Blog: Author: Marita Coombs

Deb Haney – June Artist

Posted on by Marita Coombs

Deb Haney is a world traveler and collector of the old, odd or unusual, and has embraced the world of handcrafting and design for decades.   Her ethnic inspired adornments for home, person and garden have been sold in shops, shows and galleries in Southern California and New England.

Deb was honored to have been juried into several national mixed media exhibitions at the Bristol (R.I.) Art Museum, an historic mixed media art exhibit at the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT honoring the thousands who lost their lives to COVID, as well as numerous local art events in Melrose, Malden, and the Winthrop and Revere Art Festivals.

Deb lives on Revere Beach (the oldest public beach in USA!) where she looks out on the ocean for daily inspiration.

This “Oldest Public Beach in USA” series comes from her musings about the ways people enjoyed Revere Beach in early times.    Vintage images, acrylic paints and several mediums were used in these acrylic mixed media collages.

An artist reception will be held on Monday June 2nd from 7-8pm.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

 

When Painting Meets Poetry by Joel and Martine Renfort

Posted on by Marita Coombs

Joel and Martine Renfort are freelance artists who produce art linked to the currents of surrealism, realism and abstract art. Their current exhibit When Painting Meets Poetry will be on display throughout the month of May.  Themes of hope, happiness, nature,  and history can be found in their work.

In addition to paintings, they enjoy transforming clothing, bottles, and many other creations. Examples can be found in the glass display case inside the library.

A reception for the artists will be held on Thursday May 15th from 7-8pm, and everyone is welcome to attend. 

Joseph Jung’s photographs on display in April

Posted on by Marita Coombs

Joseph Jung is a photographer based in Malden.  His images will be on display throughout the month of April and the library will be hosting an Artist Reception on Monday April 7th from 6-7pm.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

These photos were shot on Kodak Ektar 100, a 35mm film known for its high saturation and fine grain. The bold colors and contrast produce an image that is not necessarily faithful to the original scene, but a hyper-rendered version, as if computer-generated. I felt this look was suitable for capturing nights in my hometown in southern California, where the abundance of artificial light in the absence of people gives the uncanny impression of being in an amusement park after hours. The light in these photos comes from various sources – lampposts, neon signage, passing cars, a television. As these are long exposures ranging anywhere from one to thirty seconds, light is shown behaving in ways that aren’t apparent to the naked eye, whose “shutter speed” is much higher.

50+ Job Seekers Networking Group – AI in Job Searching

Posted on by Marita Coombs

Next session’s topic (April 2) is Using Artificial Intelligence / Your Job Search Co-Pilot.

The Massachusetts Library Collaborative’s 50+ Job Seekers Group meets via Zoom on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, from 9:30am to 11:30am. Informal networking takes place before the session from 9am to 9:30am and again after the session from 11:30am to noon. If you are unemployed and actively looking, underemployed, seeking a new career direction, re-entering the job market after a long employment gap, or recently retired and looking for your “Encore Career,” this networking group program is perfect for you! Remember, 85% of jobs are found through networking!

Join us in a professional forum for networking with peers in a safe and comfortable environment conducive to developing new relationships and developing skills and strategies to help in your career transition. Each meeting features a new topic. Meetings include a presentation and interactive workshop on topics relevant to career transition, guest speakers, access to hiring managers, small group breakout rooms to network, and 1-on-1 coaching guidance. Participating on a regular basis will give job seekers the many tools and strategies needed for a successful job search.

Each bimonthly meeting is facilitated by Deborah Hope, MBA, PCIC, an experienced executive career coach. Deborah is a former Fortune 500 executive, investment banker and entrepreneur. She transitioned to executive coaching over 12 years ago. Deborah has coached with Harvard Business School Executive Education programs and the Massachusetts Conference for Women. She has been trained or certified in a variety of coaching models and assessment tools. Deborah has facilitated 50+ job seekers networking groups since 2016.

Here are the topics for our upcoming sessions.

Mar 19, Resumes / A Pocketful of STARS

April 2, Using AI / Your Job Search Co Pilot

April 16,  Cover Letters / Are They Necessary

May 7, Networking 2.0 / You Must Give to Get

May 21, Interview Strategies

June 4, Second Act Careers / Thinking Outside the Box

June 18, Marketing Plan / Plan Your Work & Work Your Plan

Register directly on Zoom  HERE . This group is sponsored by approximately 50 Massachusetts public libraries.

RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.

 

Edward Cardini

Posted on by Marita Coombs

The artwork by Edward Cardini will be on display throughout March.

Edward describes his work:

My art is a dynamic interplay of various techniques, combining elements of realism, impressionism, expressionism, and post-cubism.  

Through my art, I aim to create a visual journey that fascinates and resonates with the viewer, inviting them to explore the depths of color, contrast, and composition.

Let’s Talk About A Poem with Lloyd Schwartz – March 15, 2025

Posted on by Marita Coombs

Our monthly online poetry discussion group is led by Somerville’s Poet Laureate Lloyd Schwartz.

“The Definition of Love” by Andrew Marvell is the poem we’ll be discussing in March.

Registration is required and the link to join is sent out the day before the event.

To register : Let’s Talk About a Poem March

This program is made possible by the Malden Public Library, the Somerville Arts Council,  and the Academy of American Poets and funds from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Please email Marita if you have questions. mcoombs@maldenpubliclibrary.org

Stephanie Stigliano Artist Reception February 3, 2025

Posted on by Marita Coombs

The Malden Public Library is pleased to showcase local artist Stephanie Stigliano during the month of February.  Stephanie has experience with many mediums but currently enjoys making prints and artist books. Her prints will be in the main hallway and her artist books will be in the glass display case inside.

“Making prints gives me the chance to make different versions of one idea: I can play with the color combinations or change the process. It is fun to experiment with both of those aspects. Lately I make monoprints and combine them with relief prints, brush painting, and collage (Chine-collè). Making artist’s books gives me alternative ways of presenting the prints as an unfolding story. The structure reflects the content of the piece. I was originally trained as a jeweler and I use similar skills when I create books and prints. My inspiration comes from time spent in nature and everyday observations. Teaching students how to make books and prints is also an energizing activity—it is a delight to help people discover their inner artist.”

A reception will be held on Monday February 3rd from 6-7pm, everyone is welcome to attend and light refreshments will be served.

 

2025 Rotating Art Application Process is Now Open

Posted on by Marita Coombs

 The Malden Public Library is accepting submissions for our Monthly Rotating Art Exhibit for 2025. The application period is now OPEN thru Monday December 2, 2024.  The Rotating Art Exhibit is available to any artist in our local community.

For information about exhibiting Art through our Rotating Exhibit at the Library, please see our Rotating Art Exhibit page on the Library website.   Here is the link to apply :

2025 Rotating Art Application

Here are some highlights from this year.

Contact Marita with questions mcoombs@maldenpubliclibrary.org

 

Artificial Intelligence in our Daily Lives.

Posted on by Marita Coombs

 

On Saturday Sept 28th  from 2-4pm the Malden Public Library will be hosting a unique workshop exploring the impact and implications of Artificial Intelligence in our daily lives.  We will discuss beneficial, real-world applications and how to safeguard against the risks posed by AI enabled deep fakes, scams and misinformation.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Malden Public Library.

Everyone is welcome to attend and registration is encouraged.

To Register at :  https://bit.ly/malden-ai