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Totowa library showcases works of local art students

TOTOWA – The Totowa Public Library held an art reception last week honoring students who took acrylic painting classes at the Lena DiGangi Art Gallery. The library’s Dwight D. Eisenhower room was fully transformed into an art gallery showcasing artworks of kids between the ages of 7 and 17.

Pictured are students from the Lena DiGangi Art Gallery, who were recently honored at a reception at the Totowa Public Library. Their works of art were on display at the library throughout most of July. Also pictured (far right) is Lena DiGangi and Anne Krautheim, local library director.

DiGangi, who has taught art at her gallery for over 20 years, was on hand during the reception, along with Anne Krautheim, library director.

“The students whose works are hanging here this evening took art classes with me for the past two years,” said DiGangi. “They did acrylic painting color theory and then we went into landscaping together. Some of my older students have been with me for many years and have never left because they enjoy it so much.”

About 50 students, including their families, attended the reception, along with several library patrons passing through to admire the walls displayed with landscape sceneries and several portraits, including one of legendary reggae singer Bob Marley.

“I think it’s a great turnout here tonight,” added DiGangi. “One of my students just sold one of her paintings to a library patron just before. Many of my students have come back over the years and have showed me that they’ve become very successful. This isn’t only just fun for them but it also prepares them for potential careers in the field. Eighty five percent of my students go to art colleges and have become artists themselves, or find work in various related areas. Three of my former students have already published illustrated children’s book. I’ve also hired some as part time teachers at my gallery.”

Krautheim said she approached DiGangi to hold the art exhibit at the library. The student art works were on display from July 1 through July 23. DiGangi said it was an honor to hold the exhibit at the library and looks forwards to next summer, where she hopes to spotlight pencil portraits at her gallery and again at the library.

“Those classes will be held this fall and we are registering for them now. The gallery is really becoming more of a cultural center and we’re offering piano lessons, voice lessons, a youth fitness class, an Indian traditional dance class, classical dance class and Italian language class. Many of these programs are for kids and adults and all of them are taught by high level instructors. Several have graduated from the Julliard School and are active teachers.”

DiGangi said during the reception that art classes give kids and teens a relaxing place where children and adults can interact with one another.

“In this day and age, where kids as well as many adults, are constantly on the computer or gaming systems or texting, it’s important that they share ideas with each other and really learn to socialize, which is what we’re lacking in today’s world. It’s also a known fact that taking art classes improves school grades and builds self esteem at an early age.”

Krautheim commented afterwards.

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In Nokomis, better doesn’t mean bigger – Sarasota Herald

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Almost 15 years ago, when told they could come up with ideas to revitalize their town, the top of their wish list was sewers.

Residents, many with low to moderate income, have long been attracted to this community just south of Sarasota by something as rare as a tourist with unbaked skin — the ability to enjoy a true Florida lifestyle at a bargain basement price.

“It’s a chance for somebody of limited resources to get a place on the water,” says Bruce Dillon, chairman of the now-defunct Nokomis Revitalization Committee, who worked for years to translate the people’s wishes into a popular plan.

When some communities have the chance to revitalize, they look for ways to bring in bigger and better — more winter residents, waterfront hotels and fancy restaurants.

Nokomis, on the other hand, focused on ways to improve the quality of life for the people who already call it home.

“Families of folks who came here 50 years ago are still here,” says Dillon.

The multimillion-dollar plan, forged through 11 public workshops in 1999 and 2000 and updated in 2010, was hashed out by about 40 civic associations’ members.

Some people objected to parts of the plan that called for an arts and office district that would attract more people to the area.

The people are OK with some economic development, as long as code enforcement limits the size and scope of any projects.

For the past decade and a half, crews have worked at bringing the plan to fruition. Most of the priorities have been accomplished, although some sidewalks have to be built and a few sewer lines are still going in. But the work is almost over.

For those who have lived there for years and know the land like a sweetheart’s face, the differences are striking.

“Colonia Lane used to be a two-lane road with no sidewalks,” says Dillon. “Now you can look out and see mothers pushing baby carriages down the sidewalk.”

Outsiders, however, might not notice many changes. Some are underground, underwater or not apparent to those driving through the area on U.S. 41.

After sewer lines and safe water, the next concern of residents was reconstruction, streetscaping and lighting of Colonia Lane, one of the major thoroughfares through town.

In recognition of boating as “part of the Nokomis way of life,” according to the plan, next in importance was the dredging of Dona and Lyons bays and Shackett and Curry creeks. Nokomis, bordered by waterways on three sides and laced by private canals, needed more boat ramps, channel markers and canoe trails.

Also important to residents was to be part of the “Rails to Trails” project, utilizing an old railway corridor as a jogging and bicycle path. Called the Legacy Trail, it now covers 10 scenic miles with views of waterways from Sarasota to Venice on its southern border.

Other priorities were landscaping on U.S. 41, increased code enforcement and county-sponsored cleanup days.

Also new are a number of “pocket parks,” small areas of green space, usually including a couple of benches and designed to benefit a nearby neighborhood.

Although many in Sarasota County might not be able to pinpoint just where Nokomis is, one county planner is impressed with how much the small community means to the people who call it home.

“The people there love their community,” says Jane Grogg, Sarasota County’s manager for neighborhood services. “There’s a small-town feel to Nokomis, and a real sense of pride. They have a desire to improve things, and have worked so hard for it.”

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