Adult Summer Reading Finale: Art After Hours 2024

July 1, 2024 Mackenzie Manley

Art After Hours, the Adult Summer Reading Finale, returns on Friday, July 26 at 7 pm.

Patrons can look forward to a delightful evening of art, food from Kate’s Catering and live music by Ricky Nye. Fort Thomas Florist will provide beautiful flower arrangements.

Held at the Carrico/Fort Thomas Branch, 18 artists will display their work, which ranges in medium, style and taste. See something you like? Most of the pieces will be available for purchase.

“Art is meant to be shared. While each artist pulls from themselves to make art that represents their individuality, connection drives creativity,” says Amy Carroll, programming & community engagement manager. “Having spaces where artists can see and be inspired by each other’s work is important. Especially in an age where so much influence comes from the digital world, it’s important to see what other artists are doing in this community.”

Displayed artists include Bill Dirkes, Billy Tackett, Carole Winter, Charie Fischer, Claire Long, Connie Springer, Everage King, Jerry Warner, Joan Abraham, Margie Lakeburg, Joshua & Marie Hamaker, Mary Moran, Nicole Kessel, Tina Tepe, Sharmon Davidson, Steve Kosztala, Chris Rust and Sherry Perry.

Carroll says that the artists are a mix of newcomers and artists who have participated in previous Art After Hours events. One artist, Jerry Warner, has participated every year!

“My goal each year is to have something for everyone,” says Carroll. “Whether you like modern art, landscapes, pottery, or something else, I want there to be something that speaks to everyone who walks through the door.”

You can even display miniature art of your own at Art After Hours! Tiny Art Show participants can create imaginative works on a 3” x 3” canvas, which they may display at Art After Hours.

Art After Hours attendees will vote for the Best Overall and Best for Summer Reading theme (Adventure Begins at the Library) in each age category.

Winners receive a Michael’s gift card. Create a canvas at home (and submit it by July 23) or attend one of the following programs:

Teen Tiny Art Show: 4:30 pm Tuesday, July 16. Register.
Adult Tiny Art Show: 2 & 6:30 pm Thursday, July 18. Register for one time only.
Children Tiny Art Show: 4 pm Monday, July 22. No registration is required.

Other Summer Reading Finale Programs

Save the date for more end-of-summer fun.

Teen Summer Reading Finales

3-6 pm Friday, July 26: Adventure Movie Marathon at Alexandria Branch

Whether you’re a fan of swashbuckling pirates, intrepid explorers or heroic adventurers, this movie marathon has something for everyone. Grab some popcorn, gather your friends, and settle in for a night of big-screen thrills and summer fun.

2-4 pm Saturday, July 27: Switch it Up! Tournament Time at Cold Spring Branch

Go head-to-head with other teens and battle it out on the library’s Nintendo Switch to see who reigns victorious. Prizes are on the line! We’ll play both Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Bros Ultimate.

4:30-7 pm Saturday, July 27: A Trip Through Time at Carrico/Fort Thomas Branch

Become a Viking with local organization the Bluegrass Varangians, play retro video games on vintage consoles, get creative with crafts from centuries past and more. Time travel can be hungry work, so there will be plenty of snacks available as well.

4-7 pm Saturday, July 27: Care Closet and Interview Info at Newport Branch

The Northern Kentucky University and Newport Care Closet will host a presentation about their mission and services. They will bring some of their clothing for those that register; please leave your age, sizes and clothing preference (masculine/feminine) in the special needs box or email them to celliott@cc-pl.org.

*Editor’s Note: This program previously was listed in the Summer Reading brochure with a note that said “grades K-5 are also welcome.” This is program is for teens.

Children Summer Reading Finales

4 pm Thursday, July 25: Cool Critters Outreach at Cold Spring Branch

Get an up-close, personal look at the fascinating world of snakes, lizards, spiders and more with Cool Critters Outreach

4-7 pm Friday, July 26: Back-to-School Bash at Newport Branch

Wrap up Summer Reading and prepare for the new school year with our back-to-school bash! Everyone will leave with school supplies.

10 am-noon Saturday, July 27: Outdoor Cooking at Carrico/Fort Thomas Branch

Embark on an outdoor culinary adventure as we make delicious solar oven and picnic recipes.

Noon-4 pm Saturday, July 27: Build-Your-Own Adventure Buddy at Alexandria Branch

We’ve all had so many adventures together this summer! Keep them going by making your very own stuffed animal adventure buddy. You can write your plans for future adventures and add the paper in with the stuffing so you and your buddy can adventure even after summer.

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