July Exhibits at Ocean County Library

July proves to be a good time to use the library for more than just borrowing books.

The Ocean County Library also houses several artist galleries, and new exhibits are debuting this month at the Toms River branch.

In what library staff said are "a pair of exciting exhibits which capture the creative visions of two very individual artists," the new installations feature the mediums of batik and of miniature photography.

“The Batik Story” is on display in the Toms River Branch’s McConnell Gallery.

Florence Zdanowitz, a local artist whose work has won awards in both county and state art competitions, is showcasing her batik paintings this month. Batik is traditionally used to dye cloth, creating designs with wax-resist dyeing techniques, but can also transform a canvas into an intricate painting.

To learn more about the batik technique, visitors can visit on Saturday, July 7, when Zdanowitz will demonstrate batik painting in the Atrium at 1 p.m. A reception in McConnell Gallery will follow.

A second gallery, new for July, features miniature photography. Called “Thumbnails”, the series of miniature photographs is by Katie Gatto. The gallery of images will be on display in the Second Floor Gallery. But can you tell what the images are of? Visitors are encouraged to guess the true identity of each image’s abstract subject.

Gatto will hold an open reception in the Second Floor Gallery on Thursday, July 5, from 6 to 8 p.m.  Light refreshments will be served at both artists’ events.

Exhibits are free and open to the public.  For more information, contact the Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library at (732) 349-6200 xt. 5112, or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org.