Meet NY Times Best-Selling Author, C.J. Redwine!

 

Click here to read the story in Brentwood Home Page.

The Friends of the Brentwood Library welcome New York Times best-selling author C.J. Redwine as the guest speaker at their General Meeting held Tuesday, June 7th at 6pm.  C.J. is the bestselling author of the young adult Defiance Triology (Defiance, Deception and Deliverance) and the new Ravenspire Series (including the critically acclaimed The Shadow Queen).

The event is open to Friends of the Brentwood Library members with applications on hand to join that evening. Annual membership of the Friends of Brentwood Library is $30 for a family, $20 for an individual, or $5 for a teen.

The Friends of the Brentwood Library is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) service organization dedicated to the advancement of our community through its library.  The Brentwood Library is located at 8109 Concord Road, Brentwood, TN 37027 For more information about this event, please contact friends@brentwoodtn.gov. 

February FOBL Showcase Artist

February FOBL Showcase Artist
Jennifer Knowles
Bookbinding, Papermaking, Printmaking, and Book Arts

Artist Bio:

Jennifer Knowles is a Nashville native with a passion for bookbinding, papermaking, printmaking and book arts. She teaches at colleges, universities, and arts organizations throughout the southeastern United States. Her sculptural work, artists books and photographic works are exhibited and collected internationally.

She is a member of the American Craft Council, the College Book Arts Association, the Southeast Guild of Bookworkers, the Tennessee Book Arts Guild and Tennessee Craft (TACA). She opened Brown Dog Bindery in 2010 focusing on book restoration, repair, and conservation including photo and document restoration.

Jennifer is also the Founding Director of Brown DogNashville; an organization that conceptualizes, organizes and promotes creative collaborations between local businesses, visual and performing arts, and the community.

She is the co-founder of The Nashville Limited EditionClub, a Nashville-centric organization that pairs a local author and artist for one year culminating in an original work printed and bound by local artisans for small run, limited edition artists' books and small batch digital publications.

When she isn't busy binding books, publishing or organizing events you might find her navigating Tennessee's rivers in her little yellow kayak or cruising country roads in a rusty truck with her little brown dog, Nollie.

See all of Jennifer's work by visiting Brown Dog Bindery. Her e-mail address is
BrownDogBindery@gmail.com.

Presented by The Friends of The Brentwood Library:

Each month, The Brentwood Library hosts two local artists on the Friends of the Brentwood Library (FOBL) Gallery Wall and Showcase Display. The next time you pay us a visit, take a few extra moments to pause and savor these artists' creations.

February FOBL Gallery Wall Artist

February FOBL Gallery Wall Artist

Melanie Jackson

Paint

Artist Bio:

Originally from Texas, Melanie Jackson's exhibit, Current Work on Canvas & Papers, is inspired by memories of Texas and scriptures or images from her spiritual thoughts.

"Art is part of who I am," says Melanie, "I am motivated by a desire to develop the gifts God has given me, to encourage others to do the same, and to create art that brings peace to the viewer."

Melanie's work is represented in private collections in the U.S. and abroad, including The Tennessee State Museum. Before retiring, she taught classes at the Williamson County Parks & Recreation Center for 18 years. She now conducts classes and workshops at various locations, including her studio outside Leiper's Fork.

Studying art at Watkins Arts Institute, Melanie also received private instruction from Charles Brindley and Mike Barcus.

Melanie has lived in the Franklin area with her husband, Dale, for 30 years. They have one son, a daughter-in-law, two grandkids, two cats, and a dog.

For more information about classes or to purchase artwork , contact her at 615 595-9460 or e-mail: myjacksonart1@att.net.

Presented by The Friends of The Brentwood Library:

Each month, The Brentwood Library hosts two local artists on the Friends of the Brentwood Library (FOBL) Gallery Wall and Showcase Display. Please take a few extra moments the next time you visit to pause and savor these artists' creations.

Each artist who displays their collection on the FOBL Gallery Wall contributes one piece to the our Art Lending Library. With over 230 pieces to choose from, patrons are able to check them out for ninety days. This artwork is a beautiful addition to the library that includes original artwork in acrylics, oils, pen and ink, pastels, photographs, and water colors. A full, detailed description of most items can be found in the Digital Collection on the library’s website.

January FOBL Showcase Artist

January FOBL Showcase Artist
Nick Depalma
Assemblage

Artist Bio:

Nick DePalma sees his art form, assemblage, closely related to his work as professional architect. Assemblage, also referred to as “found object art”, utilizes natural or man-made materials to create unique works.

“I believe that interpretation of my work is dependent on the viewer’s ability to suspend notions regarding the original purpose or identity of objects used,” Nick says.

Nick has dedicated 15 years to producing his sculptures. He studied studio art while attending Vanderbilt University. After graduation, Nick revisited his childhood fascination with construction and studied architecture at the University of Tennessee. During his 36 year architectural career, he worked on high profile projects such as additions to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and renovations to the State Capital.

In 2013, Nick was as an “Artist in Residence”, a program sponsored by the Arts Council of Williamson County, working with teachers and students. He has held exhibitions at many Nashville locations, including the Nashville International Airport and Tennessee Governor’s Mansion.

To see more of his work, visit nickdepalma.com.

Presented by The Friends of The Brentwood Library:

Each month, The Brentwood Library hosts two local artists on the Friends of the Brentwood Library (FOBL) Gallery Wall and Showcase Display. The next time you pay us a visit, take a few extra moments to pause and savor these artists' creations.

January FOBL Gallery Wall Artist

January FOBL Gallery Wall Artist

Evelyn LeNoir Chandler

Watercolor

Artist Bio:

Evelyn LeNoir Chandler loves to explore the outdoors. She has summited Mt. Whitney thirty times and trekked many other mountain ranges. Her hiking gear always includes pens, pencils, and watercolors. 

An East Tennessee native, Evelyn sold her first painting as a college student and spent three years as the artist for the Emory and Henry College library in Virginia. After studying oil painting in San Francisco, she continued her explorations to Los Angeles, New York, New Jersey, and Dallas.

Evelyn has been a docent at Cheekwood Museum of Arts for several years, and is a member of the Friends of Radnor Lake. She has shown in several venues in the Nashville area and holds two blue ribbons in watercolor from the Tennessee State Fair Fine Arts Competitions, as well as other awards.

Evelyn holds a B.S. degree in Chemistry and Math and a B.A. in Philosophy and Religion.

Presented by The Friends of The Brentwood Library:

Each month, The Brentwood Library hosts two local artists on the Friends of the Brentwood Library (FOBL) Gallery Wall and Showcase Display. Please take a few extra moments the next time you visit to pause and savor these artists' creations.

Each artist who displays their collection on the FOBL Gallery Wall contributes one piece to the our Art Lending Library. With over 230 pieces to choose from, patrons are able to check them out for ninety days. This artwork is a beautiful addition to the library that includes original artwork in acrylics, oils, pen and ink, pastels, photographs, and water colors. A full, detailed description of most items can be found in the Digital Collection on the library’s website.

November FOBL Showcase Artist

November FOBL Showcase Artist:

Don Rounsavill
Routed Bowl & Gifts 

Each month, The Brentwood Library hosts two local artists on the Friends of the Brentwood Library (FOBL) Gallery Wall and Showcase Display. The next time you pay us a visit, take a few extra moments to pause and savor these artists' creations. 

 

Artist Bio:

Don has been woodworking all his life. After retirement, he was inspired to make routed bowls. He makes his own designs and templates and occasionally teaches classes. His tools include a table saw, drill press, router, band saw, and a sander.

 

Don follows a simple process. First, he decides what wood he's going to use. Then, he makes a template, attaches it to the wood, drills out the center, and routes out to the template. He finishes off his creation with a band saw to shape, sander to smooth out the rough spots, and completes it by applying the finish.

November FOBL Gallery Wall Artist

November FOBL Gallery Wall Artist

Dave Woodward

Watercolor and Color Pencil

Watercolor

Color Pencil

 

Each month, The Brentwood Library hosts two local artists on the Friends of the Brentwood Library (FOBL) Gallery Wall and Showcase Display. Please take a few extra moments the next time you visit to pause and savor these artists' creations.

 

Each artist who displays their collection on the FOBL Gallery Wall contributes one piece to the our Art Lending Library. With over 230 pieces to choose from, patrons are able to check them out for ninety days. This artwork is a beautiful addition to the library that includes original artwork in acrylics, oils, pen and ink, pastels, photographs, and water colors. A full, detailed description of most items can be found in the Digital Collection on the library’s website.

Artist Bio:

 

Dave Woodward is a native of Knoxville, Tennessee. After graduating from the University of Tennessee with a degree in forestry and wildlife, he moved to Nashville and began a 33-year career with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
 
Shortly after retiring in 2006, Dave began painting, incorporating his love of the outdoors and wildlife into a variety of portrait and landscape paintings. Much of his work depicts scenes in and around middle Tennessee, using watercolor paint as his primary medium. He has also started working with color pencil on black paper to create several wildlife and portrait drawings.
 
Dave's creative interests extend to music as a songwriter and performer of original songs, many of which are related to wildlife and the environment. A member of ASCAP since 1975, he has had numerous songs recorded, ten of which charted on Billboard's Hot Country 100.
 
Currently, Dave works part-time with the Tennessee Civil War Preservation Association, giving him an outlet for his interest in Civil War history. Several of his color pencil drawings are dedicated to both Confederate and Union generals.
 
Dave lives happily with his wife Donna in Brentwood, and they have two grown children, Troy and Emily.

FOBL Gallery & Showcase Artists

Friends of the Brentwood Library

October Gallery & Showcase Artists

Each month, The Brentwood Library hosts two local artists on the Friends of the Brentwood Library (FOBL) Gallery Wall and Showcase Display. Please take a few extra moments the next time you visit to pause and savor these artists' creations.

Gallery Artist:
The Knight Gallery

Melanie Dittmar & Renay Knight Compton discuss their collection with patrons.

 

Showcase Artist:

Teva Jane 

Visit www.TevaJane.com to see more of Teva’s jewelry line, and to learn more about her studio, Enchanted Woods Studio, visit www.TevaJane.net.

 

October FOBL Gallery Wall Artist

October FOBL Gallery Wall Artist

Renay Knight Compton

"The Knight Gallery"

Each month, The Brentwood Library hosts two local artists on the Friends of the Brentwood Library (FOBL) Gallery Wall and Showcase Display. Please take a few extra moments the next time you visit to pause and savor these artists' creations.

 

Each artist who displays their collection on the FOBL Gallery Wall contributes one piece to the our Art Lending Library. With over 230 pieces to choose from, patrons are able to check them out for ninety days. This artwork is a beautiful addition to the library that includes original artwork in acrylics, oils, pen and ink, pastels, photographs, and water colors. A full, detailed description of most items can be found in the Digital Collection on the library’s website.

 

Renay Knight Compton is our featured FOBL Gallery Wall Artist. "The Knight Gallery" is actually a family affair - a collection of work from the artist, her father, and her sister. It tells a story of their creative journey through life.

 

Her grandfather, Percy Dawson Knight, was a trombonist who toured with well-known bands of the 1920's. He died at an early age, leaving behind his four year old son. "The Laughing Trombonist" is a portrait tribute to him. 

 

Her father, Eugene W. Knight, a WWII Air Force First Lieutenant, later worked at Wright Patterson Air Force Base as an illustrator and took up painting as a hobby during retirement. He later became a painting teacher. Forty-two of his aircraft paintings were later donated to The United States Air Force Art Program. All of the aircraft paintings can be see online under "The United States Air Force Art Collection".

 

Renay Knight Compton carries on the Knight enthusiasm for the arts and believes art is therapeutic. A former foreign language teacher, she used her creative skills to design colorful and fun teaching materials. She says, "The act of creating brings a sense of joy."

 

Melanie Knight Dittmar, Renay's sister, is currently working on a historical novel about her parents. She's also a musician. Melanie's painting style is diverse, from realistic watercolors to impressionistic oils to modern design acrylics.

 

Please stop by, enjoy this artwork, and learn more about the Knight family's history in paint.

October FOBL Showcase Display Artist

October FOBL Showcase Artist:

Teva Jane

Each month, The Brentwood Library hosts two local artists on the Friends of the Brentwood Library (FOBL) Gallery Wall and Showcase Display. The next time you pay us a visit, take a few extra moments to pause and savor these artists' creations. 

 

Teva Jane is our featured FOBL Showcase Display Artist. She designs sterling silver and 14k gold jewelry from natural designs.

 

As a lifelong creator of art, beginning with pencil and moving through many paint mediums, Teva discovered an interest in precious metals, which provided more dimension to her art.

 

Her appreciation and admiration of nature is reflected by content, shape, texture, and substance in every piece of fine silver art jewelry she creates. Nature’s seasonal changes bring inspiration as well.

 

Teva enjoys sharing her Precious Metal Clay experience and knowledge in workshops at her home studio and other locations. In addition to PMC workshops, she also offers silversmithing, mixed metals, and specialty classes. She feels an important aspect of teaching is to continue to build additional skills and gain knowledge by attending various workshops throughout the United States each year.

 

Visit www.TevaJane.com to see more of Teva’s jewelry line, and to learn more about her studio, Enchanted Woods Studio, visit www.TevaJane.net.

Why Not Donate?

Spring cleaning? Moving? Have your kids outgrown picture books or Harry Potter? Did you buy a movie or music CD that you no longer want? Why not donate your new, like new, and gently used books and media to the Friends of the Brentwood Library?

We take donations all year and would be delighted to help your unwanted books, DVDs, CDs, audio books, video games, puzzles, and more find new homes. The FOBL holds a quarterly book sale (the next one is in July!) and sells on Amazon.com to raise funds for the library. Some items also wind up in the library collection!

You don't need to be a patron to donate, so tell your friends, family, and neighbors: We take donations! And we're taking them right now for the July book sale. We'll happily provide a receipt for your tax-deductible donation.

Stop by with your donations anytime we're open. For more information, call 615-371-0090, ext. 8120.

Friends of the Brentwood Library Book Sale

It's almost here! Mark your calendars and get ready to browse, buy, and support the library.

Friday, April 17 - Sunday. April 19

 

Hundreds of eager readers will descend on the FOBL quarterly book sale. Will you be one of them? Thousands of books, DVDs, and more for all ages await your perusal. Amazingly wide selection, amazingly low prices. And all of it benefits the library and our patrons.

HOURS:

Friday & Saturday 10 am to 5:30pm

Sunday  1 pm  to 5:30pm

 

And Sunday is our half price day, so you can save even more !

It happens only one weekend per quarter. Don't miss it!