Participants at the Brussels Library "Art Attack: Block Party" April 1, 2022 take a group photo with their works, block prints of an Amsterdam waterway scene. (U.S. Army photo courtesy of Deborah Goldfein, Brussels Library)
Brussels library brings arts, crafts to unlikely group: grown-ups
Story by Bryan Gatchell, USAG Benelux Public Affairs
USAG BENELUX-BRUSSELS – The Brussels Library has numerous programs catering to children of all ages, programs like Puzzlepalooza, but the staff has begun a quarterly arts and crafts program aimed solely at adults.
The program “Art Attack” brings together community members 18 and older during one evening every three months or so to learn or take up again an art or craft project guided by members of the library staff.
“It’s really intended to be a stress break for adults to have some creative play which we don’t get enough as adults, and an opportunity to meet other people,” said Holly May, librarian. “It really is an opportunity for people to try out crafts maybe they haven’t tried before without having to invest in the tools or equipment.”
The program began in November 2021 when participants practiced découpage (the art of applying paper cutouts to objects) on oyster half shells, which participants could gift or use as an ornamental tag. In April a group learned how to create block prints, creating small two dimensional buildings out of lino blocks to create an Amsterdam waterway scene. The next event will be a miniature watercolor class in the evening.
“It’s nice that we’re able to cross-market,” said May of the sessions. “The next one we’re having in July will be holding out on the patio at the 3 Star (the on-post restaurant and recreation facility) so people will have refreshments just right there, and we’ll have the class just outside. Because it’s July in Belgium, it should be decent weather.
Blackout poetry uses pages from a book to create a cross between poetry and art. The Brussels Library set up a station for community members to make their own versions during National Poetry Month in April. (U.S. Army photo by Bryan Gatchell, USAG Benelux Public Affairs)
The schedules of community members can be busy, which the staff of the library recognizes. Even if someone cannot make a particular event does not mean there are not further opportunities for creativity. During National Poetry Month in April, for instance, the library offered a board on which to create black-out poetry (taking a page of a defunct book and expurgating all but choice words to create a new visual poem) or write a bioku (a biographical haiku about a famous person).
The Brussels Library is one of four across U.S. Army Garrison Benelux, and they all have programs and activities that cater to their respective communities but can be enjoyed by any visitor with access to post. Find out more at the links below:
Brunssum Library
Brussels Library
Chièvres Library
SHAPE International Library
To learn more about all the library programs across the Benelux, visit the story here.