New Haven Free Public Library Celebrates Arts Month

June is Arts Month at all branches of the New Haven Free Public Library. The following activities are offered during the month at locations indicated. For more information please call the library at 203-946-8835.

At Ives Main Library, 133 Elm St.:An artist reception leads off on Saturday, June 1, 2-4 pm, celebrating the current exhibit of paintings by Kristina Zallinger, curated by Johnes Ruta. Details at 203-387-4933.

June 8 at 2 pm, the public is invited to a free screening of THE AVENGERS (2012), starring Robert Downey, Jr.  Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. brings together a team of super humans--The Avengers-- to help save the Earth from Loki and his army. Comic Book characters come to life!

The Summer Reading Game kicks off on the New Haven Green with a Bari Koral Concert, on Saturday, June 15, 2-3 pm. Bring the whole family to enjoy the performers, fresh from a gig at the White House—and sign the children up for summer reading (where it all begins!).

On Thursday, June 20, 6-7:30 pm, journalist, novelist and writing coach Sandi Kahn Shelton (sandishelton.com) offers a writing workshop for adults, Dare To Write It! Designed for the writer who is just getting started, or who has hit a block, the workshop will include a discussion of book publishing and marketing. A $5 fee will be collected at the door, and participants should bring writing materials.

On Saturday, June 22, 1-3 pm, professional artist Gregory Maichack (GregoryMaichack.com)offers “Paint Pastel Flowers,” a workshop for adults on the art of pastel, in the style of Georgia O'Keeffe.  Students will work with professional-grade pastels, paper and drawing implements. A $30 registration fee includes all materials; easels are provided. Space is limited to 20 students. Register by June 12 online at pastelworkshop.eventbrite.com.

On June 25 at 6 pm, a poetry event will be held that features two local poets, Shaunda Holloway (Sekai) and Bolade S. Akintolayo, as well as Ewuare X. Osayande, editor of Stand Our Ground, a book project in support of the families of Trayvon Martin and Marissa Alexander.  There is no charge, and copies of the book will be available for purchase.

Vocalist Julie Harris, guitarist Stephen Roane and David Childs on keyboard celebrate the centennial of Cole Porter’s graduation from Yale in a special free musical performance, “Afternoon Tea with Cole Porter,” on Saturday, June 29 at 3 pm. This sampler of songs by the popular American composer includes iced tea, lemonade and cookies, and all ages are welcome.

At Fair Haven Library, 180 Grand Ave.:
On Saturday, June 1, at 1 pm, the Library and Long Wharf Theatre present the last of a series of community conversations about race and real estate in New Haven called Stage.Page.Engage. Following a dramatic sample of Long Wharf’s current production of the 2012 Tony award-winning play, Clybourne Park, local historians Colin Caplan and Tom Ficklin will engage the audience in an exploration of race, gentrification and the evolving neighborhood of Fair Haven. There is no charge to participate in this conversation, which is underwritten by a grant from the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund.

Lorraine Hansberry’s classic drama A Raisin in the Sun was the inspiration for Clybourne Park, and a screen version starring Sidney Poitier will be shown on Saturday, June 15, 2-4 pm. 

On Friday, June 21, starting at 6 pm, the Library’s Soup & Cinema series continues withThe Perfect Game, an all-ages story about Little Leaguers from Mexico who win the World Series. There is no charge for either film screening.

At Mitchell Library, 37 Harrison St.:
Davis Street School students exhibit their handmade masks inspired by children’s books throughout June. An art reception will be held on Saturday, June 15, at 1 pm.

At Stetson Library, 200 Dixwell Ave.:
On Saturday, June 1, from noon-6pm the Library will participate in the International Festival of Arts and Ideas’ Dixwell Community Pop-Up Festival.  Musical performances for all ages, free hotdogs and hamburgers, and historical tours of the Dixwell neighborhood will be presented across the street from the Stetson Branch Library. This special event is presented in cooperation with New Haven Museum, and there is no charge.

At Wilson Library, 303 Washington Ave.:
Ta da!! Make your own music with our new Baby Grand Wurlitzer! There is no charge to use this instrument—just call us to reserve your time!