Book Launch for “The Amethyst Stone” by Lloyd Ferriss at Harlow Gallery

Hallowell, Maine - A book launch celebration for The Amethyst Stone will take place Sunday, March 1, between 2 and 4 p.m. at the Harlow Gallery at 160 Water Street in Hallowell. Author Lloyd Ferriss, a writer of fiction and non-fiction works, will read from his novel, answer questions and sign books. Light refreshments will be provided.  The event is free and open to the public.

The Amethyst Stone is a bittersweet love story set on the north shore of Long Island, New York, in the 1950s. Paul Howland, the novel’s young protagonist, is eleven in the opening chapter. In trouble at home and in school, he considers suicide his best escape. But two people intervene: classmate Jenny Moran, and an adult mentor who discovers in Paul a latent artistic talent.

There’s been good early response to the novel, including the following:

“Beautifully written and richly rendered, Lloyd Ferriss’ entertaining and at times heartbreaking coming of age novel explores who we are, how we find our place, and illuminates essential truths about life, love, family, and most of all, hope.” —Melissa Senate, author of The Secret of Joy, The Love Goddess’ Cooking School and seven more novels.

“In The Amethyst Stone, Lloyd Ferriss tells the story of a community on Long Island at the moment

AnnaSophia Robb: "Living In Style: Inspiration And Advice For Everyday Glamour" Book Launch

New York City, New York - Twenty year old actress AnnaSophia Robb looked pretty in a white dress with black high heels as she stepped out on a Monday evening to attend the 'Living In Style: Inspiration and Advice for Everyday Glamour' held at Tiffany & Co. on March 24, 2014 in New York City.

AnnaSophia Robb born December 8, 1993 is an American actress. She gained prominence in 2005 with starring roles in Because of Winn-Dixie and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She is also known for her roles in Bridge to Terabithia (2007), Race to Witch Mountain (2009), Soul Surfer (2011), and The Way Way Back (2013). Since 2013, she has starred as Carrie Bradshaw on The CW series The Carrie Diaries.

Book Launch: The Art of Francis Hamabe

Blue Hill, Maine - Local author and art critic Carl Little will launch his new book, The Art of Francis Hamabe, at the Blue Hill Public Library on Wednesday, August 22nd at 4:00 PM. Iced tea and cookies will be served, and Mr. Little will give a brief talk at 5:00 PM. The event is co-sponsored by the Blue Hill Library and Blue Hill Books. Books will be available for sale and signing by Mr. Little and Phyllis Hamabe.

Carl Little lives in Somesville and has edited ten art books, many of which focus on the landscapes of Maine. He has written many articles for Art in America magazine, Art New England, Maine Boats, Homes and Harbors, Ornament, Bangor Daily News and the Maine Times. Much of his freelance work focuses on his knowledge of Maine art, an interest he acquired from his uncle, the painter William Kienbusch.

The Art of Francis Hamabe covers the life and work of one of Maine’s most beloved artists, who was born in 1917 in Orange, New Jersey, to a Japanese father and Swedish mother. He served in World War II and subsequently attended the Rhode Island School of Design. Moving to Maine in 1947, Hamabe established himself as a sought-after painter, printmaker, ceramicist, and puppeteer. He was the first art instructor at the Farnsworth Art Museum and later taught at the University of Maine at Machias—he also served as art director for Down East and Maine Life magazines and for the state’s first public television station in Orono.

The book offers a selection of Hamabe’s work, from dynamic modernist oil paintings and lively Sumi ink abstractions to his well-known screen print posters. Writer Carl Little weaves an engaging narrative of the artist’s life and art illustrated with vintage photographs and examples of Hamabe’s witty and stylish graphic work. Paintings from the Colby and Bates College museums and the University of Maine Museum of Art are featured, along with numerous works from private collections, many of them reproduced for the first time. The book will be available at Blue Hill Books, 26 Pleasant Street, Blue Hill, (207) 374-5632, and Courthouse Gallery Fine Art, 6 Court Street, Ellsworth (207) 667-6611.