Bedford library to be work of art

Annual show returns for 32nd year

Alice Dewey poses with a partially finished painting at her home in Temperance, Michigan, Thursday. She will have some of her watercolors in the 23rd annual Arts for Our Future Show at the Bedford library on November 4.

The Blade/Dave Zapotosky
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Alice Dewey poses with a partially finished painting at her home in Temperance, Michigan, Thursday. She will have some of her watercolors in the 23rd annual Arts for Our Future Show at the Bedford library on November 4.

TEMPERANCE — Artist Alice Dewey says she paints because “I think it’s just a wonderful escape. You get so involved in it that you forget about time.”

Ms. Dewey of Temperance hasn’t forgotten about this year’s annual Arts for Our Future show at the Bedford Branch Library on Nov. 4. This is the show’s 32nd year, and she will be among 50 artists from Michigan and Ohio whose works will be on display from 2 to 5 p.m. that day. The show is sponsored by the Bedford branch, the Monroe County Library System, and the Bedford Community Arts Council.

Jodi Russ, Bedford branch community librarian, said the show is a good way for the library to acquire artwork for its permanent collection and its Art for Loan program, which lends pieces to library patrons for a three-month period. At least one piece from each artist must be available for purchase during the show.

“Our purpose is to share art with the community and provide a showcase for artists,” Ms. Russ said.

Artists may enter three works in nine categories: oil and acrylic, sculpture/ceramic/glass, watercolor, textile/fiber, pastels, traditional photography, digital photography, mixed media/graphics, and pen/ink/calligraphy. Works must be delivered to the Bedford branch Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Artists are asked to attend the show to answer questions about their work. The show will feature displays of various techniques. A Popular Award will be given, with a $40 prize. Another award, Best of Show, will feature a $75 prize donated by the Friends of the Bedford Library. The winners of the two Purchase awards will have their works bought for the library by the Bedford Township Library Advisory Board and the township’s community arts council. Ribbons will be awarded in each of the categories.

Ms. Russ said the show will not feature the works of Bedford students this year; instead, the students will have their own show in February.

Artists can register at bit.ly/BedfordArts2012 or by calling the library at 734-847-6747.

Ms. Dewey said her entries will be watercolors of nature.

“They’re my favorite,” she said.