News Release

Evergreen House will host two "Evenings in the Library" Jan. 8 and 29 and a gallery talk Jan. 20 in conjunction with its ongoing exhibit, "Kings, Hummingbirds and Monsters: Artist's Books at Evergreen."

During the "Evenings at the Library," Bett Miller and Amy Kimball, rare-book librarians at The Johns Hopkins University, will show several rare books chosen by 20 contemporary artists currently displaying their work in the exhibit.

The rare books that will be viewed on Tuesday, Jan. 8, include John Gould's 19th-century "A Monograph of the Trochilidae, or Family of Hummingbirds;" the 19th-century "Benjamin Franklin Primer;" an 18th-century chronicle of obscure voyages by Pieter van der Aa's; and a 15th-century "Book of Hours." Exhibiting artists Gail Rebhan, John Henley, and Kevin MacDonald will be present to discuss how the rare books inspired their own new books.

On Tuesday, Jan. 29, the rare books will include the Thomas Hariot's 16th-century "A Brief and True Report of the New Found Land of Virginia;" a 16th-century French "Psalterium;" John James Audubon's 19th-century "The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America;" and William P.C. Bartram's 19th-century "Vegetable Materia Medica of the United States of Medical Botany." Exhibiting artists Oletha DeVane, Maria Anasazi, and Louise Wheatley will be present.

These events in the Garrett Library will be followed by a tour of the exhibition and a careful investigation of the artists' new books. Both "Evenings in the Library" are from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The cost is $8 for Evergreen members and $10 for non-members. Space is limited and reservations are necessary.

On Sunday, Jan. 20, from 3 to 4 p.m., Cindy Kelly, Evergreen House's director and exhibition curator will give a gallery talk. Kelly will discuss the new books created by the exhibiting artists, as well as the Garrett family's collection and its relevance today. The gallery talk costs $8 for Evergreen members and $10 for non-members. Space is limited and reservations are necessary.

To make reservations or for more information on "Evenings in the Library" or the Gallery Talk call 410-516-0341 or visit Evergreen at www.jhu.edu/historichouses. The exhibition "Kings, Hummingbirds & Monsters: Artist's Books at Evergreen" will continue through Feb. 28, 2002.