Community Youth Art Exhibition at the Library

Have you ever thought about showing your artwork in a public space? Now is your chance. During the period of November-December 2026, the Hamilton-Wenham Library will curate a youth art show featuring the works of artists under the age of 18! Applications accepted through the end of September. 

 

Click here for the entry application and guidelines. 

 

2025 Graffiti Art Contest Winners

Eight paintings were created at this summer's Graffiti Art Workshop held on June 21. Since then the paintings have been on display in the teen area for viewing and voting. 54 people cast 3 votes each. One vote in each of these categories: Originality; Best Use of Color; and Best Design. Jessie Bolishetti received the most votes for Best Design. Livia Chen received the most votes for Best Use of Color. Grayson Moon received the most votes for Originality. Gift cards to Art Supplies Wholesale were awarded (funded by the Friends of the Library). If the artists allow, all paintings will be on view till the end of August.

2024 Graffiti Art Contest Winners

Eight paintings were entered in this summer's Graffiti Art Contest. All were painted at our Graffiti Art workshop held on June 27. Since then the paintings have been on display in the teen area for viewing and voting. 106 votes were cast in 3 categories: Originality, Best Use of Color, and Best Design. The tallies were close. Violet Adler received the most votes for Originality. Soren Collins received the most votes for Best Use of Color, and Avery DeCourcy received the most votes for Best Design. Gift cards to Art Supplies Wholesale were awarded (funded by the Friends of the Library). If the artists allow, all paintings will be on view till the end of August.

 

Graffiti Art Contest Winners

Congratulations to our Graffiti Art Contest winners!! There were 9 paintings entered in the contest. Over the past 4 weeks 192 votes were cast. Claire Adler received the most votes for Best Use of Color. Kai Geraghty-Sari received the most votes for Best Design, and Sam Bourque received the most votes for Originality.

August and Beyond

We've got two weeks to go in our summer reading programs - but, despair not, you can still register on our Beanstack platform and have a chance to win a prize. Speaking of prizes please drop by the teen area and vote for three of the graffiti paintings on display. I'll be announcing the contest winners here. Visit the Library to cast your votes on Saturday August 12, and enjoy an hour long indie-pop acoustic concert with singer-songwriter Peryle! Concert will start at 2:00pm. Peryle's songs are personal & introspective, often reflecting on love, loss, & self-discovery. Recently, Peryle unveiled her first single, Story. Hear for yourself why her voice & songwriting captivate audiences!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning August 15, you can sign up for the Chess Club that starts September 20. There will be 8 Wednesday afternoon sessions for beginning or intermediate players, ages 8 to 13. Find out more information and sign up for the beginner or intermediate session here. Space is limited to 10 participants, registration is required.

Coming up in October the Adult Services Librarian and I are collaborating on running a 4 week series of programs for teens and adults we're calling Otherworldly October, featuring a tarot workshop, New England ghost stories, and more. Check back, I'll be posting details soon.

Teen Summer Programs

2014 Summer Programs 

for Teens at the 

Hamilton-Wenham Public Library

Registration is underway for the Library's teen summer programs, and they are filling up fast, don't miss out.  All programs are free; paid for by the Friends of the Hamilton-Wenham Library.  Sign up for your spot in a program at the Reference desk, or call: 978-468-5577, to sign up by phone.

THURSDAYS: JUNE 5, & AUGUST 7 

6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

TEEN THINK TANK MEETINGS
The Teen Think Tank is the Library's teen advisory
board, for ages 11-18.  We meet 11 times a year, on the first Thursday of the month (except July), for 90 minutes.
The Teen Think Tank works with the Young Adult Librarian to improve the library's teen collections (books, audiobooks, music, and films), and to create programs and services designed specifically for teens.
Come share your bright ideas! 
Earn community service credit.

Interested in becoming a member of the Teen Think Tank?  

To participate in the TTT stop by the library and talk with Kim Claire, Young Adult Librarian, or send an email stating your interest to: kclaire@mvlc.org.

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MINECRAFT CLUB at the LIBRARY

TUESDAYS,  5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Play Minecraft at the Library!  During the summer, starting Tuesday, June 24, the Minecraft Club will meet on Tuesday evenings, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
For all ages who play well with others. No griefing EVER. Bring your own laptop and have an active Minecraft membership. The club is run by a member of the Teen Think Tank (the Library's teen advisory board). Beginners and advance players welcome.

On Tuesday, July 29, at 5 PM, the Minecraft Club will meet in the large meeting room on the first floor for a presentation from Bailey Sostek:  Bailey will demonstrate some of the mods that he has made for Minecraft, and then he will demonstrate what that has enabled him to do independently with the different games he has made. He may also do a walkthrough of how to create a simple base modification to Minecraft. He will conclude with showing the links and programs that he used to create the mods and to learn java.

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THURSDAY, JULY 10, 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
(meet in the Gymnasium next door to the Library)

BLUE STAR PLANETARIUM

BLACK HOLES:THE OTHER SIDE OF INFINITY

Narrated by actor Liam Neeson, this production features high-resolution visualizations of cosmic phenomena; the formation of the early universe, star birth and death, the collision of giant galaxies, and a simulated flight to a super-massive black hole lurking at the center of our own Milky Way Galaxy.  Currently in distribution to more than 100 theaters worldwide,Black Holes: the Other Side of Infinity is one of the most successful full-dome shows ever produced.
Audience size is limited to dome capacity.  To attend please register at the Reference Desk located on the 2nd floor of the Library, or call the Reference Desk at 978-468-5577. 

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THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2:30pm - 4:00 and
THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
OPTICAL ILLUSIONS
WORKSHOP & EXHIBIT

  Join Toni Carolina for a two part 

photography workshop for teens.

1st part meets on:
Thursday, July 17, 2:30pm to 4:00pm
This session will focus on forced perspective photography; a manipulation of objects to look big or tiny without the use of Photoshop.  For example: making a person look as though they are floating in air.  Let your imagination be your guide with the help of your digital camera to create optical illusions.   Bring a camera and a tripod or a couple of bags of rice or beans to steady the camera shots.

2nd part meets on:
Thursday, July 31, 2:30pm to 3:30pm

This session bring your printed optical illusion images to the Library, where you will mount and hang them in a show in the Young Adult area of the Library.

Open to teens 12-18 years old, or to students entering grades 6-12 in 2014.  Limited to 12 participants.  There is no charge to attend. Register at the Reference desk, or call 978-468-5577.

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SATURDAY, JULY 19, 9:30 PM to 12:30 PM 

TEEN THINK TANK GOES SHOPPING for the Library

The Library's teen advisory board will be going to Barnes & Noble to shop for items, that the Library does not already own, to add to our teen collections.  To participate in this trip you must have attended at least one previous Teen Think Tank meeting.

Parent/guardian permission forms are due by June 30. 

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THURSDAY, JULY 24, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM 
SUBLIME SUNFLOWERS:
a PASTEL WORKSHOP for Teens and Adults 

A hands-on experience of basic pastel painting, as well as advanced techniques, using professional grade materials with award-winning artist, Gregory Maichack.

Extensively researched, Maichack teaches participants by lecture, revealing anecdotes, historical context and demo of techniques. This workshop is designed for beginners to advanced participants. Maichack, a faculty member of the Springfield Museum Studio School, will explain concepts and then start you off by sharing a fearless approach to drawing. Participants will use photos of famous “Sunflowers” artwork by van Gogh, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Monet, and also Maichack’s reference photos, to create their unique sunflower pastel painting.

This workshop includes all materials:  Indigo paper, white charcoal pencils, black paper, Rembrandt soft pastels, Nupastels, French and English pastel pencils, assorted colored mid-toned Canson pastel paper and other materials.

Class size limited to 30 participants.   Open to teens ages 12-19, and to adults.
To attend register at the Reference desk on the 2nd floor of the Library, or call 978-468-5577.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Hamilton-Wenham Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

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TUESDAY, JULY 29, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM 
iROBOT visits the Library



Curious about robots? A representative from iRobot will bring their robots to the library.  Enjoy a presentation and hands-on demonstration of robots used both in the home and by soldiers and emergency response teams.

For ages 10 and up. No registration required.

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THURSDAY, JULY 31 

7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

HISTORICAL SWORDS: WESTERN EUROPEAN  

This presentation is a combination of lecture/discussion and physical demonstration given by Jeff Goodhind and Jeff Lord. Seeking a correlation between the book and the sword, they include material from the earliest known combat manual (MS I.33 from the early 14th century) to Alfred Hutton's Cold Steel (a manual from 1890) covering over half a millennia of the history of the sword in Western Europe and its use.  This program will include:

• A chronological presentation of several different eras of sword use, including a physical demonstration of the use of several different types of swords (It is all choreographed and practiced in advance and they only use blunt steel swords.).
• A question and answer "mythbusters" segment where they discuss the common misconceptions about swords.
• Some images from historical works (PowerPoint).
• An introduction to historical interpretation which includes some audience participation (Usually they provide two audience members with foam swords and have them work through a historical combat sequence.)

This program is for all ages. There is no registration required.

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 10:15 AM to 2:00 PM

SAT/ACT COMBO PRACTICE TEST

Take a practice SAT/ACT (half SAT, half ACT) test, complete with results, provided free of charge by
Kaplan Test Prep.  A proctored SAT/ACT practice test shows students what to expect in a test-like environment. Students will receive a comprehensive analysis of their performance from Kaplan, detailing individual strengths and weaknesses.
Bring #2 pencil and a calculator to use during the test. The College Board sets the policy for calculators, here is the link to the policy:http://sat.collegeboard.org/register/calculator-policy

Limited to 24 participants.  Register at Kaplan Test Prep, 

or go to the Reference desk on the 2nd floor of the Library.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

CSI: FORENSICS LAB WORKSHOP

Engage in the mystery and the science of a Crime Scene Investigation Forensics Lab. From traditional fingerprinting techniques to DNA sampling and analysis, students will have the opportunity to explore methods used by scientists and detectives to properly identify suspects wrapped up in criminal investigations.

A small amount of cell biology will be discussed as students extract DNA from fruit cells or their own cheek cells. Historic and modern techniques of fingerprinting will be used as students make their own fingerprint charts and dust for latent prints using magnetic and UV powder.  A microscope and two stereoscopes will be available for further investigation. Students can: identify significant markers on latent prints, study their own fingers and magnify sampled DNA. To end the investigation two - three real crimes that used covered practices will be discussed.

Open to teens 12-18 years old or to students entering grades 6-12 in 2012. 

Class size is limited to 14.  Register at the Reference desk on the 2nd floor, or call 978-468-5577.

Art Scene: Art Major's Summer Show

Stop by the Young Adult area in the Library and see what our graduates from Hamilton-Wenham have been up to at their respective colleges. Three art majors home from their first year of college have put together a show in the Young Adult area of the Library displaying the variety of work they created during their Freshman year. They are: Natalie Kassirer, majoring in Illustration at Rhode Island School of Design; Emily Klobucher, majoring in Painting and Art History at Massachusetts College of Art and Design; and Zach Massos, majoring in Industrial Design at Rochester Institute of Technology.  "The Foundation year is all about trying new things", said Natalie.

Art Scene: Girl Topia Exhibit

Twelve words, six interlocking pieces, and a vision of Girl Topia. Senior Girl Scout Troop, Troup 60111, has put an exhibit of their work in the teen area of the Library.  The title of their show is "Girl Topia."  Each girl created a piece that contains two puzzle pieces, to represent two words, that describes their vision of "Girl Topia."

Below are the names of the girls 

with the title of their particular piece: 

Jenna Crosbie, Light and Laughter 

Audrey DeLorenzo, Beauty and Love 

Laura Jennings, Imaging and Equality

Maddi O'Connor, Paradise and Dream 

Liz Perrotta, Vision and Friendship 

Kate Vanier, Dance and Create

Girl Topia will run in conjunction with Annie Li and Hannah Kwon's show (see previous Art Scene post).  Both shows will be on view until the end of May.

ART SCENE

WHAT:	Art Show
WHERE:	Hamilton-Wenham Library in the Young Adult Area
WHEN:	April 27 through May 31

An art show of work by Annie Li and Hannah Kwon can now be seen in the Young Adult area of the Hamilton-Wenham Library.  Annie and Hannah are students at Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School. Annie’s hobbies are music (playing the piano and listening) and art.  When asked about her work Annie said, “a lot of my art pieces reflect the 'moodiness' of music; my art is generally not based off real things”.  Hannah smiled, hung her work, and left so quickly there was no chance to ask her about the inspiration behind her pieces, you will have to come and see for yourself.   

Their show runs through May.

All teen artists are welcome and encouraged to submit their artwork for display in the Young Adult area of the Library.  Work submitted must be ready to hang on the wall, and the Library reserves the right to accept or reject any work as it deems appropriate. For more information, please stop by the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, or contact Kim Claire, Young Adult Librarian at 978.468.5577, ext. 14, or at kclaire@mvlc.org.

Art Scene

WHAT:	Teen Photography Display
WHERE:	Hamilton-Wenham Public Library
WHEN:	March 17 to April 30, 2012

Come see the photography display by Hayden Crocker, age 15, in the Young Adult area of the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library.  Hayden Crocker is an avid still photographer.  He has been carrying a camera at his side for most of his life. (Even as a toddler he had toy cameras.)  Hayden is drawn to capturing moments from every day life. Most often his photographs are of friends, animals and landscapes or items found in nature. He also has taken photographs for commercial purposes, whether for a direct marketing campaign or to promote an artist.  In addition to still photography, Hayden has also created hundreds of short films and instructional videos.

All teen artists are welcome and encouraged to submit their artwork for display in the Young Adult area of the Library.  Work submitted must be ready to hang on the wall, and the Library reserves the right to accept or reject any work as it deems appropriate. For more information, please stop by the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, or contact Kim Claire, Young Adult Librarian at 978.468.5577, ext. 14 or kclaire@mvlc.org.

As part of the 2012 teen summer programming I will be scheduling a night photography workshop (in keeping with the "Own the Night" summer reading teen slogan) in late June.  Participants will be asked to display the result of their work from the workshop, in the teen area of the Library.  Look for the schedule of teen summer programming on this blog or keep an eye on the Library's online Calendar of Events.

FEBRUARY PROGRAMS

On Wednesday, February 1, 6:30pm to 8:00pm there will be a presentation for students and parents:

Demystifying the College Application Process

presented by Laine Averbeck, of College Concierge.

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In concert with the above program, I am also in the process of scheduling, either for February or March, another college related workshop offered by: Jim Femia, a Certified College Planning Specialist and a member of the National Institute of Certified College Planners, which will cover the following topics:

• How families of ALL income levels are receiving financial aid.
• Why some families incorrectly assume they could never qualify for aid.
• Which colleges give you the best financial aid packages…More gift aid and few loans.
• Learn how to avoid costly mistakes on the FAFSA and CSS Profile
• How some parents are sending their student to a private university for less than a state school.
• How students can position themselves to be the best candidate and receive more FREE money and less loans. 

The date and time for this program will be posted here on the teen page, and on the Library's online calendar of events. 

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During the February school break

the following two programs 

are scheduled on February 23rd. 

To attend either or both,  

please sign up at the Reference desk 

or call 978-468-5577 x14.

Seeing Beauty : An Art and Photography Reception in the Young Adult Area

Seeing Beauty: An Exploration of the Aesthetics of Beauty, 

Expressed Through the Lens of a Photographer and the Pencil of an Artist

In preparation for next week's exhibit, the new hanging system arrived and was installed in the Young Adult area today.  The Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School Business Club is hosting an exhibit here at the Library to showcase the work of student visual artists and photographers.  Come enjoy an exhibit of art and photography at the reception on Thursday, August 19, in the Young Adult area of the Library, from 6:30pm to 8pm.  Meet the artists and enjoy some refreshments.  Art and photography will be for sale.  Artwork will be on view until September 30th.

Business Club Art Exhibit Information