The Joy of Botanical Printmaking with Mary Himes
On Wednesday, October 15, from 1-3 pm, Artist and Teacher Mary Himes will offer a special art workshop, “The Joy of Botanical Printmaking.” The workshop will be held in our Program Room, Radcliffe Building, Perrot Memorial Library. (The workshop will also be offered on Wednesday, October 8, 1-3 pm.)
Come explore the fun and freedom of printing from nature. Using fresh or dried leaves, stems, or flowers, we’ll use gel plates to create unique prints that can be framed or used as notecards. You’ll be amazed at how this simple printmaking process wakes up the creativity within–like a mini vacation. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. All materials will be provided, but please feel free to bring your own plant material if you have some favorite trees or plants in your garden. For best results, make sure to pick the plants the same day as the workshop. All students should wear old clothing.
Mary Scott Himes has recently returned to her art practice after years working in the home design magazine and non-profit worlds. A breast cancer survivor, Mary got back to making art during her treatments. She loves teaching gel plate printmaking to those of any age who can benefit from creative exploration. She has a BA in History/Art History from McGill University and a BFA in Environmental Design from Parsons School of Design.
Registration is required and is limited to 8 participants. Click here to register.
For more information, contact us at lending@perrotlibrary.org or 203-637-1066.
AI Made Simple for Beginners: An Artificial Intelligence Workshop
Peter Farnsworth will present “AI Made Simple for Beginners: An Artificial Intelligence Workshop,” on Wednesday, October 8, at 6:30 pm in our Program Room, Perrot Memorial Library.
Ready to explore the world of AI, but don’t know where to start? This beginner-friendly workshop will demystify AI and show you how to start using it today. No technical background required – just curiosity and a desire to learn.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- AI Made Simple: Learn what AI really is in everyday language, without the jargon or complexity.
- How It Is Changing Everything: Hear how it is altering jobs, writing, art, video, and everyday tasks.
- Hands-On Tools: Become familiar with free, web-based AI apps you can start using immediately from any device
Whether you’re a complete beginner curious about AI or someone looking to boost productivity and simplify daily tasks, this workshop will give you practical skills you can use right away. We’ll focus on accessible, user-friendly applications that require no coding or technical expertise.
Peter Farnsworth is a long-time resident of New Canaan, a father of four, and a grandfather of six. He is passionate about the future of AI and enjoys sharing his hobbies and skills with others. Recently, he wrote a fictional novel using AI, which is available on Amazon, and is developing several AI-based applications.
Registration is required. To register, click here.
For more information on this program, contact us at lending@perrotlibrary.org or 203-637-1066.
Book Presentation: “50 Vegetarian Recipes from 50 Years at Claire’s Corner Copia”
Celebrate Vegetarian Awareness Month with a visit from Claire Criscuolo, owner of Claire’s Corner Copia, located in New Haven, Conn., on Monday, October 6, at 6 pm in our Program Room, Radcliffe Building, Perrot Memorial Library. Claire will discuss her new book, 50 Vegetarian Recipes from 50 Years at Claire’s Corner Copia. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the program.
Step into the welcoming world of Claire’s Corner Copia through this anniversary cookbook that celebrates a half-century of nourishing both body and soul. From crowd-favorite lasagnas to celebrated scones, each recipe carries the warmth and wisdom of Claire Criscuolo’s pioneering approach to vegetarian cooking.
Inside, you’ll find:
• Classic dishes that blend Italian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, and Greek influences
• Healing recipes developed during the pandemic, including restorative smoothies and mocktails
• Personal stories and photographs that capture five decades of serving the New Haven community
• Clear instructions for recreating Claire’s most requested dishes at home
Whether you’re a longtime patron or new to vegetarian cooking, this collection invites you to experience the timeless appeal of fresh, wholesome food made with love. Many recipes are accompanied by full-color photography and all include Claire’s warmhearted stories, making this book both a practical cookbook and a touching tribute to one of America’s most enduring vegetarian establishments.
Claire Criscuolo, co-founder of Claire’s Corner Copia with her late husband Frank, is a pioneer in vegetarian cooking. Her restaurant is renowned for its diverse menu, which blends Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Latin American, and Greek flavors. A former columnist for The New Haven Register and author of four cookbooks, Claire is a passionate educator and advocate for healthy,
homemade vegetarian cuisine. She frequently lectures at Yale University and Quinnipiac University and is an associate fellow at Hopper College.
Registration is required. To register, click here.
Reserve a copy of the book through our catalog or order a copy from Athena Books.
For more information, contact Lisa Thomas at 203-637-1066 x20 or lisat@perrotlibrary.org.