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Lamps provide a new artists’ medium

Lifestyle Columns

The invention of the electric light bulb didn’t just introduce an improved, more convenient, safer light source. It gave designers new inspiration. As the use of electric lights spread during the late 19th to early 20th centuries, lamps with colorful opaque glass shades became popular. They made beautiful decorations, whether on or off, and the intense electric light shining through the glass often gave the design a whole new look. Tiffany, Handel, and Pairpoint made the most famous lamps of the time. They have stunning, high-quality shades made with complex techniques, and the bases ...

Plenty to show at Rec on the Go

Life

NEW ULM — For those seeking alternative opportunities to get out and have fun while experiencing many of New Ulm’s different parks, Rec on the Go has been an answer since its inception in 2018. Whether that answer be in the form of arts and crafts or games and activities, Rec on the Go ...

The Dog Days of Summer

Lifestyle Columns

By Kathryn Tatnall Youth Services Librarian Did you know the term “Dog Days” refers to the heat and humidity of the mid-summer months of July and August here in the Northern Hemisphere? Most sources agree that Dog Days occur in mid-to-late summer, but the exact dates can vary from source to source because they are tied to the dawn rising of the star Sirius, also known as the Dog star, and they change over time. The Old Farmer’s Almanac considers the Dog Days to begin on July 3 and end on August 11, which is typically the worst of the summer’s heat. I always picture a dog lying ...

The name ‘Duncan Phyfe’ becomes synonymous with style

Lifestyle Columns

By Terry and Kim Kovel Some designers become so popular that their name becomes synonymous with their style. This can make matters confusing for collectors. Duncan Phyfe furniture is one of the most famous examples. Cabinetmaker Duncan Phyfe (1768-1854) came to America in 1784, served in an apprenticeship in Albany, New York, and had his own workshop by 1792. He made furniture in many styles popular in the late 18th to early 19th centuries, including Sheraton, Empire, Regency, and Rococo Revival. By the 20th century, however, “Duncan Phyfe” referred to a reproduction of Empire ...

Louis Thompson artwork tells story of American history

Lifestyle Columns

Sometimes, all we know about an artist from the past comes from their artwork. This is especially true of folk and outsider artists; collectors are often lucky to know their names. Fortunately, artist Louis E. Thompson signed and dated his works, like the mixed media wall sculpture shown here, made in 1932, that sold for $343 at Alex Cooper Auctioneers. Several other pieces by Thompson sold at the same auction, providing an overview of his art style. They included similar relief wall sculptures painted gold, multicolor mixed media figures painted in patterns, and scenic pictures on ...

July special programs

Lifestyle Columns

Any time of year is a great time to stop into the library, but summer can be an especially happening time as kids are out of school and people want to get out of the house and enjoy a variety of activities. Of course, we’re happy to help with your cabin fever in winter too! In any case, we have some great special programs happening in the month of July that are outside of our regular weekly and monthly offerings. We have programs for children, teens, adults, and for every age. I’ll be highlighting our special programs for adults and some for all ages. Several of these programs were ...