Archive for the ‘Arts and Culture’ Category

Fall 2011 Saturday Matinee Film Series to Begin on Saturday at the Mercer Island Library

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

For the Fall 2011 Saturday Matinee Film Series at the Mercer Island Library, Lance Rhoades, instructor at the University of Washington and a faculty member at the Seattle Film Institute, has developed a two-part film series on how the newspaper industry has been depicted on the silver screen.

“Our Saturday Movie Matinee fall series looks at the central role once played by newspapers in American life—and at cinema’s portrayal of the people behind the story, from wisecracking beat reporters to ruthless tycoons. The series features films by some of the greatest directors of Hollywood’s golden age,” says Rhoades.

The first part of the series—“Extra! Extra!: Movies in the Glory Days of Newspapers”—begins this Saturday, September 24th. A complete list of the films is below.

The second part of the series—“Stop the Presses!: New Media and the Changing Face of Journalism”—will begin early next year.

All films are free and screened at the Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Avenue, Mercer Island Library.

The Saturday Matinee Series is proudly sponsored by the Friends of the Mercer Island Library.

Poster of "Libeled Lady"

Libeled Lady (Jack Conway, 1936)

Saturday, September 24, 2011, 1 p.m. 

When a newspaper is sued for libel, the editor postpones his wedding and convinces his fiancée to enter a sham marriage with a former reporter, all in a comically complicated attempt to discredit the newspaper’s accuser. A star-studded cast featuring Jean Harlow, Spencer Tracy, William Powell, Myrna Loy, and Walter Connolly.

Poster for "Nothing Sacred"

Nothing Sacred (William Wellman, 1937)

Saturday, October 1, 2011, 1 p.m.

A disgraced reporter desperate for a hot story profiles a woman from small town who is believed to have a fatal disease. When they discover that she has been misdiagnosed, it is too late to stop the worldwide repercussions. This film inspired the
first use of the term “screwball comedy”.

Poster for "His Girl Friday"

His Girl Friday (Howard Hawks, 1940)

Saturday, October 8, 2011, 1 p.m.

In this famous remake of The Front Page, Cary Grant plays an editor who tries to win back his ex-wife and ex-reporter (Rosalind Russell) by assigning her a breaking news story she can’t resist—even though she is engaged and has sworn to give up the
newspaper life.

Poster of "The Philadelphia Story"

The Philadelphia Story (George Cukor, 1940)

Saturday, October 15, 2011, 1 p.m.

A chaotic relationship between C.K. Dexter (Cary Grant) and Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn) is apparently over when she throws him out and gets engaged to the respectable George Kitridge (John Howard). However, things take a surprising turn when Dexter sneaks Spy Magazine reporter Macauley Connor (James Stewart) into the wedding.

Poster for "Citizen Kane"Citizen Kane (Orson Welles, 1941)

Saturday, October 29, 2011, 1 p.m.

Soon after shocking the world with a Halloween radio broadcast of War of the Words, Orson Welles took Hollywood by storm with this ambitious, audacious—and thinly veiled—portrayal of newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst. Widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

Poster for "Woman of the Year"

Woman of the Year (George Stevens, 1942)

Saturday, November 12, 2011, 1 p.m.

Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy return to our series for this comic battle of wits and wills, as they spar over ideas about career, marriage, and journalistic integrity.

Poster for "Ace in the Hole"

Ace in the Hole (a.k.a. The Big Carnival) (Billy Wilder, 1951)

Saturday, November 19, 2011, 1 p.m.

Kirk Douglas plays an unscrupulous reporter who takes advantage of a mine catastrophe by delaying rescue efforts and securing exclusive access in order to drive up the price for his story.

Poster for "While the City Sleeps"

While the City Sleeps (Fritz Lang, 1956)

Saturday, December 3, 2011, 1 p.m.

A reckless heir to a multi-media empire decides to promote the head of whichever division solves the mystery of “The Lipstick Killer”. This noirish film’s stellar ensemble includes Vincent Price, Dana Andrews, George Sanders, Rhonda Fleming, and Timothy Mitchell.

September 17th Grand Opening for the Mercer Island Library’s New Literacy Garden

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011
The Early Learning Garden at the Mercer Island Public Library.

The Early Learning Garden at the Mercer Island Public Library. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Date and Time: Saturday, September 17th, 10:30 a.m.

Location: The Early Learning Garden at the Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Avenue SE, Mercer Island, Washington

To celebrate the hard work by so many community volunteers from Mercer Island and the employees and design rangers of the Pomegranate Center in building the Mercer Island Library’s Early Learning Garden, Tully’s Coffee, the garden’s sponsor, and the Pomegranate Center are holding a grand opening.

The grand opening will be on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the Early Learning Garden.  Please plan to join the staff from the Mercer Island Library, the Pomegranate Center, and the Mercer Island community. There will be music, food, coffee, and a plaque unveiling and dedication.

Opera Preview for “The Magic Flute” on Wednesday, May 4th at 7:00 PM

Monday, May 2nd, 2011

Tamino and Pamina undergo their final trial; watercolor by Max Slevogt (1868–1932) (Source: Wikipedia)

Date and Time: Wednesday, May 4, 7 p.m.

Location: Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Avenue SE, Mercer Island, Washington

Cost: Free

Get ready for the Seattle Opera‘s upcoming performances of “The Magic Flute” with a deeper understanding and appreciation for Mozart‘s masterpiece by joining opera expert Norm Hollingshead for a lecture featuring musical excerpts.

In late 1791 Mozart needed a ‘big hit’ to pay off some pressing debts. He got it with his ‘Magic Flute,’ popular from it’s opening night on September 20. Sadly Mozart did not live to enjoy ‘The Magic Flute’s profits, dying on December 5, at the age of 35. ‘The Magic Flute’ has everything an opera audience loves: low comedy, high drama, a handsome prince, a beautiful princess, a wise sorcerer, a wicked sorceress, dazzling high notes, and beautiful melodies.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Mercer Island Library.

Celebration the Bunny Sculpture’s 20th Birthday on May 3rd at 11 a.m.

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

Date and Time: Tuesday, May 3, 11 a.m.

Location: Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Avenue SE, Mercer Island, Washington

Join us in celebrating the Mercer Island Library’s beloved bunny sculpture, “Between Two Worlds,” which turns 20 this year. There will be bunny stories, many activities, and, of course, birthday cake.

The bunny sculpture was created by local artist, Georgia Gerber, who also designed sculptures at the Islander Middle School, “Gator” (1996), and the Mercer Island High School, “Garden Snail” (2002).

The Friends of the Library are proud to sponsor this event.

“Smoke Signals” To Be Shown at Mercer Island Library, March 12th

Thursday, March 10th, 2011

Smoke Signals (Eyre, USA, 1998)

Date and Time: Saturday, March 12, 1 p.m.

Location: Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Avenue SE, Mercer Island, Washington

Cost: Free

Victor, an ill-tempered jock, and Thomas, a storytelling nerd learn how much they really have in common while traveling from their Coeur d’Alene Reservation home to Arizona. An odd couple road movie based on Sherman Alexie‘s short story “The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven.”

University of Washington film historian Lance Rhoades will introduce the film and lead a discussion afterward.

This screening is sponsored by the Friends of the Mercer Island Library.

“The Gods Must Be Crazy II” Screening at the Mercer Island Library Saturday, February 26

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

The Gods Must Be Crazy, Part II (Uys, Botswana, 1989)

Date and Time: Saturday, February 26, 1 p.m.

Location: Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Avenue SE, Mercer Island, Washington

Cost: Free

Kalahari bushman Xi once again encounters an array of eccentric characters in bizarre situations as he attempts to rescue his children accidentally taken away by elephant poachers.

University of Washington film historian Lance Rhoades will introduce the film and lead a discussion afterward.

This screening is sponsored by the Friends of the Mercer Island Library.

Opera Preview of “Don Quixote” Rescheduled to Friday, February 25, 2011 at 2:00 PM

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

Bronze statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, at the Plaza de España in Madrid (Source: Wikipedia)

New Date and Time: Friday, February 25, 2 p.m.

Location: Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Avenue SE, Mercer Island, Washington

Cost: Free

The “Don Quixote” opera preview to be presented by Norm Hollingshead, originally scheduled for tonight, has been postponed due to bad weather. It is now scheduled for Friday, February 25, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.

Get ready for the Seattle Opera‘s upcoming performances of “Don Quixote” with a deeper understanding and appreciation for Jules Massenet‘s work by joining Mr. Hollingshead.

Massenet (1842-1912) had a one act opera performed in 1867 when he was only 25 years old but it was the blockbuster success of his “Manon” in 1884 that made him a famous name in opera-loving households. Further melodious hits in the 1890s, such as “Werther” and “Thais,” cemented his reputation as one of the most successful opera composers of his time. The turn to the new century, though, saw a decline in his popularity as opera audiences came to find Massenet “old-fashioned,” preferring instead the new sounds of Claude Debussy and Richard Strauss or the more realistic dramas of Giacomo Puccini. Massenet kept composing however and in 1910, had his last big “hit,” “Don Quichotte” which utilized only a few scenes from Miguel de Cervantesfamous novel but those are brought charmingly to life by Massenet’s wonderfully “Frenchified” Spansh Music. Don Quichotte was originally composed as a vehicle for the greatest singing actor of his time, the fabled Russian basso, Feodor Chaliapin. Don Quichotte was a great success whenever Chaliapin performed it and, since Chaliapin’s retirement in the 1930′s, the opera has been performed successfully whenever a dynamic basso has assumed the title role. Mr. Hollingshead will illustrate his commentary on Don Quichotte with recorded musical excerpts from his own collection, many quite rare.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Mercer Island Library.

Opera Preview for “Don Quixote” on Wednesday, February 23 at 7 p.m.

Monday, February 21st, 2011

Date and Time: Wednesday, February 23, 7 p.m.

Location: Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Avenue SE, Mercer Island, Washington

Cost: Free

Join Norm Hollingshead for a preview of Jules Massenet‘s Don Quixote, which will be performed this month and next by the Seattle Opera.

The Friends of the Mercer Island Library are proud to sponsor this event.

The Friends of the Mercer Island Library to Honor Ted Rand

Wednesday, October 13th, 2010

Ted Rand, best known to Islanders for his children’s book illustrations, will be honored October 23rd at 1:00 PM at the Mercer Island Library when a framed watercolor for the book Salt Hands is unveiled by the Friends of the Mercer Island Library.

“The Friends have been looking for a way to acknowledge Ted’s contributions to his craft and his community for a couple of years,” said Suzanne Sanderson, Friends member who was responsible for finding the painting. And it was a bit of a search. “We had been told that there was no original artwork available, but were fortunate to discover this one when it came on the market.”

A professional graphic designer who took up children’s book illustrating at a time in his life when most people are planning retirement travel, Rand had 80 books to his credit before he died in 2005 at age 89. Among them were the popular Salty Dog series, Home for Spooky and The Baby in the Basket, all of which were done in partnership with his wife, Gloria, herself an accomplished author of at least 15 children’s books, all of them full of Rand’s watercolors, many of which will be on display the day of the dedication. Several of their books will be on display the day of the dedication.

Rand distinguished himself as a graphics artist with work that appeared in The New Yorker, Life, Encyclopedia Britannica, but he also was commissioned for portraits of Washington notables such as John Spellman, Dorothy Bullitt and Charles Odegaard. He taught graphic illustration at the University of Washington for 22 years.

The Friends chose to honor Rand not only for his contributions to children’s literature, but also for his giving-back ethic. He cast a wide net over many Island organizations, giving freely of his graphic expertise. He juried shows for the Mercer Island Visual Arts League, provided promotional materials for the City’s Mercerversary celebration in 1976 and designed logos for several Island organizations.

Free Museum Passes Through KCLS!

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

KCLS has partnered with area museums to offer free museum passes.
Register online by following these easy steps:

1. Select the museum of your choice & click “Free Pass”
2. Choose the date of your choice & enter your information to register.
3. Print your email confirmation, which serves as your admission ticket.
4. Take your email confirmation to the museum when you visit.

Register for your free museum pass up to two weeks in advance of the day you plan to visit. Online registration opens at 10am daily. Passes are good for general admission and are limited to one per family.

If you do not have an email address, call the Bellevue Library at 425.450.1765 to register.

Bellevue Arts Museum: Free pass

510 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 – 425.519.0770
Explore the Pacific Northwest’s center of art, craft and design.

This pass allows one entry for two people, and is valid for three days from the registration date.

Reserve your museum pass to the Bellevue Arts Museum through our online calendar. Check Museum website for Open Hours

Bellevue Arts Musuem

KidsQuest Children’s Museum: Free Pass

4091 Factoria Boulevard Southeast, Bellevue, WA 98006 – 425.637.8100
Explore, play and learn at KidsQuest Children’s Museum.

This pass allows entry for up to 4 people and is valid for use on the registration date.

Reserve your museum pass to the KidsQuest Children’s Museum through our online calendar.

KidsQuest

Museum of History and Industry: Free Pass

2700 24th Avenue E, Seattle, WA 98112 – 206.324.1126
Explore the diverse history of Seattle, the Puget Sound region and the nation.

This pass allows entry for two people and is valid for use on the registration date.

Reserve your museum pass to the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) through our online calendar.Check Museum web site for Open Hours The first Thursday of the month is always free, so no pass is necessary.

MOHAI

Washington State History Museum: Free Pass

1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402 – 1.888.238.4373
Learn about our state’s unique people and places.

This museum pass allows entry for up to 2 adults and 4 children and is valid for use on the registration date.

Reserve your museum pass to the Washington State History Museum through our online calendar. Check Museum for web site for Open Hours. Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Washington State History Museum