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Now at Oak Park: Joseph Jurkiewicz
Joe Jurkiewicz is a visual artist whose paintings explore themes of desire, loneliness, anxiety and exaltation. Pulling influences from street art and fashion illustration, he creates perplexing surreal imagery developed in sketchbooks, where he explores new ideas, mark making and surrounding influences. He graduated from the Kansas City Art Institute of May 2016 with a major in Illustration.
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What would you like people to know most about your art?
That my work comes from my imagination. I find joy and catharsis while creating art and I want people to feel that in some way.
What is your creative process, and what is the most challenging part? The most rewarding?
My creative process mainly comes from the element of play. I tend to have fun while creating art-not holding to any standards or having any fear of the end result. I simply allow my work to become what it is intended.
From where do you gain inspiration?
Almost anything and everything. Talking to people, listening to music, playing video games, watching movies and drawing what I see.
What wisdom/insight would you share with your past self if you could?
Haha I would tell myself to draw more and work harder. I was young, lazy and didn’t know that hard work would pay off.
If you could recommend a book, musical artist/track/album, and movie what would they be?
Book I would recommend “start with why” by Simon Sinek. Japanese DJ producer Nujabes. Movie to watch is “Requiem for a Dream”. A must!
Corinth's READ Poster Winner
Each of our locations draws a name from the pool of kids who participated in Summer Reading to win a READ poster photoshoot. Here is Corinth Library's winner!
Corinth Library hosts many wonderful events, such as An Edible Discussion, Read to a Dog, and much more »
Music Monday Local Spotlight
Rubeo is Joe Rubeo, a mostly self-taught musician and songwriter who describes his music as having a "unique nostalgic feel with heavy 80s synth bass and swirling melodies that make you want to get down on the dance floor." This only begins to describe the immersive and warm quality of music that according to Rubeo himself emanates in large part from a phone app called Auxy. Rubeo's music proves that in the right hands the tools right under our thumbs can help produce remarkable art.
Food Insecurity, Romance Novels, and 6by6 ...
Did you hear about 6by6, Food Insecurity and Romance Novels?
We dedicate every Did you hear? episode to one of our many Library services. This time, it's 6 by 6: Ready to Read! It’s our early literacy program. Discover the 6 skills all kids should develop by age 6.
In this episode, Beth Atwater sits down with Melissa Horak-Hern and Gregg Winsor in our “We Recommend” section to discuss Romance novels! But first, It’s “What’s Happening.” Helen Hokanson, Amanda Wahlmeier and Dave Carson talk about food insecurity.
Throwback Thursday: Women's History Month
Three women stand in a work area near a table and a duplicating or addressing machine at Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant.
How many photos of women can be found at jocohistory.org? What are the stories behind these images? Get all the details. It's your place for Johnson County, Kansas history! Follow our hashtag on Twitter.
Our February Favorites
Check out the latest and greatest books for preschoolers: hand-picked by our Youth Services staff »
Father-Daughter Music Monday Local Spotlight
The musical pairing of father-daughter folk duo Bob and Una Walkenhorst is a real treat for fans of harmony-rich, socially conscious folk music. A member of The Rainmakers since 1983, Bob Walkenhorst is an accomplished musician, songwriter and painter. Una is a recognized artist in her own right, releasing her debut album Scars in 2015. The duo released their acclaimed debut album For Tomorrow in late 2018.
Career and Finance
Ready for a new career? Let us help »
Resumes – It's All About You Tuesday, Feb 26, 6pm @ Blue Valley Library
The Self-Directed Job Search – Effective Strategies Thursday, Mar 7, 6pm @ Cedar Roe Library
So You Think You Can Interview Saturday, Apr 6, 10am @ Monticello Library
Networking for Professional Success Tuesday, Apr 23, 6pm @ Blue Valley Library
Throwback Thursday. History repeats itself.
Ah yes! Back in the 1890s when snow was sepia toned. If you find yourself indoors today, do a search for "snow" and "winter" at jocohistory.org. It's your place for Johnson County, Kansas history! Follow our hashtag on Twitter.