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Artists Show "Poe: Nevermore 2009"
October 23, 2009
Actor and Poe-impersonator David Keltz stopped at the Oak Park Public Library the morning after his October 22 performance at Unity Temple. He had a few things to say to the giant Raven and he took in the Poe-inspired work in the Art Gallery.
October 21, 2009
The Big Read focused in Forest Park on Wednesday, October 21, when four Chicago area mystery authors came to talk about Poe and his influence on their trade at Centuries & Sleuths. Dressed in Poe-inspired costumes were authors Mary Welk, Mike Black, Luisa Buehler, and Robert Goldsborough. Owner August Aleksy arrived as the monk inquisitor. The store was packed with Poe fans.
Author Robert Goldsborough dressed in his Poe-inspired best, takes a taste
of Amontillado from Alex from House Red.
Author Luisa Buehler showed off her Victorian finery.
Big Read Project Director Debby Preiser from the Oak Park Public Library.
August Aleksy blended ravens with a "Cask of Amontillado" to
promote The Big Read in Forest Park.
October 7, 2009
100 people crowded into the Anatomy Lab at Dominican University to hear nationally-known storyteller Janice Del Negro present a dramatic reading of "The Tell-Tale Heart." The audience ranged from young college students to grandparents. Unfortunately some Poe fans had to be turned away because of fire code regulations.
With no lights but for candles on the lab's steel-topped tables, the mood was set for the reading. When Del Negro finished Poe's story, no one moved to leave. So she offered to tell a creepy story next, which was even better since no one knew the ending!
Preceding the story, Dr. Louis Scannicchio, Dominican's clinical professor of biology, discussed how the use of cadavers is enhancing the university's anatomy program.
The crowd awaits Janice Del Negro.
MC Jessica MacKinnon introduces Del Negro.
Janice Del Negro with a painting of Edgar Allan Poe by Steve Fisher.
Dr. Louis Scannicchio talks about how work at the lab prepares future
medical students.
October 3, 2009
Oak Park artists Pat Allen and Jonathan Franklin hung the "Nevermore 2009" exhibit in the Art Gallery of the Oak Park Public Library in late September. An artist reception was held on Saturday, October 3. Here are some images from the show as well as the artists at work in the gallery yesterday.
Artists Jonathan Franklin and Pat Allen
"Quote the Raven" by Ann Farrell
Portrait of Poe by Steve Fisher
Work by Sandra Dawson
TAKE ME HOME FOR HALLOWEEN - Great Raven Raffle details
September 2009
Led by Artist/Librarian Jeanne Friedell, Oak Park Public Library staff members Irene Balks and Debby Preiser created an oversized Raven to help draw attention and interest among readers and non-readers alike to participate in The Big Read events in October.
The process began in a backyard with a box, some balloons, a pot of glue,
and a pile of newspapers. A Library maintenance crew transported the big
bird to the Main Library (834 Lake Street)
for paint and feathers. On September 21, the Raven (now nicknamed Edgar)
landed in the Lobby.
Jeanne creates legs out of wrapping paper tubes.
Irene begins shaping the body with newspapers and a cardboard box.
Partially finished raven with his creators.
Jeanne applies feathers.
