September - October Gallery Exhibits Announced by Smyrna Library
Origami Paper Trees and Everyday Life Photography are Featured

SMYRNA, GA (August 15, 2006) - The Friends of Smyrna Library has announced that the Smyrna Library Gallery Display Cases will feature Origami Paper Christmas Trees designed by local artist Sachiko Kogure during the months of September and October while the adjacent Art Gallery will have selected photographs from the collection of Tom Kells. The exhibits are on display daily during regular library operating hours and are located on the second floor of the Smyrna Library at 100 Village Green Circle in the Smyrna Village.

"Just ahead of the Christmas season, the Origami trees are an especially unique exhibit featuring the ancient Japanese art of paper folding," stated Dorothy Sibert, coordinator for the Smyrna Library Galleries. "We are fortunate to have a local artist like Sachiko that can bring this art form to life for people throughout the Atlanta area. Tom Kells is a talented photographer whose collection features various images from everyday life experiences or special memories. He has photographed a wide array of subjects that I am sure will get people to stop and think about a similar experience they may have had."

Origami is a form of visual or sculptural representation that is defined primarily by the folding of the medium, which is usually paper. Ms. Kogure is originally from Japan, where the art form originated, and has practiced Origami since her childhood. Her work has been featured in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The Smyrna Library Galleries, which are managed by the Friends of Smyrna Library, are showcases for the works of local artists, craftspeople and collectors who have something unique to share with the larger community. The Friends of Smyrna Library organization is continuously seeking thought-provoking and visually appealing exhibits to feature in the gallery.

"We are looking for exhibits and or artists that will appeal to a diverse audience, as I am sure the both of these will," explained Sibert. "If we develop highly valued exhibits that people make a point of visiting, that will further reinforce the value of our library to the community, which goes well beyond all things related to the printed word. This is really a diverse library and our galleries are an example of that."

The Friends of Smyrna Library is a non-profit organization that has served the Smyrna Library since 1991. The organization develops and executes various adult programs and helps fund children programs to promote appreciation for the library and to grow its membership. The Friends of Smyrna Library is the sponsor of "Murder Goes South," a southern mystery book festival that brings authors and readers throughout the region

together for discussions, workshops and more. It is the highlight of the Friends yearly program schedule. To learn more about the Friends of Smyrna Library, visit friendsofsmyrnalibrary.org.
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Contact:
Don Kintner
Friends of Smyrna Library Public Relations
770-436-9380
dkjronline@yahoo.com

Linda Evans
Friends of Smyrna Library President
770-431-2860
evanslw@earthlink.net