Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s fall Spectrum arts series will offer area residents fine arts, funk and even horror. Spectrum is the university’s oldest art series. Artists are selected by Pitt-Bradford faculty to enhance the arts curriculum. Events are open to the public and free unless otherwise noted. For more information or tickets, contact the Bromeley Family Theater box office at 814-362-5113 or www.upb.pitt.edu/TheArts . The first event of the season will be an art exhibition celebrating America’s National Parks Centennial by local artist Denise Drummond. The show will take place from Sept. 6 through Oct. 2 in the KOA Gallery in Blaisdell Hall. Gallery hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. A reception will take place at noon Sept. 9. Drummond will share a collection of drawings and paintings inspired by years of travel to the National Parks across the United States, from Acadia to the Redwoods to...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and One Book Bradford are teaming up to bring “Orphan Train” author Christina Baker Kline to Bradford this fall. Kline will visit Pitt-Bradford at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5, when she will give a talk that will be open to the public in the Bromeley Family Theater of Blaisdell Hall. Her best-selling novel “Orphan Train” will be used as a common reader in freshman seminar and creative writing classes on campus. Community members are encouraged to read the book and attend as well. One Book Bradford is a collaborative venture under the auspices of the Bradford Area Public Library that annually chooses a book for the community to read together. Its annual events culminate with a visit to Bradford from the author. Pat Shinaberger, chairwoman of One Book Bradford, said, “Our committee is very excited to join Pitt-Bradford in bringing an author of Kline’s caliber to Bradford. We are hopeful this is just the beginning of something great ...

By Sandy Rhodes A perfect storm of events -- including an arid financial stream and rising costs -- have forced the One Book Bradford committee to postpone its eighth season. OBB is a community-wide reading initiative in which a book is selected by the committee and recommended to the community to read. The season consists of ancillary events which have culminated with a visit by the author. However, this year, the committee found itself with limited finances and a publishing industry which controls author visits and charge more. "We decided to postpone this season when we realized that we would not be able to bring the quality of programming the community enjoyed in the past and had rightfully come to expect," a committee spokesperson said. "We tried to choose a book but the obstacles Generally, the selection is announced the beginning of November and the author visit is held in May. The regrouping process will include Lacey Love, the executive director for ...

One Book Bradford’s season will end on a high note Tuesday when author Melanie Benjamin comes to town. Benjamin, the author of “The Aviator’s Wife,” this year’s OBB book, will offer her perspective as an author of the book, a fictional account of Anne Morrow Lindbergh, the wife of famed aviator Charles Lindbergh. Benjamin’s talk will start at 7:30 p.m. in the Mukaiyama Room of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. The program, the culmination of each OBB season, is free and open to the public. A book signing and refreshments will follow. Benjamin will also hold a writers’ workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Bradford Area Public Library. The workshop is limited to 15 participants; reservations must be made in advance at the library. One Book Bradford is a community-wide reading initiative. One book is selected and area readers are encouraged to read the book and take part in a variety of events. The season has traditionally ended with a visit by the book’s offer. Often overshadow...

Fiction: Seven for a Secret by Lyndsay Faye Non-Fiction: The Other Talk by Tim Prosch Book Review: The Aviator's Wife Sunday Book Talk returns with a couple of new features. First, in addition to a talk with a fiction author we'll be speaking with a non-fiction writer. We're also adding book reviews. We start the fall season with Lyndsay Faye's "Seven for a Secret", which takes readers back to the very beginning of the New York City Police Department. In the second installment of her "Gods of Gotham" series, Faye spins a tale about the "collaring" of runaway slaves. Listen: Seven for a Secret Our non-fiction selection is "The Other Talk: A Guide to Talking with Your Adult Children About the Rest of Your Life." Listen: The Other Talk We've chosen "The Aviator's Wife" for our book review because it's this year's One Book Bradford selection. Book Browse.com . The news leader of the Twi...

One Book Bradford has chosen Melanie Benjamin's "The Aviator's Wife" as its "community read" for this season. This work of historical fiction gives reader's look into the lives the Charles Lindbergh and his wife Anne Morrow Lindbergh, through Benjamin's eyes. Often overshadowed by her husband, Anne was accomplished in her own right -- a successful author and the first licensed female glider pilot in the United States. As always, One Book Bradford has lined up events to complement the book. The first is an "Aviator's Lunch" on October 5 at The Runway Bar & Grill at Bradford Regional Airport. Airport Manager Tom Frungillo will give a presentation on the history of the airport. A limited number of tickets will be available at the Bradford Area Public Library. Bruce Klein will be on hand to give people rides in his biplane (for a fee) at the peak of fall foliage season. The One Book Bradford season will culminate with a visit ...

By SANDRA RHODES Author Garth Stein knew he had something special when writing his book, “The Art of Racing in the Rain.” “I had a feeling. The voice was there … humor, sadness,” he said. What he didn’t know was how that success would be measured. Instead of weeks on the New York Bestseller list, it’s been years. Four-and-a-half to be exact. One early indication was his wife’s reaction to the book the first time she read it. Her assessment? “Enzo is going to go around the world,” she said. And she was right. But while Enzo may not be coming to Bradford, his creator is. Stein will be in Bradford for an author talk at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the auditorium of the Bradford Area High School auditorium. The event is free and open to the public. This even is the culmination of this year’s One Book Bradford season. The OBB committee invites the community to read one book per season. This year, the committee chose “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” a novel written from the per...

By SANDRA RHODES Racing enthusiasts will be able to enjoy life in the fast lane Saturday at the Bradford Area Public Library. That is when two racing simulators from Watkins Glen International will be set up for tests drives from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This "Day at the Races" event is part of this year's One Book Bradford season. The NASCAR simulators, brought to Bradford through assistance by Zippo Manufacturing Co., challenge drivers with the twists and turns of The Glen that they can experience first hand. The day will also include a variety of children's activities, such as scooter races, and a showing of "Senna," an award-winning documentary about Ayrton Senna da Silva, a Formula One racing champion from Brazil, who died in during a race in 1994 and is featured prominently in this year's OBB book, "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein. The documentary will begin at 12:30 p.m. Popcorn will be available. Weather permitting, a...

By SANDRA RHODES The new season One Book Bradford has gone to the dogs. The OBB committee has chosen "The Art of Racing in the Rain," a New York Times bestseller by Garth Stein for its 2013 season. The book is a poignant tale told from the perspective of a dog, Enzo, whose owner - race car driver - endures a multitude of hardships. "We feel this book will appeal to a wide array of people," said OBB chairperson Pat Shinaberger. "There's something for animal lovers as well as racing fans. Most of all, this is a great book that we are excited to share with all of Bradford and beyond." OBB is community-wide reading initiative where one book is chosen for community to read. The season includes several activities based on the book. Each year, the highlight of the season is a visit by the author. Stein will be in Bradford to discuss "The Art of Racing in the Rain" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, in auditorium of Bradford Area High Sc...

What do you think the next chapter of One Book Bradford should be? The members of the One Book Bradford committee are currently accepting nominations for next year’s book. One Book Bradford is a community-wide reading initiative where one book is picked for the community to read. Ancillary activities pertaining to the book are planned and the season ends with a visit from the author of the selected book. Earlier this month, author Susan Vreeland, who penned the 2012 selection “Clara and Mr. Tiffany,” traveled to Bradford to discuss the book to a packed audience. Nominations can be sent via e-mail to OneBookBradford@gmail.com . Please include the name of the book, the author’s name as well as the name of the person submitting the nomination. The nomination can be either fiction or nonfiction. Nominations will be accepted until June 5. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Fran Runyon (standing) chats with author Susan Vreeland during the finale of the One Book Bradford season of events. Vreeland spoke about her book "Clara and Mr. Tiffany" and presented a slide show featuring pictures of Tiffany Studios and several of Clara Driscoll's Tiffany lamps. She also talked about how the lamps were made, her inspiration for writing the book and Clara Driscoll herself. Other One Book Bradford events related to "Clara and Mr. Tiffany" included a public book club discussion, a Glass Heritage Luncheon and tours of stained glass windows at three local churches, and a bus trip to Buffalo and East Aurora to see real Tiffany windows. Nearly 200 people attended Tuesday's author visit at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. WESB photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Calling all aspiring writers! You will have the opportunity to work face to face with a New York Times Best Selling author. On Tuesday, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Bradford Area Public Library, author Susan Vreeland will be holding a workshop called "Being a Person upon Whom Nothing is Lost." Vreeland, whose book “Clara and Mr. Tiffany” is this year’s One Book Bradford selection, will discuss attitude, gathering ideas, structure, character development, revision, and the business of writing. One Book Bradford is a community-wide reading initiative where one book is selected for the community to read and ancillary activities are planned. Space is limited to 20 seats. Those interested need to pre-register by calling the BAPL by noon Monday. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

One Book Bradford hosted a "Tiffany Bus Trip" to Buffalo and East Aurora Saturday so those reading (or who have read) the book "Clara and Mr. Tiffany" could gain a greater appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship detailed in the book. The window pictured above is one of five actually signed by Louis Comfort Tiffany in Baker Memorial United Methodist Church in East Aurora. People on the trip also visited Trinity Episcopal Church in Buffalo to see several other Tiffany windows, and some by his main rival, John LaFarge. Rick Richards led the trip, which also included a trip to the famous Viddler's 5&10 in East Aurora. The One Book Bradford season concludes on May 1 with a visit by author Susan Vreeland at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. The event is free and open to the public. WESB photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Tuesday Trivia Question from St. Bonaventure University -- Where were the windows of the Doyle Chapel manufactured?* -- reminded me that I didn't post pictures from One Book Bradford's Glass Heritage Luncheon held on Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church. So, here they are: One of the windows of the sanctuary at the First Presbyterian Church. Several glass artists showed off their creations. Pat Shinaberger, Pat Donahue and Cheryl Bazzoui serve up chili to the luncheoners. Another window at the Presbyterian Church. People who attended the event were also able to tour the First United Methodist and St. Bernard's Catholic churches. One Book Bradford events culminate on May 1 when Susan Vreeland, author of "Clara and Mr. Tiffany," gives a talk at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. It's free and open to the public. ~~~~~ *Paris, France http://web.sbu.edu/friedsam/archives/chapel/windows.htm The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The next event for One Book Bradford is sure to be a “glass act.” Tickets are now on sale for the Glass Heritage Luncheon, which is set to begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 3, at the First Presbyterian Church in Bradford. This is the second event in this year’s One Book Bradford season, a community-wide reading initiative. This year’s selection is “Clara and Mr. Tiffany” by Susan Vreeland. The day, which will consist of a buffet-style lunch of chili, cornbread, dessert, coffee and tea, will also include displays of glass art, including sculptures, panels, mosaics, lamps and tools. Diane Arnett will give a presentation showcasing examples of stained glass and methods of production. The exhibitors are James C. Zetts, Kathleen Karrasch, Gina Zetts, Cheryl Thomas and Arnett. Those interested can also take optional walking tours of churches in the immediate area. Tim Roff will conduct a tour of the First United Methodist Church; Francie Long will do a tour of St. Bernard Catholic Church....

Judy Harris leads Saturday’s Public Book Club meeting of One Book Bradford at the Bradford Area Public Library. Harris spoke about the lead character in this year’s OBB selection, Clara Driscoll of “Clara and Mr. Tiffany” by Susan Vreeland. Anne Bouquin also spoke about when Susan B. Anthony visited Bradford. The next OBB event, Glass Heritage Luncheon, will be held March 3 in the First Presbyterian Church. Tickets for that event will be available at Grandma’s House Teas & Gifts on Congress Street. Photo by Sandra Rhodes The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A public book club meeting will start the series of activities for this year’s One Book Bradford season. The public book club, which is open to anyone interested, will take place at 10:30 Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Bradford Area Public Library. Judy Harris will lead the discussion of “Clara and Mr. Tiffany” by Susan Vreeland. The book invites readers to take a look inside the world where Tiffany leaded-glass lamps were created. Many of the masterpieces were that of glass studio manager Clara Driscoll, not Louis Comfort Tiffany. Anne Bouquin will also speak briefly of when Susan B. Anthony visited Bradford in 1892. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Bradford Area Public Library. Admission is free. In its fifth year, One Book Bradford is a community-wide reading initiative in which a book is picked and the community is encouraged to read it. There are two other events in this year’s One Book Bradford season that leads up to a visit by Vreeland May 1 at the University of...

The fifth season of One Book Bradford is the age of enlightenment, so to speak. “Clara and Mr. Tiffany,” written by California-based author Susan Vreeland, invites readers to take a look inside the world where Tiffany leaded-glass lamps were created – and not by whom you may think. The obvious reference of enlightenment lends itself to Tiffany lamps themselves. However, a little known fact is that the concept and design of the masterpieces were that of glass studio manager Clara Driscoll, not Louis Comfort Tiffany. Vreeland delves into a world where Tiffany employs only single females in an effort to shield his business from strikes by an all-male union. These “Tiffany Girls” create the works that he is well known for. In its fifth year, One Book Bradford is a community-wide reading initiative in which a book is picked and the community is encouraged to read it. Several activities are held throughout the season, including a visit from the author in the spring. Vreeland is pleased ...