For the month of April, the Library presents, “Diana Chelaru: Reimagining Femininity.” There will be an opening reception for the artist on Sunday, April 7th, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM. Ms. Chelaru desribes her work as follows,

“The works of art in “Reimagining Femininity” are the result of a unique blend of Abstract Expressionism and Jugendstil Ornamentation at the center of which I placed the female figure. The ornament becomes a direct mode of representation, conveying meaning through material form and color, transforming extreme stylization and artifice into a meaningful and deeply symbolic mode of visual expression. The heightened sensuality of the decorative ornamentation is almost obliterating the human figure.

In creating these paintings I used two techniques: the traditional acrylic painting techniques with brushes on the vertical canvas and the dripping of enamel paints on the horizontal canvas. By using the two techniques it was possible to create a simulation of depth on the flat canvases emphasize once again the decorative ornamentation.”

March 2019 Opening Reception: Sunday, March 3rd, 2 – 4 PM
For the month of March, the Dennis P. McHugh Piermont Public Library presents Keith Rousseau: Spectrum. Spectrum is a limited engagement photography exhibition by local photographer Keith Rousseau.  Based just outside New York City in the historic Hudson Valley, Keith brings a unique look at the world around us. Born and raised in New Hampshire, then traveling throughout the country and serving in the US Air Force, Keith developed a passion for seeing beauty in the ordinary. He is always looking for a moment to capture and a new way of telling an old story. 
Spectrum is an artistic showing that is intended to embody a small sampling of the broad array of creativity found in Keith’s art that is developed through the lens of his camera while embracing the full spectrum of the colorful world in which we live.  It is through his photography that Keith is able to capture and create an array of various elements and settings so as to not prejudice or disregard any of life’s moments, beauty or uniqueness. 
Through Spectrum, one can envision how Keith views the world and is able to capture the bold array of life’s beauty while keeping true to the art and the contents therein.  Each image Keith captures is intended to evoke a feeling of being in the moment and experiencing life along with him through his journeys in the Hudson Valley and beyond and of experiencing beauty in the mundane. 
Keith possess a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Business Management as well as several financial licenses. He founded the Erimac Group, a creative consulting company that helps small business entrepreneurs tell their story. He is also actively engaged in the performing arts as an actor, writer, model and independent filmmaker.  He regularly volunteers for Veteran’s organizations when able.  To learn more about Keith and all of his artwork, please visit www.erimacgroup.com

The Dennis P. McHugh Piermont Public Library is a Special District Library serving the Village of Piermont, New York, population est. 2,500. The library is a member of the Ramapo Catskill Library System, a consortium of 47 libraries. The library’s mission is to provide the community with educational and recreational materials, services, and programs to enlighten and enrich the lives of those served. The Board of Trustees seeks an energetic leader to oversee a staff of 3 – 4 employees and act as liaison with 6 independent contractors to fill the position of Library Director I.

The ideal candidate should be a fiscally responsible, dedicated team leader with strong interpersonal and management skills. Strong oral and written communication skills are also necessary. Candidate should be dedicated to the library profession and up-to-date on current library issues and trends. Rockland County Personnel requirements for the Library Director I job title listed below.

LIBRARY DIRECTOR I

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is a complex administrative and technical position responsible for directing a public library as well as the provision of library services. The work involves carrying out policies determined by the library Board of Trustees by establishing procedures and delegating duties and responsibilities. Generally, the size and staffing of the library will necessitate participation in professional and technical library routines. General and/or direct supervision is exercised over the work of all library personnel. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: Evaluates the effectiveness of the library’s services in relation to the changing needs of the community; Recommends necessary library services and personnel policies to the Board of Trustees; Attends meetings of the board and administers their policies; Performs a variety of functions as needed throughout the library such as providing reference or circulation services, searching interlibrary loan and phone requests, ordering and processing materials and assisting patrons; Prepares preliminary budget estimates and may prepare a tentative budget for the Board; Plans and installs new types of services; Administers the expenditure of library funds, performs bookkeeping, pays bills including payroll, prepares all tax forms, does all banking and collects information for the accountant as required; Performs any and all professional and technical library routines including collection development, the selection of books and other media materials, weeding and general arrangement and appearance of the collection; Attends meetings of local and professional groups and stays abreast of professional developments in the field; Recommends appointments, transfers, promotions and dismissals; Represents the library at community meetings; Administers public relations programs; Recommends repairs and alterations; Supervises refuse and recycling; Initiates and participates in special library programming; May direct the maintenance of buildings and grounds.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices of public library services; thorough knowledge of library materials; good knowledge of modern library organizations, aims, policies and procedures; good knowledge of library administration including supervision; skill in the performance of technical library tasks; ability to carry out library policies; ability to comprehend users needs quickly and accurately and to relate them to existing facilities and policies; ability to get along well with others and to participate in the cultural and intellectual activities of the community; tact and courtesy in dealing with staff and the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Professional certification as a Public Librarian by the New York State Department of Education and three (3) years of professional library experience in a library of recognized standing, two (2) years of which must have been in a public library in an administrative or supervisory capacity. Experience must have been attained after either: receipt of the certification; or receipt of a masters degree from a library school recognized by the New York State Department of Education.

This is a Civil Service position. Applicant must meet the training and experience criteria for Director I job specifications as set forth by the Rockland County Department of Personnel for permanent appointment.

COMPENSATION: Salary negotiable based on experience starting at $65,000/year plus benefits including New York State Health Insurance and New York State Retirement System

RESIDENCY: The ideal candidate should be a resident of Rockland County, NY

Please send résumé and cover letter by mail or e-mail:

Dennis P. McHugh Piermont Public Library

25 Flywheel Park West

Piermont, New York 10968

Attn. Personnel Committee

Or e-mail: pmtlibsearch@gmail.com

Photographs from around the Village of Piermont by Daniel Spitzer

On Display February 2019

Daniel has lived in, observed and recorded Piermont for nearly three decades.  This collection of photographs, all ’sourced locally’, includes many which have been published in newspapers, magazines and online.

For the month of January, the Dennis P. McHugh Piermont Public Library presents Rose Pizzi: Collection of Mixed Media on Wood.  Pizzi’s artist statement describes her artistic process as well as the challenges so many artists encounter in pursuing their art.

“I majored in Art in high school and always had a natural artistic ability since my teen age years. When I lived in New York City, I enrolled at NYU for art classes.  My professor inspired me to continue to express myself with techniques and subject matter drawn from nature.   I had my first show in New York in 1979 at the Lynn Kottler Galleries. Soon after, I started my family.  Although I did not have much time to devote to art, I would periodically paint when I could, whether on children’s clothing or decorative wall art in homes.

When I had a little more time for art, I became a member of the Ridgewood Art Institute and showed my work at their holiday show and at the The Valley Hospital Art Gallery, where I sold several pieces. However, my art was soon put on hold again when I went back to school for my Masters in Nursing to become a nurse practitioner.

More recently, after moving to Sparkill, NY, I enrolled in the Union Arts Center for their Winter/Holiday Show where I sold one of my paintings. I have also exhibited at the Outside In gallery in Piermont NY.

My paintings are distinctive with an air of bold uniqueness. Many of my pieces are on a wooden canvas covered in colors of mixed media-  acrylics, watercolors, pastels- and then infused with silver, bronze or golds. Very rarely do I use oils.  The natural wood grain is utilized for emphasis, depth and increased detail. 

I enjoy the building of a variety of mediums on top of one another to achieve a muted pastel look, then connecting the piece with a luminous flavor employing a gold or silver speckled finish.”