Programs scheduled at Marlboro, Colts Neck libraries

Guild of Creative Art exhibiting artist David Levy will present a program about Italian artist Giotto at the Marlboro branch of the Monmouth County Library, 1 Library Court, off Wyncrest Road, Marlboro, at 1 p.m. July 18.

Giotto, the first Italian artist to become universally known, was a painter and architect during the late Middle Ages, according to a press release.

Born in Florence, his full name is Giotto di Bondone and he worked during the Gothic/Proto-Renaissance period. He is best known for the fresco cycle work, the Life of the Virgin, considered one of the supreme masterpieces of the Early Renaissance period, according to the press release.

There is controversy among art historians concerning his birth date and place, his apprenticeship, and whether he is the artist of the frescoes at the Upper Basilica of St. Francis and his burial place.

Giotto’s masterwork is the decoration of the Scrovegni Chapel, in Padua, also known as the Arena Chapel, which was completed around 1305.

The fresco cycle depicts the Life of the Virgin and the Life of Christ. It is regarded as one of the supreme masterpieces of the Early Renaissance, according to the press release.

Levy, a former college instructor in art history and a National Educator of the Year for Students with Special Needs, will explore these and other issues surrounding the artist in a program which will include visuals and open discussion.

Registration is necessary because of space limitation and can be made online at
www.monmouthcountylib.org or by phone at 732-536-9406. There is no charge for the program.

In other library news, Keith Calmes and Marjorie Koharski will present a flute and classical guitar concert at 7 p.m. July 18 at the Colts Neck Library branch of the Monmouth County Library, 1 Winthrop Drive, off Cedar Drive, Colts Neck.

Calmes, a classical guitarist, is an educator, composer and author, according to a press release. He has appeared at Carnegie Hall and with the Monmouth Symphony in addition to performing with Carlos Barbosa-Lima.

The flutist, Marjorie Koharski, is retied from the Monmouth Symphony Orchestra and is a flutist with the Elysions Winds Quintet. She is a former faculty member of the Monmouth Conservatory of Music.

No registration is needed for attendance at the concert, which is offered free of charge. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.

For further information on this and all programs offered by the Monmouth County Library, visit www.monmouthcountylib.org