Plainsboro Public Library unveils an exhibit showcasing written and visual arts produced in a series of workshops attended by Plainsboro residents. “Voices & Faces of Plainsboro” explores and preserves memories of long-time and recent township residents, rendering a portrait of a diverse and vibrant community. The exhibit is on view from Saturday, November 23, to Sunday, January 5. A gallery reception will be held Sunday, December 8, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Developed by library staff member Julie Donaldson, a West Windsor resident, the voices components of the exhibit features essays and poetry from workshops in which writers used their senses (hearing, seeing, smelling) to help define specific memories. Workshops were facilitated by Eloise Bruce, a writer, poet, teaching artist, and a member of the Cool Women Poets.
A videotaped interview of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jeffers III, long-time Plainsboro residents, touches on the founding of Plainsboro and its library, as well as the history of the Walker Gordon dairy farm. It is the hope of the library staff that people will view this collection and be inspired to contribute their stories to the project in the future.
With the support of many Plainsboro artists, staff member Donna Senopoulos developed the Faces workshops, which helped residents share life stories through both visual arts and the written word. Liz Adams, a long-time supporter of library programs, led adult participants through the creation of a pictorial journal that focused on one important aspect of their life. Maria Pisano, printmaker and book designer, conducted a “Who Am I?” journaling workshop with elementary school children and incorporated collage images with the children’s poetry.
Tamara Woronczuk, former art teacher at Cranbury Elementary School, conducted a workshop where artists and non-artists created multiple small self portraits. The 90-plus resulting images are arranged in grids on large panels, creating an array of township “faces.” Included on panels are portraits of residents Mr. and Mrs. Kip Luther, as well as the late Priscilla Stitt, another founding member of the library. The latter images are painted or collaged by contributing artists Tatiana Sougakova, Rajneesh Kaur, and Vimala Arunachalam. The exhibit will include self portraits from the collections of professional Plainsboro artists, as well as a portrait of Mrs. Jeffers painted by artist/architect and former resident Pablo Riestra.
“Voices & Faces of Plainsboro” interviews and images will eventually be archived and made available to the public online.
Art Exhibit, Plainsboro Public Library, 9 Van Doren Street. Sunday, December 8, 2 to 4 p.m. Opening reception for “Voices and Faces of Plainsboro,” an exhibit that explores and preserves memories of longtime and recent township residents, rendering a portrait of a diverse and vibrant community. On view to January 5. 609-275-2897. www.lmxac.org/plainsboro
