The column has a guest author this week. Winchester resident Rich Gomez provides a review of the new woodwork show in the library’s reference section. John Maruskin’s review follows.

 

Over to Rich:

If you saw the needlepoint work of Joyce Thompson during November 2017, you will be happy to know her brother James Thompson and cousin Anthony Thompson are displaying their beautiful collection of woodworking during June at the Clark County Public Library.

They are both former coal miners living in West Virginia.

Not only will you appreciate the beauty and excellent craftsmanship of their exhibits, but you will also wonder how in the world they could create such works of art from wood.

You’ll see ribbons and flower petals that adorn boxes, cutting boards and quilt designs with Escher patterns and bowls of all sorts of shapes and colors.

There is a desk made from just inspecting one featured in a book about Shaker furniture that showcases their skill and dexterity.

The highlight of the exhibit is intarsia, about 3 x 4 feet in size.

Intarsia is a woodworking technique that uses varied shapes, sizes, and species of wood fitted together to create a mosaic-like picture with an illusion of depth.

This one has over 500 pieces that depict a wood forest scene.

You are challenged to find the seven animals hidden in the intarsia.

Some of the pieces are for sale as noted at the exhibit.

For additional items or special requests, you can contact Joyce Thompson at 859-744-3321.

Hello, John Maruskin, again.

I heartily concur with Rich. Next time you’re in the library, go to the reference section and see the show by Anthony and James Thompson.

It truly is amazing.

It’s caused inveterate smartphone users to put down their “devices” and gaze.

Another excellent reason to come to the library this week: Friday, June 15, 7-8 p.m., The Tripp Bratton Drum Ensemble is back to move and groove you with a performance on the Library Lawn.

Tripp was here last year, and the audience had an excellent time.

Not only were they delighted by the ensemble’s intricate, exotic,and multi-cultural polyrhythms but they also got a chance to try drumming on some of the percussion instruments Tripp brought along.

If you have a drum, bring it to Friday’s performance.

Tripp encourages participation.

So, come jazz-up your weekend.

The concert will take place under the lofty oaks on the library’s front lawn.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. In case of rain, we’ll move to the Library’s Community Room.

If you have any question about the performance, call me at the library or email john.clarkbooks@gmail.com.

And now, the library wants to send out a special “Thank You!” to one of its Most Superb Patrons (not to mention “Most Superb Reader”) Mary Jo Bonds.

Mary Jo is a big fan of Rhys Bowen’s Constable Evans Mysteries.

When I had to tell Mary Jo I could not get some titles because they were no longer in print, she purchased the titles for the library from used booksellers.

Simply wonderful. Thank you, Mary Jo.

Along with being a Superb Patron and Reader (not to mention the Founder of Book Lunch), it gives me great pleasure to appoint you Auxiliary Selector.

It’s patrons like Mary Jo who keep the library happening.

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