Cultural Arts

Elizabeth I was Henry VIII's daughter, England's Glorianna, and the first monarch to have an era named after her. Come to the Troy Public Library on Sunday, March 14, at 3:30 pm, to hear Maureen Esther lead a jewel-studded discussion of the life and times of the legendary Elizabeth I, whose steady course for England would set the foundation for the colonization of America.

This program is in honor of Women's History Month.

(Photo: ell brown)

Long-time Troy resident and pianist Angelina Pashmakova, and Ivan Ivanov, a young Bulgarian clarinetist, will be performing in concert for Bulgarian Art Day, on Sunday, January 31, at 3 pm, at the Troy Public Library.

Ivanov, a graduate student at Eastern Michigan University, became, at the age of 20, the youngest member of the Bulgarian Philharmonic Orchestra. Together, Pashmakova and Ivanov will play premiere pieces of Bulgarian composers Remenkov, Tekeliev and Stojanov.

In addition, Dimitrina Koleva, a graduate of the University of Sofia Kliment Ohridski, will lecture on the history and culture of the Thracian-Ancient Tribes. These tribes created a priceless cultural heritage in the lands of present-day Bulgaria and Romania, as well as other regions of the Balkan Peninsula and Asia Minor.

This event is free and sponsored by The Friends of the Troy Public Library. For more information, contact Dr. Maria Hunciag at hunciagme@troymi.gov.

Photographer William Cowger will be at the Troy Library on Sunday, January 17, at 3 pm, to present a continuous running slideshow and answer any and all questions regarding his African trip of a lifetime.

This presentation is in conjunction with Cowger's exhibit currently at the Library, Anything But Cats. Since the cats of Africa receive more press and attention than all the rest of the animals combined, a show highlighting the myriad of wild animals without whom the cats could not survive, seems overdue. The show includes 'survival of the fittest' challenges for antelope, elephants, giraffes, and zebras in addition to beautiful wildlife portraits.

(Photo: William Cowger)

Urbanism and Public Art is a Brown Bag series organizined by the Troy Public Library Cultural Arts Services, the Troy Chamber of Commerce, and the Image and Arts Council of Troy (I/ACT), and funded by the Friends of the Troy Public Library. Learn how community leaders plan to improve Troy's image through art and culture.

All events are free, begin at noon in the Library's meeting room, and are filmed for broadcast on local access cable television. Register for each program by clicking on the name below. Bring a lunch. Coffee and cookies can be purchased from The Cup & Chaucer Coffee Shop at the Library.

Art Photography as Business, featuring William Cowger, Friday, January 22, 12-1 pm
Michigan is at a crossroads. Right now the arts and cultural sector statewide has an incredible opportunity to empower themselves. This is your opportunity to learn more about how to transform  Troy resident and wild life photographer William Cowger will discuss how he transformed a hobby into a lucrative business. This program is presented in connection with his exhibit at the Library.

Employment in the Arts in Michigan, Friday, February 19, 12-1 pm
According to the Americans for the Arts' report, Creative Industry: Business and Employment in the Arts, Michigan's 9th Congressional District is home to 2,316 arts-related businesses that employ 10,563 people. These businesses play an important role in building and sustaining economic vibrancy in the county. They employ people, spend money locally, generate government revenue, and are a cornerstone of tourism and economic development.  What is happening to them? Maria Hunciag, the Library's Cultural Arts Coordinator, and guests will talk about these businesses and the "creative class" in Troy and Oakland County.

For more information, contact Dr. Maria Hunciag at hunciagme@troymi.gov.