July Artist: Sue Staten Kassirer

Sue Staten Kassirer In Conversation with Nature Clay Sculpture and Words The Garden of Shadow and Smoke is a group of sculptures in which human, plant and animal forms meld to form a kind of dreamscape. This work is intended to spark a sense of relation toward all of n......More

Sue Staten Kassirer In Conversation with Nature Clay Sculpture and Words The Garden of Shadow and Smoke is a group of sculptures in which human, plant and animal forms meld to form a kind of dreamscape. This work is intended to spark a sense of relation toward all of nature. That the human world is interwoven with and integral to those of beings of all types. This theme carries throughoutl my work. I believe that if we are to accomplish a healthy coexistence with the earth, we will need to develop a sense of respect toward the environment and all its inhabitants. As expressed so well in Robin Wall Kimmerer’s popular writing, paraphrasing here: What we do to one, we do to all. My generation saw the start of the environmental movement, somewhere around 1962 with the publication of Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring.” I was three years old when that was published. I was too young to read, but of the right age to absorb the echoes her writing left on our culture. Hers was one of the first loud voices speaking out in alarm to the world about the threat we pose to it. It is 63 years later and we are late to heed her call. Why is that? I believe it is our disconnect from and lack of respect for the world we live in. In this show, I speak to an awareness of the  beauty and the mystery that exists in the world around me. I am sharing poems that I have written, based on my thoughts and the ongoing conversation I hold in my mind as I move through the woods and wild places around me. They are my reactions to nature, open-ended and fueled by curiosity. I share them with you in the hope that you too will connect with and think about your own relationships with the wild. I truly believe this will be the key to humans finding a more balanced place in the world.  A word on my techniques and materials I mainly use stoneware clay that is burnished and fired in contact with the flame and smoke. I make use of this ancient process as well as standard electric fired methods. These techniques produce the satiny, unglazed surfaces in the earthy tones that I love. The techniques I use were developed from two sources; Dominique Toya and her mother Maxine Toya in New Mexico, both master potters of Jemez Pueblo and from Tim Scull in Connecticut who generously shared his amazing technique for creating the botanical imagery you see on some of my pieces. I will often assemble several parts in a single piece as this is the best way to achieve the range of color, texture and detail I am seeking. Most works are unglazed and occasionally make use of “cold” finishes, ones that are applied after the firing. These can include, but are not limited to wax, gold leaf, and enamel paint. About the Artist Sue and her husband Rich moved to the Pioneer Valley eight years ago, returning to a place that stole her heart back in the early eighties when she was a student at UMass.  After receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture, she moved east and pursued a career in graphic design. She and her husband met as co-workers at the Boston Herald newspaper, started a volleyball team, got married and had two wonderful kids. With his encouragement, she returned to her studio art and outfitted a ceramics studio in their home. Over the years, and to her great advantage, she has shared that space with many students and friends.  Sue draws inspiration from the work of indigenous potters, poets and writers, in particular, the poetry of Joy Harjo and from Robin Wall Kimmerer’s best-seller “Braiding Sweetgrass.” These two contemporary Native American writers that speak to the cultural kinship that can exist between humans and the natural world, have shown clearly that there is a different way to live in relation to nature. Her artistic interests alsoinclude installation art and theater design for props, scenics and large-scale puppets. She was cofounder of “Art Grows Here,” an annual outdoor tour of art in Hamilton and Wenham, Mass. The show started in 2009 and continues to this day through the Wenham Museum. For more information and photos or to contact her by email [email protected]. You can view her portfolio at www.suekassirerclay.com or find her on social media at @Hidden in the Hills Studio    Exhibitions and Installations “Mudpie Potters’ Holiday Sale” Barnes Gallery at LC&A 2023 and 2024 “Out of the Shadows” Barnes Gallery, Leverett, Mass, 2022 “Advice from a Mushroom” Green River Fest, Greenfield Mass, 2022 “Advice from a Mushroom” Florence Night Out, Florence, Mass, 2021  “The Heart and the Harrows” Hope and Feathers, Amherst, Mass, 2018 “Crane Estate Art Exhibition” Crane Estate, Ipswich, Mass 2018  “Plot” Davis Art Gallery, Worcester, MA, 2017 “Marblehead Festival of Arts” (awarded honors) Marblehead, Mass, 2016  “Group Exhibit” Curated by Sarah Johnson, Ipswich, Mass 2015  “Outfoxed” 2017 (group show) True North Gallery, Hamilton, Mass “Illuminated” 2016 (group show) True North Gallery, Hamilton Mass “For the Birds” 2012 (group show) Gallery Della-Piana, Wenham, Mass “Down to the Sea” 2011 (group show) Gallery Della-Piana, Wenham Mass “Art Grows Here” 2011-2015 Hamilton and Wenham, Mass.  Individual installations “Eminent Domain” 2011 “Postcards from Home” 2012 “Wave of the Future” 2013  “Fantastic Fungi” 2014 “Jump for Joy” 2015 Team Installations “The Picnic: An Untold Story” “Fairy Ring” “Magical Garden” “Guest Artist”  Artworks On Main Street, Wenham, Mass 2012  “Open Studios” Redbrick Artist’s Cooperative, Beverly, Mass, 2001 “Member’s Show” (awarded honors) A Brush with History Gallery, Lowell, Mass, 1990 Theater Design Open Road Theatre productions: Midsummer Night’s Dream- Set Pieces The Hobbit- Set Pieces A Christmas Carol- Set Pieces and Props Alice in Wonderland- Costumes, Set Pieces, Props and a Puppet King Arthur- Set Pieces and Props The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe- Costumes, Head Pieces, Set Pieces Peter Pan- Props Pinocchio- Scenics, Puppet and Props Hamilton Community House Theater: Seussical- Set and Scenics The Sound of Music- Scenics For Kathleen Doyle Designs: Little Big Eye- Puppets The Magic Flute- Puppets Polar Bear Puppet- Quanuk Nanuk for the Museum of Natural History, NYC and Street Performances Sponsored by Friends of Jacob Edwards Library.

Jacob Edwards Library

Tyke Tales Storytime

Storytime every Wednesday Morning at 10:30am with Ms. Liz Great for those ages 3-5, but all are welcome.

Jacob Edwards Library

Teen Craft Club

Join us after lunch for a new craft each week!

Jacob Edwards Library

July Artist: Sue Staten Kassirer

Sue Staten Kassirer In Conversation with Nature Clay Sculpture and Words The Garden of Shadow and Smoke is a group of sculptures in which human, plant and animal forms meld to form a kind of dreamscape. This work is intended to spark a sense of relation toward all of n......More

Sue Staten Kassirer In Conversation with Nature Clay Sculpture and Words The Garden of Shadow and Smoke is a group of sculptures in which human, plant and animal forms meld to form a kind of dreamscape. This work is intended to spark a sense of relation toward all of nature. That the human world is interwoven with and integral to those of beings of all types. This theme carries throughoutl my work. I believe that if we are to accomplish a healthy coexistence with the earth, we will need to develop a sense of respect toward the environment and all its inhabitants. As expressed so well in Robin Wall Kimmerer’s popular writing, paraphrasing here: What we do to one, we do to all. My generation saw the start of the environmental movement, somewhere around 1962 with the publication of Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring.” I was three years old when that was published. I was too young to read, but of the right age to absorb the echoes her writing left on our culture. Hers was one of the first loud voices speaking out in alarm to the world about the threat we pose to it. It is 63 years later and we are late to heed her call. Why is that? I believe it is our disconnect from and lack of respect for the world we live in. In this show, I speak to an awareness of the  beauty and the mystery that exists in the world around me. I am sharing poems that I have written, based on my thoughts and the ongoing conversation I hold in my mind as I move through the woods and wild places around me. They are my reactions to nature, open-ended and fueled by curiosity. I share them with you in the hope that you too will connect with and think about your own relationships with the wild. I truly believe this will be the key to humans finding a more balanced place in the world.  A word on my techniques and materials I mainly use stoneware clay that is burnished and fired in contact with the flame and smoke. I make use of this ancient process as well as standard electric fired methods. These techniques produce the satiny, unglazed surfaces in the earthy tones that I love. The techniques I use were developed from two sources; Dominique Toya and her mother Maxine Toya in New Mexico, both master potters of Jemez Pueblo and from Tim Scull in Connecticut who generously shared his amazing technique for creating the botanical imagery you see on some of my pieces. I will often assemble several parts in a single piece as this is the best way to achieve the range of color, texture and detail I am seeking. Most works are unglazed and occasionally make use of “cold” finishes, ones that are applied after the firing. These can include, but are not limited to wax, gold leaf, and enamel paint. About the Artist Sue and her husband Rich moved to the Pioneer Valley eight years ago, returning to a place that stole her heart back in the early eighties when she was a student at UMass.  After receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture, she moved east and pursued a career in graphic design. She and her husband met as co-workers at the Boston Herald newspaper, started a volleyball team, got married and had two wonderful kids. With his encouragement, she returned to her studio art and outfitted a ceramics studio in their home. Over the years, and to her great advantage, she has shared that space with many students and friends.  Sue draws inspiration from the work of indigenous potters, poets and writers, in particular, the poetry of Joy Harjo and from Robin Wall Kimmerer’s best-seller “Braiding Sweetgrass.” These two contemporary Native American writers that speak to the cultural kinship that can exist between humans and the natural world, have shown clearly that there is a different way to live in relation to nature. Her artistic interests alsoinclude installation art and theater design for props, scenics and large-scale puppets. She was cofounder of “Art Grows Here,” an annual outdoor tour of art in Hamilton and Wenham, Mass. The show started in 2009 and continues to this day through the Wenham Museum. For more information and photos or to contact her by email [email protected]. You can view her portfolio at www.suekassirerclay.com or find her on social media at @Hidden in the Hills Studio    Exhibitions and Installations “Mudpie Potters’ Holiday Sale” Barnes Gallery at LC&A 2023 and 2024 “Out of the Shadows” Barnes Gallery, Leverett, Mass, 2022 “Advice from a Mushroom” Green River Fest, Greenfield Mass, 2022 “Advice from a Mushroom” Florence Night Out, Florence, Mass, 2021  “The Heart and the Harrows” Hope and Feathers, Amherst, Mass, 2018 “Crane Estate Art Exhibition” Crane Estate, Ipswich, Mass 2018  “Plot” Davis Art Gallery, Worcester, MA, 2017 “Marblehead Festival of Arts” (awarded honors) Marblehead, Mass, 2016  “Group Exhibit” Curated by Sarah Johnson, Ipswich, Mass 2015  “Outfoxed” 2017 (group show) True North Gallery, Hamilton, Mass “Illuminated” 2016 (group show) True North Gallery, Hamilton Mass “For the Birds” 2012 (group show) Gallery Della-Piana, Wenham, Mass “Down to the Sea” 2011 (group show) Gallery Della-Piana, Wenham Mass “Art Grows Here” 2011-2015 Hamilton and Wenham, Mass.  Individual installations “Eminent Domain” 2011 “Postcards from Home” 2012 “Wave of the Future” 2013  “Fantastic Fungi” 2014 “Jump for Joy” 2015 Team Installations “The Picnic: An Untold Story” “Fairy Ring” “Magical Garden” “Guest Artist”  Artworks On Main Street, Wenham, Mass 2012  “Open Studios” Redbrick Artist’s Cooperative, Beverly, Mass, 2001 “Member’s Show” (awarded honors) A Brush with History Gallery, Lowell, Mass, 1990 Theater Design Open Road Theatre productions: Midsummer Night’s Dream- Set Pieces The Hobbit- Set Pieces A Christmas Carol- Set Pieces and Props Alice in Wonderland- Costumes, Set Pieces, Props and a Puppet King Arthur- Set Pieces and Props The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe- Costumes, Head Pieces, Set Pieces Peter Pan- Props Pinocchio- Scenics, Puppet and Props Hamilton Community House Theater: Seussical- Set and Scenics The Sound of Music- Scenics For Kathleen Doyle Designs: Little Big Eye- Puppets The Magic Flute- Puppets Polar Bear Puppet- Quanuk Nanuk for the Museum of Natural History, NYC and Street Performances Sponsored by Friends of Jacob Edwards Library.

Jacob Edwards Library

Teen STEAM

Join us after lunch to work on a variety of STEAM projects!

Jacob Edwards Library

Patriots and Potters a presentation by Pied Potter Hamelin

The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to host a program/workshop presented by Rick Hamelin, aka Pied Potter Hamelin. Please note the earlier start time of 6 pm. This is a free event and all welcome! Delve into the captivating stories of brave potters who fought valiantl......More

The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to host a program/workshop presented by Rick Hamelin, aka Pied Potter Hamelin. Please note the earlier start time of 6 pm. This is a free event and all welcome! Delve into the captivating stories of brave potters who fought valiantly during the Revolutionary War as demonstrated by Master Potter Rick of Pied Potter Hamelin. Our meticulously curated program invites you to explore the trade through our hands-on portion. You'll have the opportunity to experience the magic firsthand! Picture yourself passing from person to person a freshly made pot, feeling the texture of a dry and wet pot as it rotates on the wheel. But wait, there’s more! Each participant will have the chance to create their very own pinch pot. Using the simple technique of pinching clay between your thumb and finger, you'll craft a unique unfired cup which  you get to take home. Whether you're a pottery enthusiast, history lover, or simply looking for a fun and hands-on experience, this workshop is for you. From the presenter: My work: redware pottery inspired by the historical potters of Early America Hailing from Central Massachusetts, I have been honing my pottery skills since 1976 and have developed a deep fascination for the rich history of redware pottery. Each piece is hand-thrown on the wheel, carefully dried, and then bisqued before being coated with my own lead-free glaze formulation and fired once again. To add a touch of antiquity, a natural finish is meticulously applied to the unglazed surfaces. What makes my wares truly one-of-a-kind are the running cat paw prints adorning all Kulina Folk Art and Pied Potter Hamelin plates and platters. These distinctive imprints were inspired by the playful act of one of our cats, Ashby, leaping onto the clay slab. Drawing from my experience teaching and working in museums, I continue to share my knowledge and passion for pottery through lectures and demonstrations throughout New England.

Jacob Edwards Library

July Artist: Sue Staten Kassirer

Sue Staten Kassirer In Conversation with Nature Clay Sculpture and Words The Garden of Shadow and Smoke is a group of sculptures in which human, plant and animal forms meld to form a kind of dreamscape. This work is intended to spark a sense of relation toward all of n......More

Sue Staten Kassirer In Conversation with Nature Clay Sculpture and Words The Garden of Shadow and Smoke is a group of sculptures in which human, plant and animal forms meld to form a kind of dreamscape. This work is intended to spark a sense of relation toward all of nature. That the human world is interwoven with and integral to those of beings of all types. This theme carries throughoutl my work. I believe that if we are to accomplish a healthy coexistence with the earth, we will need to develop a sense of respect toward the environment and all its inhabitants. As expressed so well in Robin Wall Kimmerer’s popular writing, paraphrasing here: What we do to one, we do to all. My generation saw the start of the environmental movement, somewhere around 1962 with the publication of Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring.” I was three years old when that was published. I was too young to read, but of the right age to absorb the echoes her writing left on our culture. Hers was one of the first loud voices speaking out in alarm to the world about the threat we pose to it. It is 63 years later and we are late to heed her call. Why is that? I believe it is our disconnect from and lack of respect for the world we live in. In this show, I speak to an awareness of the  beauty and the mystery that exists in the world around me. I am sharing poems that I have written, based on my thoughts and the ongoing conversation I hold in my mind as I move through the woods and wild places around me. They are my reactions to nature, open-ended and fueled by curiosity. I share them with you in the hope that you too will connect with and think about your own relationships with the wild. I truly believe this will be the key to humans finding a more balanced place in the world.  A word on my techniques and materials I mainly use stoneware clay that is burnished and fired in contact with the flame and smoke. I make use of this ancient process as well as standard electric fired methods. These techniques produce the satiny, unglazed surfaces in the earthy tones that I love. The techniques I use were developed from two sources; Dominique Toya and her mother Maxine Toya in New Mexico, both master potters of Jemez Pueblo and from Tim Scull in Connecticut who generously shared his amazing technique for creating the botanical imagery you see on some of my pieces. I will often assemble several parts in a single piece as this is the best way to achieve the range of color, texture and detail I am seeking. Most works are unglazed and occasionally make use of “cold” finishes, ones that are applied after the firing. These can include, but are not limited to wax, gold leaf, and enamel paint. About the Artist Sue and her husband Rich moved to the Pioneer Valley eight years ago, returning to a place that stole her heart back in the early eighties when she was a student at UMass.  After receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture, she moved east and pursued a career in graphic design. She and her husband met as co-workers at the Boston Herald newspaper, started a volleyball team, got married and had two wonderful kids. With his encouragement, she returned to her studio art and outfitted a ceramics studio in their home. Over the years, and to her great advantage, she has shared that space with many students and friends.  Sue draws inspiration from the work of indigenous potters, poets and writers, in particular, the poetry of Joy Harjo and from Robin Wall Kimmerer’s best-seller “Braiding Sweetgrass.” These two contemporary Native American writers that speak to the cultural kinship that can exist between humans and the natural world, have shown clearly that there is a different way to live in relation to nature. Her artistic interests alsoinclude installation art and theater design for props, scenics and large-scale puppets. She was cofounder of “Art Grows Here,” an annual outdoor tour of art in Hamilton and Wenham, Mass. The show started in 2009 and continues to this day through the Wenham Museum. For more information and photos or to contact her by email [email protected]. You can view her portfolio at www.suekassirerclay.com or find her on social media at @Hidden in the Hills Studio    Exhibitions and Installations “Mudpie Potters’ Holiday Sale” Barnes Gallery at LC&A 2023 and 2024 “Out of the Shadows” Barnes Gallery, Leverett, Mass, 2022 “Advice from a Mushroom” Green River Fest, Greenfield Mass, 2022 “Advice from a Mushroom” Florence Night Out, Florence, Mass, 2021  “The Heart and the Harrows” Hope and Feathers, Amherst, Mass, 2018 “Crane Estate Art Exhibition” Crane Estate, Ipswich, Mass 2018  “Plot” Davis Art Gallery, Worcester, MA, 2017 “Marblehead Festival of Arts” (awarded honors) Marblehead, Mass, 2016  “Group Exhibit” Curated by Sarah Johnson, Ipswich, Mass 2015  “Outfoxed” 2017 (group show) True North Gallery, Hamilton, Mass “Illuminated” 2016 (group show) True North Gallery, Hamilton Mass “For the Birds” 2012 (group show) Gallery Della-Piana, Wenham, Mass “Down to the Sea” 2011 (group show) Gallery Della-Piana, Wenham Mass “Art Grows Here” 2011-2015 Hamilton and Wenham, Mass.  Individual installations “Eminent Domain” 2011 “Postcards from Home” 2012 “Wave of the Future” 2013  “Fantastic Fungi” 2014 “Jump for Joy” 2015 Team Installations “The Picnic: An Untold Story” “Fairy Ring” “Magical Garden” “Guest Artist”  Artworks On Main Street, Wenham, Mass 2012  “Open Studios” Redbrick Artist’s Cooperative, Beverly, Mass, 2001 “Member’s Show” (awarded honors) A Brush with History Gallery, Lowell, Mass, 1990 Theater Design Open Road Theatre productions: Midsummer Night’s Dream- Set Pieces The Hobbit- Set Pieces A Christmas Carol- Set Pieces and Props Alice in Wonderland- Costumes, Set Pieces, Props and a Puppet King Arthur- Set Pieces and Props The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe- Costumes, Head Pieces, Set Pieces Peter Pan- Props Pinocchio- Scenics, Puppet and Props Hamilton Community House Theater: Seussical- Set and Scenics The Sound of Music- Scenics For Kathleen Doyle Designs: Little Big Eye- Puppets The Magic Flute- Puppets Polar Bear Puppet- Quanuk Nanuk for the Museum of Natural History, NYC and Street Performances Sponsored by Friends of Jacob Edwards Library.

Jacob Edwards Library

Teen Anime Club

Join us in the Pioppi Room after lunch to watch anime on the big screen!

Jacob Edwards Library

July Artist: Sue Staten Kassirer

Sue Staten Kassirer In Conversation with Nature Clay Sculpture and Words The Garden of Shadow and Smoke is a group of sculptures in which human, plant and animal forms meld to form a kind of dreamscape. This work is intended to spark a sense of relation toward all of n......More

Sue Staten Kassirer In Conversation with Nature Clay Sculpture and Words The Garden of Shadow and Smoke is a group of sculptures in which human, plant and animal forms meld to form a kind of dreamscape. This work is intended to spark a sense of relation toward all of nature. That the human world is interwoven with and integral to those of beings of all types. This theme carries throughoutl my work. I believe that if we are to accomplish a healthy coexistence with the earth, we will need to develop a sense of respect toward the environment and all its inhabitants. As expressed so well in Robin Wall Kimmerer’s popular writing, paraphrasing here: What we do to one, we do to all. My generation saw the start of the environmental movement, somewhere around 1962 with the publication of Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring.” I was three years old when that was published. I was too young to read, but of the right age to absorb the echoes her writing left on our culture. Hers was one of the first loud voices speaking out in alarm to the world about the threat we pose to it. It is 63 years later and we are late to heed her call. Why is that? I believe it is our disconnect from and lack of respect for the world we live in. In this show, I speak to an awareness of the  beauty and the mystery that exists in the world around me. I am sharing poems that I have written, based on my thoughts and the ongoing conversation I hold in my mind as I move through the woods and wild places around me. They are my reactions to nature, open-ended and fueled by curiosity. I share them with you in the hope that you too will connect with and think about your own relationships with the wild. I truly believe this will be the key to humans finding a more balanced place in the world.  A word on my techniques and materials I mainly use stoneware clay that is burnished and fired in contact with the flame and smoke. I make use of this ancient process as well as standard electric fired methods. These techniques produce the satiny, unglazed surfaces in the earthy tones that I love. The techniques I use were developed from two sources; Dominique Toya and her mother Maxine Toya in New Mexico, both master potters of Jemez Pueblo and from Tim Scull in Connecticut who generously shared his amazing technique for creating the botanical imagery you see on some of my pieces. I will often assemble several parts in a single piece as this is the best way to achieve the range of color, texture and detail I am seeking. Most works are unglazed and occasionally make use of “cold” finishes, ones that are applied after the firing. These can include, but are not limited to wax, gold leaf, and enamel paint. About the Artist Sue and her husband Rich moved to the Pioneer Valley eight years ago, returning to a place that stole her heart back in the early eighties when she was a student at UMass.  After receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture, she moved east and pursued a career in graphic design. She and her husband met as co-workers at the Boston Herald newspaper, started a volleyball team, got married and had two wonderful kids. With his encouragement, she returned to her studio art and outfitted a ceramics studio in their home. Over the years, and to her great advantage, she has shared that space with many students and friends.  Sue draws inspiration from the work of indigenous potters, poets and writers, in particular, the poetry of Joy Harjo and from Robin Wall Kimmerer’s best-seller “Braiding Sweetgrass.” These two contemporary Native American writers that speak to the cultural kinship that can exist between humans and the natural world, have shown clearly that there is a different way to live in relation to nature. Her artistic interests alsoinclude installation art and theater design for props, scenics and large-scale puppets. She was cofounder of “Art Grows Here,” an annual outdoor tour of art in Hamilton and Wenham, Mass. The show started in 2009 and continues to this day through the Wenham Museum. For more information and photos or to contact her by email [email protected]. You can view her portfolio at www.suekassirerclay.com or find her on social media at @Hidden in the Hills Studio    Exhibitions and Installations “Mudpie Potters’ Holiday Sale” Barnes Gallery at LC&A 2023 and 2024 “Out of the Shadows” Barnes Gallery, Leverett, Mass, 2022 “Advice from a Mushroom” Green River Fest, Greenfield Mass, 2022 “Advice from a Mushroom” Florence Night Out, Florence, Mass, 2021  “The Heart and the Harrows” Hope and Feathers, Amherst, Mass, 2018 “Crane Estate Art Exhibition” Crane Estate, Ipswich, Mass 2018  “Plot” Davis Art Gallery, Worcester, MA, 2017 “Marblehead Festival of Arts” (awarded honors) Marblehead, Mass, 2016  “Group Exhibit” Curated by Sarah Johnson, Ipswich, Mass 2015  “Outfoxed” 2017 (group show) True North Gallery, Hamilton, Mass “Illuminated” 2016 (group show) True North Gallery, Hamilton Mass “For the Birds” 2012 (group show) Gallery Della-Piana, Wenham, Mass “Down to the Sea” 2011 (group show) Gallery Della-Piana, Wenham Mass “Art Grows Here” 2011-2015 Hamilton and Wenham, Mass.  Individual installations “Eminent Domain” 2011 “Postcards from Home” 2012 “Wave of the Future” 2013  “Fantastic Fungi” 2014 “Jump for Joy” 2015 Team Installations “The Picnic: An Untold Story” “Fairy Ring” “Magical Garden” “Guest Artist”  Artworks On Main Street, Wenham, Mass 2012  “Open Studios” Redbrick Artist’s Cooperative, Beverly, Mass, 2001 “Member’s Show” (awarded honors) A Brush with History Gallery, Lowell, Mass, 1990 Theater Design Open Road Theatre productions: Midsummer Night’s Dream- Set Pieces The Hobbit- Set Pieces A Christmas Carol- Set Pieces and Props Alice in Wonderland- Costumes, Set Pieces, Props and a Puppet King Arthur- Set Pieces and Props The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe- Costumes, Head Pieces, Set Pieces Peter Pan- Props Pinocchio- Scenics, Puppet and Props Hamilton Community House Theater: Seussical- Set and Scenics The Sound of Music- Scenics For Kathleen Doyle Designs: Little Big Eye- Puppets The Magic Flute- Puppets Polar Bear Puppet- Quanuk Nanuk for the Museum of Natural History, NYC and Street Performances Sponsored by Friends of Jacob Edwards Library.

Jacob Edwards Library

Teen Game Day

Join us to play Switch on the big screen, a board game, or one of our tabletop miniature games!

Jacob Edwards Library

Pumpernickel Puppets

Pumpernickel Puppets Monday July 21, 2025 at 6:30pm The Pumpernickel Puppets have had the honor of appearing at The Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, The Center for Puppetry Arts, Atlanta, GA and the prestigious International Festival of Puppetry sponsored by t......More

Pumpernickel Puppets Monday July 21, 2025 at 6:30pm The Pumpernickel Puppets have had the honor of appearing at The Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, The Center for Puppetry Arts, Atlanta, GA and the prestigious International Festival of Puppetry sponsored by the Jim Henson Foundation in New York.   This performance is being supported by a grant from the Southbridge Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Jacob Edwards Library

July Artist: Sue Staten Kassirer

Sue Staten Kassirer In Conversation with Nature Clay Sculpture and Words The Garden of Shadow and Smoke is a group of sculptures in which human, plant and animal forms meld to form a kind of dreamscape. This work is intended to spark a sense of relation toward all of n......More

Sue Staten Kassirer In Conversation with Nature Clay Sculpture and Words The Garden of Shadow and Smoke is a group of sculptures in which human, plant and animal forms meld to form a kind of dreamscape. This work is intended to spark a sense of relation toward all of nature. That the human world is interwoven with and integral to those of beings of all types. This theme carries throughoutl my work. I believe that if we are to accomplish a healthy coexistence with the earth, we will need to develop a sense of respect toward the environment and all its inhabitants. As expressed so well in Robin Wall Kimmerer’s popular writing, paraphrasing here: What we do to one, we do to all. My generation saw the start of the environmental movement, somewhere around 1962 with the publication of Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring.” I was three years old when that was published. I was too young to read, but of the right age to absorb the echoes her writing left on our culture. Hers was one of the first loud voices speaking out in alarm to the world about the threat we pose to it. It is 63 years later and we are late to heed her call. Why is that? I believe it is our disconnect from and lack of respect for the world we live in. In this show, I speak to an awareness of the  beauty and the mystery that exists in the world around me. I am sharing poems that I have written, based on my thoughts and the ongoing conversation I hold in my mind as I move through the woods and wild places around me. They are my reactions to nature, open-ended and fueled by curiosity. I share them with you in the hope that you too will connect with and think about your own relationships with the wild. I truly believe this will be the key to humans finding a more balanced place in the world.  A word on my techniques and materials I mainly use stoneware clay that is burnished and fired in contact with the flame and smoke. I make use of this ancient process as well as standard electric fired methods. These techniques produce the satiny, unglazed surfaces in the earthy tones that I love. The techniques I use were developed from two sources; Dominique Toya and her mother Maxine Toya in New Mexico, both master potters of Jemez Pueblo and from Tim Scull in Connecticut who generously shared his amazing technique for creating the botanical imagery you see on some of my pieces. I will often assemble several parts in a single piece as this is the best way to achieve the range of color, texture and detail I am seeking. Most works are unglazed and occasionally make use of “cold” finishes, ones that are applied after the firing. These can include, but are not limited to wax, gold leaf, and enamel paint. About the Artist Sue and her husband Rich moved to the Pioneer Valley eight years ago, returning to a place that stole her heart back in the early eighties when she was a student at UMass.  After receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture, she moved east and pursued a career in graphic design. She and her husband met as co-workers at the Boston Herald newspaper, started a volleyball team, got married and had two wonderful kids. With his encouragement, she returned to her studio art and outfitted a ceramics studio in their home. Over the years, and to her great advantage, she has shared that space with many students and friends.  Sue draws inspiration from the work of indigenous potters, poets and writers, in particular, the poetry of Joy Harjo and from Robin Wall Kimmerer’s best-seller “Braiding Sweetgrass.” These two contemporary Native American writers that speak to the cultural kinship that can exist between humans and the natural world, have shown clearly that there is a different way to live in relation to nature. Her artistic interests alsoinclude installation art and theater design for props, scenics and large-scale puppets. She was cofounder of “Art Grows Here,” an annual outdoor tour of art in Hamilton and Wenham, Mass. The show started in 2009 and continues to this day through the Wenham Museum. For more information and photos or to contact her by email [email protected]. You can view her portfolio at www.suekassirerclay.com or find her on social media at @Hidden in the Hills Studio    Exhibitions and Installations “Mudpie Potters’ Holiday Sale” Barnes Gallery at LC&A 2023 and 2024 “Out of the Shadows” Barnes Gallery, Leverett, Mass, 2022 “Advice from a Mushroom” Green River Fest, Greenfield Mass, 2022 “Advice from a Mushroom” Florence Night Out, Florence, Mass, 2021  “The Heart and the Harrows” Hope and Feathers, Amherst, Mass, 2018 “Crane Estate Art Exhibition” Crane Estate, Ipswich, Mass 2018  “Plot” Davis Art Gallery, Worcester, MA, 2017 “Marblehead Festival of Arts” (awarded honors) Marblehead, Mass, 2016  “Group Exhibit” Curated by Sarah Johnson, Ipswich, Mass 2015  “Outfoxed” 2017 (group show) True North Gallery, Hamilton, Mass “Illuminated” 2016 (group show) True North Gallery, Hamilton Mass “For the Birds” 2012 (group show) Gallery Della-Piana, Wenham, Mass “Down to the Sea” 2011 (group show) Gallery Della-Piana, Wenham Mass “Art Grows Here” 2011-2015 Hamilton and Wenham, Mass.  Individual installations “Eminent Domain” 2011 “Postcards from Home” 2012 “Wave of the Future” 2013  “Fantastic Fungi” 2014 “Jump for Joy” 2015 Team Installations “The Picnic: An Untold Story” “Fairy Ring” “Magical Garden” “Guest Artist”  Artworks On Main Street, Wenham, Mass 2012  “Open Studios” Redbrick Artist’s Cooperative, Beverly, Mass, 2001 “Member’s Show” (awarded honors) A Brush with History Gallery, Lowell, Mass, 1990 Theater Design Open Road Theatre productions: Midsummer Night’s Dream- Set Pieces The Hobbit- Set Pieces A Christmas Carol- Set Pieces and Props Alice in Wonderland- Costumes, Set Pieces, Props and a Puppet King Arthur- Set Pieces and Props The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe- Costumes, Head Pieces, Set Pieces Peter Pan- Props Pinocchio- Scenics, Puppet and Props Hamilton Community House Theater: Seussical- Set and Scenics The Sound of Music- Scenics For Kathleen Doyle Designs: Little Big Eye- Puppets The Magic Flute- Puppets Polar Bear Puppet- Quanuk Nanuk for the Museum of Natural History, NYC and Street Performances Sponsored by Friends of Jacob Edwards Library.

Jacob Edwards Library

New Hope Activities

Join New Hope for games and activities after lunch!

Jacob Edwards Library

Construction Crew

Join us on Tuesday afternoon from 3:30 to 4:30 pm for Construction Crew. We will supply the LEGO bricks you supply your ideas!  

Jacob Edwards Library

July Artist: Sue Staten Kassirer

Sue Staten Kassirer In Conversation with Nature Clay Sculpture and Words The Garden of Shadow and Smoke is a group of sculptures in which human, plant and animal forms meld to form a kind of dreamscape. This work is intended to spark a sense of relation toward all of n......More

Sue Staten Kassirer In Conversation with Nature Clay Sculpture and Words The Garden of Shadow and Smoke is a group of sculptures in which human, plant and animal forms meld to form a kind of dreamscape. This work is intended to spark a sense of relation toward all of nature. That the human world is interwoven with and integral to those of beings of all types. This theme carries throughoutl my work. I believe that if we are to accomplish a healthy coexistence with the earth, we will need to develop a sense of respect toward the environment and all its inhabitants. As expressed so well in Robin Wall Kimmerer’s popular writing, paraphrasing here: What we do to one, we do to all. My generation saw the start of the environmental movement, somewhere around 1962 with the publication of Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring.” I was three years old when that was published. I was too young to read, but of the right age to absorb the echoes her writing left on our culture. Hers was one of the first loud voices speaking out in alarm to the world about the threat we pose to it. It is 63 years later and we are late to heed her call. Why is that? I believe it is our disconnect from and lack of respect for the world we live in. In this show, I speak to an awareness of the  beauty and the mystery that exists in the world around me. I am sharing poems that I have written, based on my thoughts and the ongoing conversation I hold in my mind as I move through the woods and wild places around me. They are my reactions to nature, open-ended and fueled by curiosity. I share them with you in the hope that you too will connect with and think about your own relationships with the wild. I truly believe this will be the key to humans finding a more balanced place in the world.  A word on my techniques and materials I mainly use stoneware clay that is burnished and fired in contact with the flame and smoke. I make use of this ancient process as well as standard electric fired methods. These techniques produce the satiny, unglazed surfaces in the earthy tones that I love. The techniques I use were developed from two sources; Dominique Toya and her mother Maxine Toya in New Mexico, both master potters of Jemez Pueblo and from Tim Scull in Connecticut who generously shared his amazing technique for creating the botanical imagery you see on some of my pieces. I will often assemble several parts in a single piece as this is the best way to achieve the range of color, texture and detail I am seeking. Most works are unglazed and occasionally make use of “cold” finishes, ones that are applied after the firing. These can include, but are not limited to wax, gold leaf, and enamel paint. About the Artist Sue and her husband Rich moved to the Pioneer Valley eight years ago, returning to a place that stole her heart back in the early eighties when she was a student at UMass.  After receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture, she moved east and pursued a career in graphic design. She and her husband met as co-workers at the Boston Herald newspaper, started a volleyball team, got married and had two wonderful kids. With his encouragement, she returned to her studio art and outfitted a ceramics studio in their home. Over the years, and to her great advantage, she has shared that space with many students and friends.  Sue draws inspiration from the work of indigenous potters, poets and writers, in particular, the poetry of Joy Harjo and from Robin Wall Kimmerer’s best-seller “Braiding Sweetgrass.” These two contemporary Native American writers that speak to the cultural kinship that can exist between humans and the natural world, have shown clearly that there is a different way to live in relation to nature. Her artistic interests alsoinclude installation art and theater design for props, scenics and large-scale puppets. She was cofounder of “Art Grows Here,” an annual outdoor tour of art in Hamilton and Wenham, Mass. The show started in 2009 and continues to this day through the Wenham Museum. For more information and photos or to contact her by email [email protected]. You can view her portfolio at www.suekassirerclay.com or find her on social media at @Hidden in the Hills Studio    Exhibitions and Installations “Mudpie Potters’ Holiday Sale” Barnes Gallery at LC&A 2023 and 2024 “Out of the Shadows” Barnes Gallery, Leverett, Mass, 2022 “Advice from a Mushroom” Green River Fest, Greenfield Mass, 2022 “Advice from a Mushroom” Florence Night Out, Florence, Mass, 2021  “The Heart and the Harrows” Hope and Feathers, Amherst, Mass, 2018 “Crane Estate Art Exhibition” Crane Estate, Ipswich, Mass 2018  “Plot” Davis Art Gallery, Worcester, MA, 2017 “Marblehead Festival of Arts” (awarded honors) Marblehead, Mass, 2016  “Group Exhibit” Curated by Sarah Johnson, Ipswich, Mass 2015  “Outfoxed” 2017 (group show) True North Gallery, Hamilton, Mass “Illuminated” 2016 (group show) True North Gallery, Hamilton Mass “For the Birds” 2012 (group show) Gallery Della-Piana, Wenham, Mass “Down to the Sea” 2011 (group show) Gallery Della-Piana, Wenham Mass “Art Grows Here” 2011-2015 Hamilton and Wenham, Mass.  Individual installations “Eminent Domain” 2011 “Postcards from Home” 2012 “Wave of the Future” 2013  “Fantastic Fungi” 2014 “Jump for Joy” 2015 Team Installations “The Picnic: An Untold Story” “Fairy Ring” “Magical Garden” “Guest Artist”  Artworks On Main Street, Wenham, Mass 2012  “Open Studios” Redbrick Artist’s Cooperative, Beverly, Mass, 2001 “Member’s Show” (awarded honors) A Brush with History Gallery, Lowell, Mass, 1990 Theater Design Open Road Theatre productions: Midsummer Night’s Dream- Set Pieces The Hobbit- Set Pieces A Christmas Carol- Set Pieces and Props Alice in Wonderland- Costumes, Set Pieces, Props and a Puppet King Arthur- Set Pieces and Props The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe- Costumes, Head Pieces, Set Pieces Peter Pan- Props Pinocchio- Scenics, Puppet and Props Hamilton Community House Theater: Seussical- Set and Scenics The Sound of Music- Scenics For Kathleen Doyle Designs: Little Big Eye- Puppets The Magic Flute- Puppets Polar Bear Puppet- Quanuk Nanuk for the Museum of Natural History, NYC and Street Performances Sponsored by Friends of Jacob Edwards Library.

Jacob Edwards Library

Tyke Tales Storytime

Storytime every Wednesday Morning at 10:30am with Ms. Liz Great for those ages 3-5, but all are welcome.

Jacob Edwards Library

Teen Craft Club

Join us after lunch for a new craft each week!

Jacob Edwards Library

July Artist: Sue Staten Kassirer

Sue Staten Kassirer In Conversation with Nature Clay Sculpture and Words The Garden of Shadow and Smoke is a group of sculptures in which human, plant and animal forms meld to form a kind of dreamscape. This work is intended to spark a sense of relation toward all of n......More

Sue Staten Kassirer In Conversation with Nature Clay Sculpture and Words The Garden of Shadow and Smoke is a group of sculptures in which human, plant and animal forms meld to form a kind of dreamscape. This work is intended to spark a sense of relation toward all of nature. That the human world is interwoven with and integral to those of beings of all types. This theme carries throughoutl my work. I believe that if we are to accomplish a healthy coexistence with the earth, we will need to develop a sense of respect toward the environment and all its inhabitants. As expressed so well in Robin Wall Kimmerer’s popular writing, paraphrasing here: What we do to one, we do to all. My generation saw the start of the environmental movement, somewhere around 1962 with the publication of Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring.” I was three years old when that was published. I was too young to read, but of the right age to absorb the echoes her writing left on our culture. Hers was one of the first loud voices speaking out in alarm to the world about the threat we pose to it. It is 63 years later and we are late to heed her call. Why is that? I believe it is our disconnect from and lack of respect for the world we live in. In this show, I speak to an awareness of the  beauty and the mystery that exists in the world around me. I am sharing poems that I have written, based on my thoughts and the ongoing conversation I hold in my mind as I move through the woods and wild places around me. They are my reactions to nature, open-ended and fueled by curiosity. I share them with you in the hope that you too will connect with and think about your own relationships with the wild. I truly believe this will be the key to humans finding a more balanced place in the world.  A word on my techniques and materials I mainly use stoneware clay that is burnished and fired in contact with the flame and smoke. I make use of this ancient process as well as standard electric fired methods. These techniques produce the satiny, unglazed surfaces in the earthy tones that I love. The techniques I use were developed from two sources; Dominique Toya and her mother Maxine Toya in New Mexico, both master potters of Jemez Pueblo and from Tim Scull in Connecticut who generously shared his amazing technique for creating the botanical imagery you see on some of my pieces. I will often assemble several parts in a single piece as this is the best way to achieve the range of color, texture and detail I am seeking. Most works are unglazed and occasionally make use of “cold” finishes, ones that are applied after the firing. These can include, but are not limited to wax, gold leaf, and enamel paint. About the Artist Sue and her husband Rich moved to the Pioneer Valley eight years ago, returning to a place that stole her heart back in the early eighties when she was a student at UMass.  After receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture, she moved east and pursued a career in graphic design. She and her husband met as co-workers at the Boston Herald newspaper, started a volleyball team, got married and had two wonderful kids. With his encouragement, she returned to her studio art and outfitted a ceramics studio in their home. Over the years, and to her great advantage, she has shared that space with many students and friends.  Sue draws inspiration from the work of indigenous potters, poets and writers, in particular, the poetry of Joy Harjo and from Robin Wall Kimmerer’s best-seller “Braiding Sweetgrass.” These two contemporary Native American writers that speak to the cultural kinship that can exist between humans and the natural world, have shown clearly that there is a different way to live in relation to nature. Her artistic interests alsoinclude installation art and theater design for props, scenics and large-scale puppets. She was cofounder of “Art Grows Here,” an annual outdoor tour of art in Hamilton and Wenham, Mass. The show started in 2009 and continues to this day through the Wenham Museum. For more information and photos or to contact her by email [email protected]. You can view her portfolio at www.suekassirerclay.com or find her on social media at @Hidden in the Hills Studio    Exhibitions and Installations “Mudpie Potters’ Holiday Sale” Barnes Gallery at LC&A 2023 and 2024 “Out of the Shadows” Barnes Gallery, Leverett, Mass, 2022 “Advice from a Mushroom” Green River Fest, Greenfield Mass, 2022 “Advice from a Mushroom” Florence Night Out, Florence, Mass, 2021  “The Heart and the Harrows” Hope and Feathers, Amherst, Mass, 2018 “Crane Estate Art Exhibition” Crane Estate, Ipswich, Mass 2018  “Plot” Davis Art Gallery, Worcester, MA, 2017 “Marblehead Festival of Arts” (awarded honors) Marblehead, Mass, 2016  “Group Exhibit” Curated by Sarah Johnson, Ipswich, Mass 2015  “Outfoxed” 2017 (group show) True North Gallery, Hamilton, Mass “Illuminated” 2016 (group show) True North Gallery, Hamilton Mass “For the Birds” 2012 (group show) Gallery Della-Piana, Wenham, Mass “Down to the Sea” 2011 (group show) Gallery Della-Piana, Wenham Mass “Art Grows Here” 2011-2015 Hamilton and Wenham, Mass.  Individual installations “Eminent Domain” 2011 “Postcards from Home” 2012 “Wave of the Future” 2013  “Fantastic Fungi” 2014 “Jump for Joy” 2015 Team Installations “The Picnic: An Untold Story” “Fairy Ring” “Magical Garden” “Guest Artist”  Artworks On Main Street, Wenham, Mass 2012  “Open Studios” Redbrick Artist’s Cooperative, Beverly, Mass, 2001 “Member’s Show” (awarded honors) A Brush with History Gallery, Lowell, Mass, 1990 Theater Design Open Road Theatre productions: Midsummer Night’s Dream- Set Pieces The Hobbit- Set Pieces A Christmas Carol- Set Pieces and Props Alice in Wonderland- Costumes, Set Pieces, Props and a Puppet King Arthur- Set Pieces and Props The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe- Costumes, Head Pieces, Set Pieces Peter Pan- Props Pinocchio- Scenics, Puppet and Props Hamilton Community House Theater: Seussical- Set and Scenics The Sound of Music- Scenics For Kathleen Doyle Designs: Little Big Eye- Puppets The Magic Flute- Puppets Polar Bear Puppet- Quanuk Nanuk for the Museum of Natural History, NYC and Street Performances Sponsored by Friends of Jacob Edwards Library.

Jacob Edwards Library

Teen STEAM

Join us after lunch to work on a variety of STEAM projects!

Jacob Edwards Library

Sensory Space

Join us on the fourth Thursday of every month starting September 26, 2024  at 3:30 pm- 4:30 pm. For a sensory friendly space to read together, make friends, and explore sensory activities.  This program is inclusive, but primarily created with children on the Autism Spe......More

Join us on the fourth Thursday of every month starting September 26, 2024  at 3:30 pm- 4:30 pm. For a sensory friendly space to read together, make friends, and explore sensory activities.  This program is inclusive, but primarily created with children on the Autism Spectrum in mind. For ages 4 and up.

Jacob Edwards Library

Acoustic Nomads in Concert

The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to host a performance from the renowned Acoustic Nomads. The event is on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 6:30 pm. This is a free event thanks to funding from the Southbridge Cultural Council. All welcome! Here is a link to the band and t......More

The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to host a performance from the renowned Acoustic Nomads. The event is on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 6:30 pm. This is a free event thanks to funding from the Southbridge Cultural Council. All welcome! Here is a link to the band and their music Acoustic Nomads and a video of  Pa' Que Baile Louise with Acoustic Nomads Acoustic Nomads is a band blending together musical styles from the Appalachians to the Andes, creating soaring original melodies, playful improvisations, and driving grooves that celebrate shared American musical heritage.  Listening to Acoustic Nomads live performances and studio albums, you will hear elements of jazz, newgrass, candombe from Uruguay, chacarera from Argentina, samba and forró from Brazil, landó & festejo from Perú, huayno from the Andes, joropo & jota from Venezuela, and progressive acoustic music from all over, played at the highest level of musicianship. The musicians in Acoustic Nomads are also tremendous performers, and audiences will be swept away on a musical journey across the Americas.   The band members are: Noah Harrington: Upright Base Maurizio Fiore Salas: Guitar and Venezuelan Cuatro Ethan Setiwian: Mandolin and other Mandos Clara Rose: Fiddle  

Jacob Edwards Library

Tales for Twos Story Time

Join us every Friday for Story Time at 10:30 am  Great for those 3 and under Enjoy stories and fun with Ms. Liz!

Children's Room Jacob Edwards Library

July Artist: Sue Staten Kassirer

Sue Staten Kassirer In Conversation with Nature Clay Sculpture and Words The Garden of Shadow and Smoke is a group of sculptures in which human, plant and animal forms meld to form a kind of dreamscape. This work is intended to spark a sense of relation toward all of n......More

Sue Staten Kassirer In Conversation with Nature Clay Sculpture and Words The Garden of Shadow and Smoke is a group of sculptures in which human, plant and animal forms meld to form a kind of dreamscape. This work is intended to spark a sense of relation toward all of nature. That the human world is interwoven with and integral to those of beings of all types. This theme carries throughoutl my work. I believe that if we are to accomplish a healthy coexistence with the earth, we will need to develop a sense of respect toward the environment and all its inhabitants. As expressed so well in Robin Wall Kimmerer’s popular writing, paraphrasing here: What we do to one, we do to all. My generation saw the start of the environmental movement, somewhere around 1962 with the publication of Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring.” I was three years old when that was published. I was too young to read, but of the right age to absorb the echoes her writing left on our culture. Hers was one of the first loud voices speaking out in alarm to the world about the threat we pose to it. It is 63 years later and we are late to heed her call. Why is that? I believe it is our disconnect from and lack of respect for the world we live in. In this show, I speak to an awareness of the  beauty and the mystery that exists in the world around me. I am sharing poems that I have written, based on my thoughts and the ongoing conversation I hold in my mind as I move through the woods and wild places around me. They are my reactions to nature, open-ended and fueled by curiosity. I share them with you in the hope that you too will connect with and think about your own relationships with the wild. I truly believe this will be the key to humans finding a more balanced place in the world.  A word on my techniques and materials I mainly use stoneware clay that is burnished and fired in contact with the flame and smoke. I make use of this ancient process as well as standard electric fired methods. These techniques produce the satiny, unglazed surfaces in the earthy tones that I love. The techniques I use were developed from two sources; Dominique Toya and her mother Maxine Toya in New Mexico, both master potters of Jemez Pueblo and from Tim Scull in Connecticut who generously shared his amazing technique for creating the botanical imagery you see on some of my pieces. I will often assemble several parts in a single piece as this is the best way to achieve the range of color, texture and detail I am seeking. Most works are unglazed and occasionally make use of “cold” finishes, ones that are applied after the firing. These can include, but are not limited to wax, gold leaf, and enamel paint. About the Artist Sue and her husband Rich moved to the Pioneer Valley eight years ago, returning to a place that stole her heart back in the early eighties when she was a student at UMass.  After receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture, she moved east and pursued a career in graphic design. She and her husband met as co-workers at the Boston Herald newspaper, started a volleyball team, got married and had two wonderful kids. With his encouragement, she returned to her studio art and outfitted a ceramics studio in their home. Over the years, and to her great advantage, she has shared that space with many students and friends.  Sue draws inspiration from the work of indigenous potters, poets and writers, in particular, the poetry of Joy Harjo and from Robin Wall Kimmerer’s best-seller “Braiding Sweetgrass.” These two contemporary Native American writers that speak to the cultural kinship that can exist between humans and the natural world, have shown clearly that there is a different way to live in relation to nature. Her artistic interests alsoinclude installation art and theater design for props, scenics and large-scale puppets. She was cofounder of “Art Grows Here,” an annual outdoor tour of art in Hamilton and Wenham, Mass. The show started in 2009 and continues to this day through the Wenham Museum. For more information and photos or to contact her by email [email protected]. You can view her portfolio at www.suekassirerclay.com or find her on social media at @Hidden in the Hills Studio    Exhibitions and Installations “Mudpie Potters’ Holiday Sale” Barnes Gallery at LC&A 2023 and 2024 “Out of the Shadows” Barnes Gallery, Leverett, Mass, 2022 “Advice from a Mushroom” Green River Fest, Greenfield Mass, 2022 “Advice from a Mushroom” Florence Night Out, Florence, Mass, 2021  “The Heart and the Harrows” Hope and Feathers, Amherst, Mass, 2018 “Crane Estate Art Exhibition” Crane Estate, Ipswich, Mass 2018  “Plot” Davis Art Gallery, Worcester, MA, 2017 “Marblehead Festival of Arts” (awarded honors) Marblehead, Mass, 2016  “Group Exhibit” Curated by Sarah Johnson, Ipswich, Mass 2015  “Outfoxed” 2017 (group show) True North Gallery, Hamilton, Mass “Illuminated” 2016 (group show) True North Gallery, Hamilton Mass “For the Birds” 2012 (group show) Gallery Della-Piana, Wenham, Mass “Down to the Sea” 2011 (group show) Gallery Della-Piana, Wenham Mass “Art Grows Here” 2011-2015 Hamilton and Wenham, Mass.  Individual installations “Eminent Domain” 2011 “Postcards from Home” 2012 “Wave of the Future” 2013  “Fantastic Fungi” 2014 “Jump for Joy” 2015 Team Installations “The Picnic: An Untold Story” “Fairy Ring” “Magical Garden” “Guest Artist”  Artworks On Main Street, Wenham, Mass 2012  “Open Studios” Redbrick Artist’s Cooperative, Beverly, Mass, 2001 “Member’s Show” (awarded honors) A Brush with History Gallery, Lowell, Mass, 1990 Theater Design Open Road Theatre productions: Midsummer Night’s Dream- Set Pieces The Hobbit- Set Pieces A Christmas Carol- Set Pieces and Props Alice in Wonderland- Costumes, Set Pieces, Props and a Puppet King Arthur- Set Pieces and Props The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe- Costumes, Head Pieces, Set Pieces Peter Pan- Props Pinocchio- Scenics, Puppet and Props Hamilton Community House Theater: Seussical- Set and Scenics The Sound of Music- Scenics For Kathleen Doyle Designs: Little Big Eye- Puppets The Magic Flute- Puppets Polar Bear Puppet- Quanuk Nanuk for the Museum of Natural History, NYC and Street Performances Sponsored by Friends of Jacob Edwards Library.

Jacob Edwards Library

Teen Anime Club

Join us in the Pioppi Room after lunch to watch anime on the big screen!

Jacob Edwards Library