Winchester artist Phil May has had prints of his downtown murals on exhibit in the Clark County Public Library’s Codell-Brooks Community room during April.

His murals on the Winchester Sun building, on the IGA building near the farmer’s market and his painting in the clerk’s office at the courthouse are downtown Winchester attractions.

On Wednesday from 6-8 p.m., there will be a reception for Phil in the Library community room. There will be light refreshments and great conversation. It will be a fine way to spend a spring evening.

Phil said one of the best things about painting the murals was talking to residents who dropped by to watch him work. If you were one of the people who talked to Phil, or if you’re someone who has admired his work and who has a story to share about Winchester, come to the reception on Wednesday night.

Phil is reported to be looking for a new mural space. Who knows? A story you share may inspire a whole new mural.  The reception is free and open to the public. Children are welcome, but they must be supervised by a parent or guardian.  If you have questions about the reception, please call me at the library at 744-5661 ext. 110.

 April’s Local History Potluck Dinner Program happens this Thursday, April 27, from 6:15 until 8 p.m. This month’s speaker is famous Kentucky author, artist and historian Robert Powell.

Powell has been chronicling Kentucky’s history and culture for more than 40 years. He has published 35 books about Kentucky, all illustrated with his pen and ink prints of landmarks. He has also written numerous articles about Kentucky and he has published a series of Kentucky sketchbook calendars. He has been recognized with numerous awards and honorary titles. The Lexington Herald–Leader says Robert Powell is “quite likely the most influential popular chronicler of Kentucky in recent years.”

Come hear this artist, historian, photographer and teacher as he talks about his life’s work, capturing the history of our Commonwealth. If you’d like to share in the potluck dinner, bring a dish and join the rest of the Local History crew at 6:15 p.m. If you prefer not to attend the potluck, you can arrive at 6:50 p.m. for the program.

Either way to ensure you have a seat, make a reservation for this program. You can do that by calling the library at 744-5661 or by using Evanced which can be accessed on the library’s web page, www.clarkbooks.org.

The Library’s discussion group, Meeting of Minds meets Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The topic under discussion this month is the relevance of the Electoral College.

Write Local, the Library’s writing group meets Friday at 10 a.m. We’ll be discussing works in progress. There’s also a writing prompt for this week: When rats desert a sinking vessel, where do they go?

Write up a good answer to that one and you may be able to get a spot on Animal Planet.

John Maruskin is director of adult services at the Clark County Public Library. He can be reached at john.clarkbooks@gmail.com.