Watercolors art workshops return to library

With the renovations complete, many programs are returning to Amherst Public Library, 221 Spring St., such as the art workshops on Mondays.

Alongside the renovations, the library has continued to introduce an era of new ideas to its building, this time in the new Watercolor Pencils and More art workshops.

The workshops will take place from noon to 2 p.m., Aug. 8 and Aug. 22, in the building’s community rooms located on the second floor.

Local artist and instructor Mary Jo Clark is set to host both workshops.

Becky Denes, public relations coordinator for Amherst Public Library, said the program was a must to return.

“I know when you typically think of a library, paint is one of the last things you’d expect to find,” Denes said. “But the art workshops are such a hit that we needed to expand on them.”

Officially, there are only two workshops scheduled, she said.

The program likely is to turn into a monthly occurrence to be added to the various other programs the library offers, Denes said.

“We have the new community rooms in part so that we can continue to offer programs like this to the public,” she said. “We are all about bringing the community together here at the library, and art does just that.”

The classes require registration to attend as each session is small, but it is free.

In addition, the classes are intended for adults.

Interested parties can register at www.AmherstPublicLibrary.org and go to the events section or call the library at 440-9884230.

Students are asked to bring a set of watercolor pencils, pink erasers, a No. 8 round Taklon brush, a natural sponge, a halfinch foam brush, an ultrafine sharpie or .02 Micron pen, and 140 lb watercolor paper, all of which can be found at any art store.

No artistic experience is necessary, Denes said.