Natick art roundup: Free Little Art Gallery comeback; exhibits at Morse Institute & Town Hall

January 13, 2022 by Deborah Brown 1 Comment

The Little Free Art Gallery (FLAG) that was installed last summer on the the front lawn of the Morse Institute Library in Natick Center will reopen on Jan. 22nd after undergoing a minor facelift. Apparently the hinges needed to be tightened, the lighting fixed, some minor roof repairs were done, and the paint was touched up. Able volunteer Paul McEachern, who had a big hand in the concept and creation of the FLAG, handled the fix-up job.

Since the rigors of an outdoor setting has proven too much for the sensitive and artistic structure, which was designed as a space where small pieces of original art could be donated and/or taken home by community members, the gallery will be moved to a newly created “Art Nook” inside the library

More Morse Institute art

Stop by the Marshall Lebowitz Meeting Hall, where a photography exhibit currently is hung. Here are a couple examples:

Art, Natick, Morse Institute — Running in the Square, by Diane Gray

Town Hall art

If you’re stopping by Town Hall to pay your property taxes (due Feb. 1); get Fido’s license renewed by March 1st; or register to vote in Natick’s March 29th annual election (the last day to register is Wednesday, March 9, 2022), don’t forget to admire the artwork that hangs in the lobby, much of it by Natick residents.

Art, Natick, Town Hall — Lake Waban, oil painting by Kathy LaDuca

Oh, and if you don’t want to run those taxes/dog license/voter registration chores in-person, Natick has an online system to help you take care of those chores from the comfort of your home. Links here.

Get your raffle tix for the Friends of the Morse Institute’s holiday lottery

December 10, 2021 by Admin Leave a Comment

Everyone wins when you buy raffle tickets for the Friends of the Morse Institute’s holiday lottery. Proceeds help support the library’s programs and priorities—that’s a sure thing.

If you’re one of TWO WINNERS, you get $100 worth of Massachusetts lottery tickets.

Raffle tickets are $5 /1 ticket, or $20/5 tickets and are available through December 22 at the circulation desk on the main floor of the library. Winners’ names will be drawn on Thursday, December 23. You do not need to be present to win.

The Friends help fund important programs like passes to area museums; Speed Reads; the purchase of large-print books; the self-checkout system; and so much more.

Interested in getting involved? Attend the December 13, 2021 meeting on Zoom.

Morse Institute Library wants your input on current, future services

December 1, 2021 by Bob Brown 1 Comment

Morse Institute Library in Natick has launched a survey to get your views on the library, whether or not you use it.

Questions cover issues such as where your library card is from, and what you’re looking for from the library, including graphic novels and WiFi hotspots, and what sorts of rooms are most important to.

The library estimates it will take you about 7 minutes to complete the survey.

More: Re-opening day at Wellesley Free Library

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Online event will explore Natick historical newspapers—whatever newspapers are

November 30, 2021 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

As an online-only publication, we at Natick Report don’t really get what newspapers are. But we do get digital stuff, so we’re interested in Natick Historical Society’s online event on Dec. 1 at 7pm that discusses Morse Institute Library’s digital repository of historic newspapers of Natick dating back more than 150 years.

This free Zoom event will feature local librarian Karol Bartlett. Advanced registration is required.

Please send tips, photos, ideas to natickreport@gmail.com

Fiber arts exhibit at Morse Institute in Natick keeps the autumn color going

November 9, 2021 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

Quilters, knitters, crocheters, embroiderers and other fiber artists have contributed dozens of pieces to the Morse Institute for the library’s November fiber arts exhibit. We stopped in during the display’s installation phase to watch as all available space on the main floor practically on up to the rafters was transformed into a colorful collage of handmade works. Here are some pics:

Morse Institute Library, Natick, fiber arts exhibit — The Morse Institute Library (MIL) Stitchers, a diverse group of knitters and crocheters whose main focus is service to others, contributed the crocheted installation in the lobby of Morse Institute. Since 2013 the group has stitched hundreds of items for charity for local and international organizations. MIL Stitchers is open to all, welcoming beginners and pros. Meetings are held the first Saturday morning of the month and the 2nd and 4th Thursday evenings. Contact the library for more information and follow them on Facebook @MILStitchers.

Picture this

Don’t miss the Gatehouse Camera Club’s exhibit downstairs in the Lebowitz meeting hall, featuring the work of local photographers including artists who have been recognized by numerous organizations for their excellence in the field of photography. The show includes nature and landscape photography of subjects both local and from far away as well as some creative submissions. Check out Gateway’s website at www.gatewaycameraclub.org to learn more about the club and how to become a member.