted as saying in the release. 

According to the release, Velliquette is a mixed media artist who makes intricately constructed sculptures. He makes use of modest materials such paper, to open a view into imagined worlds. A working artist for 20 years, Velliquette has participated in exhibitions in museums and galleries in the U.S., Europe and Asia. As an educator, Velliquette is an assistant professor of foundations in the Art Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he teaches courses in visual literacy and creative practice. To learn more about his work, visit: www.velliquette.com

To register for the workshop, visit whitewaterlibrary.org and click on “Events – Registration Forms,” or register by email: sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-458-2782. 

Let’s Talk Tomatoes’

A presentation titled: “Let’s Talk Tomatoes,” offered by master gardener Ruth Flescher will be held Tuesday, April 4, at 6:30 p.m. According to information released by the library, the presentation is free and open to the public, and will focus on tips for choosing tomato varieties and successfully growing them from transplant until the season ends. 

For more information, visit the library’s website at www.whitewaterlibrary.org or call 262-473-0530. 

New fiber art group slated 

The library has announced a new fiber art group planned to meet on the first Friday of each month. The first meeting of the group will be held April 14. 

According to information released by the library, the group will offer participants an opportunity “to craft and chat.” 

Participants are asked to bring their own projects or make use of materials supplied by the library to begin a new project. 

Yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks, needle felting supplies, embroidery kits, a sewing machine, fabric, will be among supplies made available to participants. The group is open to people of all ages and abilities, the release noted.  

After April’s initial meeting, the group will continue to meet on the following dates: May 12, June 16 and July 7. 

Participants can arrive anytime between 3 and 4:30 p.m. Participation is free, the release stated.

‘Financial Fitness Family Night’

Offered in conjunction with “Money Smart Week,” the library will be hosting “Financial Fitness Family Night,” which, is being presented in partnership with PremierBank and budgeting coach Mariah Sprain, according to information supplied by the library.  

The free event will be held Tuesday, April 18, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.  

Activities include a special story time, activities, and games that promote financial literacy for children of all ages.  Adults and teens will have the opportunity to learn how budgeting and money management can improve their lives and help them gain financial freedom, the release stated.  

“Financial literacy is a topic near to my heart, as education around money tends to be lacking. Many people believe that living paycheck to paycheck, or accumulating debt, is what is expected. However, the more you learn about financial literacy and money management, the more you realize that money is a tool that can help you achieve your goals. Finance is a passion of mine, and with this knowledge, I am dedicated to helping those around me understand and embrace their finances,” Sprain was quoted as saying in the release. 

File photo. 

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