Dog Ears Bookstore is once again offering its free literary and art program in June for senior citizens. Those 55 and older are invited to participate in the Around The World & Back Home Again Literary & Art Program that explores different countries around the world and their authors, artists and culture as well as local authors, poets and artists.
On Wednesday, June 15, from 12:30 to 3 p.m., a literary instructor will introduce participants to the work of local author Mark Donnelly. The theme of Buffalo Architecture will be explored during an interactive group discussion. Donnelly has written numerous books highlighting the unique architecture of Buffalo and Western New York including Statuesque Buffalo and The Fine Art of Capturing Buffalo. Following the literary discussion, Burchfield Penney Art Center will be on hand to guide participants in an art project and exploration of a local artist and their work. Deb Stewart, a ceramic artist with graduate degrees from Yale and Vermont College of Fine Art, will guide participants in creating whimsical sculptures based on the magical and fanciful creations of Buffalo artist Bill Stewart. Participants will utilize air dry clay to make their own unique sculpture.
On Wednesday, June 29, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., the focus shifts to a foreign country — India! A literary instructor will explore the works of Indian author Jhumpa Lahiri and poet Kamala Das. Various works from the authors will be read, discussed and reflected on. Following the literary discussion, a local glass artist will guide participants in making their own glass Mandala which is a geometric meditation map made of nested squares and circles, typically arranged to represent the center of the universe and the four main directions: east, west, north and south.
The program is limited to 15 participants and is completely free for senior citizens. All class materials are provided. In addition, a book of the highlighted authors work will be raffled off among those in attendance.
Dog Ears Bookstore is located at 688 Abbott Road, Buffalo, near Mercy Hospital. Street parking is available along Abbott Road and on surrounding side streets. The café will be open for food and beverage purchases.
Pre-registration is required for each session and can be made by calling the bookstore at (716) 823-2665.
This program is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by Arts Services Inc.
