Library art work unveiled to appreciative ‘ahs’
NEW CASTLE – First there was a collective silence and then “Oohs” and “Ahs” when artist Judy Schwab’s mixed media of the Keffer Oak made its debut at the Craig County Public Library on June 16.
“One of the nice things was when it was unveiled, Judy lifted the veil on the art work, there was just silence. I think people were just stunned. Then there were oohs and ahs. They were very pleased with how well it came out,” said Lee Greiser, vice president and secretary of the library board.
Craig County Public Library representatives at the unveiling of "Remembering Our Trees" artwork by artist Judy Schwab, left, and "Copper Leaves" book she prepared are Project Coordinator Marguerite Noga, kneeling at left, Martha Murphy, Library Board of Directors, and CCPL President Jennifer Mulligan.
“It was so exciting to see culture meet family lore meet horticulture and result in community and cooperation,” added New Castle Garden Club member Diane Givens.
Schwab incorporated leaves from Craig County trees into the art work recognizing the historic tree noted to be among the largest on the Appalachian Trail.
Schwab and Library Board Member Martha Murphy did the unveiling. The unveiling at the library also gave people their first look at the book of copper leaves Schwab created from leaves Craig County people contributed, along with their stories of why particular trees are special to them and their families.
For more photos and information about the project, see the June 20 and June 27 issues of The New Castle Record.
