Batavia library hosts art programs in July

Submitted by Batavia Public Library

The Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave., will present three fine art programs in July in conjunction with the Batavia’s Art in Your Eye Fine Arts Festival, Aug. 4-5.

“Tragedy to Triumph: The Story of Artemisia” will be presented at 7 p.m. Monday, July 16, at the library. This program is a multimedia presentation by singer-songwriter Linda M. Smith, who will perform songs from her third album, “Artemisia” (2006), while images of paintings by 17th-century artist Artemisia Gentileschi are displayed on screen.

Gentileschi was one of the first women artists to achieve recognition in the male-dominated world of post-Renaissance art. A victim of assault, she painted many pictures of strong and suffering women from myth and the Bible — victims, suicides and warriors.

Later, she became a successful court painter in Florence, enjoying the patronage of the Medici family and Charles I.

“The Paintings of Michelangelo” will be presented by art historian Jeff Mishur at 7 p.m. Monday, July 23. Mishur’s slide lecture will highlight Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes and other paintings, including Temptation of St. Anthony and Holy Family. He also will discuss Michelangelo’s painting process and his patrons.

Bringing art closer to home, award-winning Batavia artist Rosalie Vass will demonstrate her own painting techniques at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 31. Vass’ colorful and whimsical paintings reflect her childhood adventures of growing up in a small town in Wisconsin, as well as her world travels.

Her distinctive technique of layering paint gives her paintings a unique look.

All programs are free and registration is required. Register online at www.bataviapubliclibrary.org or call (630) 879-1393, ext. 200.