Angus Mudge Exhibit at the Library 

“Hidden Doorways,” an exhibit of the photographs of Angus Mudge, will be on display at the Norfolk Library during the month of February, courtesy of the Norfolk Library Associates. With his camera Angus explores the intricate, complex and often unrecognizable shapes and patterns found in nature. Based in Vermont, Angus is the son of Norfolk residents Kristin and Grant Mudge. 

The Magic of the Winter Garden

The garden can be a magical place—even in winter! Stripped of summer foliage and flowers, the success of a winter garden lies in its structure, basic design and choice of plant material. In an illustrated lecture for the Norfolk Library on Thursday, Feb. 3, at 5:30 p.m., Jana Milbocker will provide inspiration and tips on designing your garden for winter interest, choosing the best trees, shrubs and perennials, and grouping them to create arresting vignettes. To register for the Zoom link, please visit the library’s website or call front desk circulation at 860-542-5075.

Virtual Studio Tour with Kate Gridley

The Norfolk Library continues its series of virtual studio tours on Sunday, Feb. 6, at 4 p.m. with the studio of Kate Gridley. Known for her insights into human character, the quality of light in her work and her technique, Gridley maintains a studio in Middlebury, Vt., where she has lived and painted full-time since 1991. Her work is in numerous public and private collections. She is currently at work on two installations: a multimedia portrait of musician and famed children’s television character Officer Clemmons (“Mister Rogers Neighborhood”) entitled “The Shoulders on Which We Stand: A Portrait of François Clemmons”; and “Witness Marks: Anatomy of a Memory,” a multimedia installation in which she explores how we make memories, store and retrieve them. Gridley will take us into her studio, show us paintings in process and answer questions. To register for the Zoom link, please visit the library’s website or call front desk circulation at 860-542-5075.

Connecticut’s African-American Heroines

On Thursday, Feb. 10, at 5:30 p.m., learn about some of Connecticut’s most remarkable African-American heroines, from women’s rights advocate Maria Miller Stewart and legendary contralto and civil rights catalyst Marian Anderson to pioneering journalist Adrianne Baughns-Wallace and former state treasurer Denise L. Nappier. This is a virtual interactive multimedia presentation by the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame. To register for the Zoom link, please visit the library’s website or call front desk circulation at 860-542-5075.

A Perky Pairing: Coffee and Fine Chocolates

Get ready for Valentine’s Day! Join the library via Zoom on Sunday, Feb. 13, at 4 p.m. when Kim Larkin of Klassic Kreations will talk about coffee and chocolate—the history, benefits, famous industry pioneers, best brewing/roasting methods, fun terminology and more. The first 15 people to register will receive a kit with samples of different percentages of chocolate; two kinds of coffee; and a chocolate tasting wheel. Kits will be available for pickup at the circulation desk starting Saturday, Feb. 5. To register for the Zoom link, please visit the library’s website or call front desk circulation at 860-542-5075. 

Children’s Artwork at the Library 

February is National Library Lover’s Month, and for Valentine’s Day we will have on display children’s artwork in the form of valentines to the library. Children’s artwork celebrating books will be on display for WIN weekend with special treats served on Saturday, Feb. 26. 

Ladies, Legends & Lakeside Dwellings: Alfredo Taylor in Norfolk

One has only to drive through the center of town, dominated by the Royal Arcanum, to make acquaintance with the highly original architect Alfredo Taylor. Taylor came to Norfolk in the first years of the last century, and quickly put his distinctive mark on the landscape, designing stone and timber houses, lakeside camps, commercial buildings, schools, churches and monuments. His work came to define the look and style of this small Connecticut town, and it is now part of the National Register of Historic Places. Find out more about this Norfolk legend in an illustrated slide talk by Ann Havemeyer on Saturday, Feb. 26, at 4 p.m. via Zoom. To register, please visit the library’s website or call front desk circulation at 860-542-5075.

Winter WINWinter Weekend in Norfolk will be on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 26 and 27. There will be both in-person and virtual events highlighting all of Norfolk’s fun things. Activities include virtual tours and talks, in-person viewings, music, art and all sorts of off-beat and wonderful happenings. Join the fun or just celebrate outdoors on your own. Go to weekendinnorfolk.org and sign up to be notified by email when more events are posted.