Even though it is chilly and cloudy here and there, curl up with a soft blanket and delve into Monet's world. Enjoy his gently moving waters, or barely there breezes as his fluid and graceful brushstrokes convey messages of relaxation and pensive thought. We have some great books on Monet that you can check out for your pleasure and have a little Monet on Monday (or Sunday, if you are so willing).

Thank you to everyone who entered our Manga Drawing Contest! We had an impressive 68 entries this year. Because we got so many we decided to divide it into three catagories: 5-6 grade, 7-9 grade, and 10-12 grade. We have included a few 'honorable mentions' the judges gave out, even though they do not win a prize, but if truth be told many more deserve 'honorable mention'; the drawings were amazing this year and judging was really tough. Later this week we will post a proper gallery with all participants' entries for people to see. Without futher ado, the winners are:

5-6 Grade:

Beatrix Potter's birthday is July 28th, so spend this weekend celebrating! Beatrix Potter was an author, illustrator and environmentalist. You can check out one of her amazing books about Peter Rabbit and his friends, and while you're in the library see if you can spot her illustration hanging behind the Children's Reference Desk. If you're interested in learning more about Beatrix Potter and her work, take a look at The World of Peter Rabbit or the Beatrix Potter Society.

This Sunday, July 19th, is the birth anniversary of the artist Edgar Degas.  He lived from 1834-1917.  During his life, he became famous for painting and sculpting many subjects including a lengthy series having to do with dancers and dancing, most notably in the field of ballet.

The world's largest street fair for art is going on right now. And it's right here in the metro Detroit area. Crowds of more than half a million flock to Ann Arbor's fair each year to see all types of unique creations. The 50th annual fair is in progress now from July 15th-18th, 2009.

Calling all art lovers! Come to the 30th Annual Plymouth Art in the Park Festival! See crafters, painters, jewelry makers, photographers, sculptors, and so much more lining the streets of downtown Plymouth. Bring an umbrella and brave the rain to seek out something new and original that you can take home or shop ahead for a great gift! Who knows? Maybe the rain will manage to stay away....

Peter Paul Rubens was born on June 28, 1577. He is best known as an influential Flemish painter during the Baroque era. You make think Rubens conjures up images of sandwiches and lunch, but actually, the artist was famous for painting Counter-Reformation altarpieces, portraits, landscapes, and history paintings of mythological and allegorical subjects. His paintings are full of action and movement as the subjects are rendered in vivid colors and in interesting poses. An excellent website to learn more about this famous artist is www.peterpaulrubens.org.

Chevalier transports readers to a bygone time and place in this richly imagined portrait of the young woman who inspired one of Vermeer's most celebrated paintings. "Girl with a Pearl Earring" is the story of 16-year-old Griet, whose life is transformed by her brief encounter with genius, even as she herself is immortalized in canvas and oil. Come see the movie on July 15th at 2p.m. in the community room. Register now for this awe inspiring film which is a work of art itself!

Master the Art of Reading this summer with these art related titles!

Fiction (Read these titles for the Expressionism category or listen to them for Postmodernism).

• The Flanders Panel by Arturo Perez-Reverte

Today is so beautiful out, friends! Take advantage of the sunshine and warm weather and make a trek outside. Celebrate Nature Photography Day and create some art by capturing the world around you.  Michigan is full of parks, lakes, and gardens. Check out an old favorite or discover a new one. Good luck and happy snapping!

French painter, Paul Gauguin was born today, June 7th, in 1848.  Before his career in painting, he was a stockbroker in Paris. At the age of 35, he decided to devote his life to painting and eventually moved to several places, including Tahiti. Much of his art is remembered for containing broad, flat tones, and bold colors and he is regarded as a highly influential founder of modern art.

Katie loves art and adventure. One day, on a visit to a museum, she finds herself stepping into a painting by Paul Cezanne. On another day, she hangs out with Mona Lisa. Check out these books by James Mayhew and explore the world of art through Katie's eyes. There is something for all ages in these books. Young children will enjoy the shapes, the colors and the movement of turning pages. Older kids will appreciate the story, Katie's curiosity and the beautiful paintings. It may even inspire them to learn how to paint!

• Katie and the Mona Lisa
• Katie and the Sunflowers
• Katie Meets the Impressionists
• Katie's Sunday Afternoon

Tattoo Delirium by Eva Minguet is a collection of beautiful images of tattoos accompanied by biographical information about the tattooers who created them. Features are included on artists from around the world, including Detroit's own Bob Tyrell, who specializes in black-and-gray work and custom horror imagery.

What better way to enjoy the Memorial Day weekend than to attend Movement 2009 (aka the Detroit Electronic Music Festival) in downtown Detroit's Hart Plaza.

Today is the birth anniversary of American Impressionist, Mary Cassatt.