The following article was submitted by Meredith Gadzinski, a Public Services Librarian at the Manitowoc Public Library.
Art amazes me. It adds color and vibrancy to what otherwise could be a very boring world. Producing art is a wonderful way to explore your creativity and has some terrific benefits. You use your mind in diverse manner because it impacts brain wave patterns and can make you think about the world differently. When I work on my own artistic expressions, I’m more relaxed afterwards. I feel more aware of how my body feels and where I hold my stress. I have personally benefited significantly from creating art.
Research has shown that engaging in forty-five minutes of art-making significantly reduces cortisol levels (your body’s main stress hormone), it boosts confidence, and helps us become better problem solvers. Kids who have the opportunity to participate in creating art increase their motor skills, visual processing, and memory. It builds their confidence, as well, and allows them to express themselves. Aside from all the benefits people of all ages get out of creating art, it is a ton of fun!
I am thrilled to share with you an exciting opportunity to have a blast at MPL—the Pop Art Experience, taking place on Thursday, June 16. Michael Albert—the artist presenting this program—will give a short talk about his art and his book that illustrates his output, show a selection of his artworks, and conduct a hands-on collage workshop!
Meredith Gadzinski
That’s right—you get to make your own collage! Everyone that participates in this program will have a chance to win a free, hand-signed poster of the artist’s work. The first program, running from 2-4 PM, is geared for ages 6 to 12-years old. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. The second program is for everyone ages 13 & up and runs from 5:30-7:30 PM. Space is limited and registration is required! Registration starts on Thursday, June 2, at 5 PM. You can register by going to MPL’s website (www.manitowoclibrary.org/events/month/2022/06) or by calling the Library at 920-686-3000.
Mr. Albert, has been making art since his college days at New York University, where he studied business. He began his exploration of expressing himself with collage and had a breakthrough due to his reluctance to throw away a Frosted Flakes cereal box. He created his first “Modern Pop Artwork” collage at this point, which he titled “Portrait of an American Classic.” He followed this up with a series of these “Pop Cubist” portraits of various famous breakfast staples. Albert describes his Cereal Box collages, which he calls “cerealism,” as a cross between Picasso’s Cubism and Warhol’s Pop.
All of his original art is handmade without the use of any sort of computer-generated assistance. Though his process has evolved over the years, all materials are personally collected, after which he turns used consumer packaging into original fine art. To see images of his artwork and learn more about Michael Albert check out his website: www.michaelalbert.com/.
I just love that Mr. Albert re-uses packaging and creates fine art with it. It’s a great idea and a fun way to use cereal boxes and other packaging. Speaking of cereal boxes, MPL could use your help with this program. We’re in need of a lot of cereal boxes, so if you’re a cereal enthusiast, please consider dropping off your empty boxes at the Library instead of recycling them at home. I’ve placed a larger silver box with signs for the program all over it—you can’t miss it!—near the Library’s main entrance to collect cereal boxes. Drop them off any time during MPL’s regular hours of operation!
Once more, the “Pop Art Experience” takes place on June 16 from 2-4 PM (for ages 6-12) and again from 5:30-7:30 PM (for ages 13 & up). Registration for this program starts on Thursday, June 2, at 5 PM. You can register through our website (www.manitowoclibrary.org/events/month/2022/06) or by calling MPL at 920-686-3000.
This is going to be an artistic experience that you won’t want to miss!
