The Batavia Public Library has selected a true masterpiece for One Book, One Batavia this year, the young adult nonfiction work “Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers.”
One Book, One Batavia is an annual, community-wide reading program that will bring the community together for shared discussions and experiences. It is presented by the Batavia Public Library in cooperation with Batavia High School and is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Batavia Public Library.
“Vincent and Theo” paints the picture of the remarkably-close relationship between the acclaimed artist and his dependable younger brother. Written for a high school audience, author Deborah Heiligman weaves a compelling account of the enduring bond and unconditional love between the two brothers.
“Once you start reading this book, you won’t want to put it down,” said Stacey Peterson, Adult Services manager for the Batavia Public Library.
Through 658 letters that Vincent wrote to Theo during his lifetime, and 40 of the letters written by Theo to Vincent, Heiligman allows readers to look inside the relationship between the passionate, but tortured artist, and his steady, but lonely, brother. Their relationship, while sometimes stormy, was enduring and supportive, a veritable work of art in its own right.
The Batavia Library’s special One Book, One Batavia programming for February and March at bataviapubliclibrary.org/one-book-one-batavia-2023 is revealing. A copy of the book can be reserved at tinyurl.com/mrvxuk6c.
Librarians have scheduled an array of programs to help the community fully engage with “Vincent and Theo.” Special programming includes:
• Book Discussion, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14.
Registration is at batavia.libnet.info/event/7655118.
An in-person discussion, will be led by a librarian, of “Vincent and Theo.” Participants are asked to read the book prior to the discussion.
• Van Gogh: The Artistic Foundations of an Influencer, 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16.
Register at batavia.libnet.info/event/7505505
As innovative as the artwork of Vincent van Gogh is, he was part of a larger tradition in the history of art. Nick Caltagirone will place van Gogh in the larger context of art history and show how van Gogh was part of an artistic tradition that went back to the European Middle Ages. We’ll also look at some non-Western influences on van Gogh’s art, and see how van Gogh’s art helped change the trajectory of art in the 20th Century.
• Anxiety, Depression and Vincent van Gogh, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22.
Register at batavia.libnet.info/event/7418455
Explore Vincent van Gogh’s reported mental health issues of anxiety and depression and healthful ways to cope with such “dis-ease.” Taught by Jennifer Falbo-Negrom, a licensed clinical professional counselor.
• Van Gogh in the South of France, 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 1.
Online via Zoom from home or together in the Library on the big screen.
Register at batavia.libnet.info/event/7419130
In this live Zoom program, art historian Jeff Mishur discusses Vincent van Gogh’s prolific years in southern France.
• The Fine Art of Letter Writing, 7 p.m. Thursday, March 9.
Registration is at batavia.libnet.info/event/7785112
We wouldn’t know so much about Vincent van Gogh if he and his brother didn’t write each other so many letters. Kimberly Adami Hasegawa talks about why letter-writing is important, and fun ways to fit it into our modern lives.
• Paint in the Style of Vincent van Gogh, 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 15.
Register at batavia.libnet.info/event/7475596. *Please note this event is full, but you may join the wait list.
Ready to try your hand at Impressionism? Paint in the style of Vincent van Gogh with resident artist and librarian, Aimee Marx. Please wear clothing you wouldn’t mind getting paint on or bring an apron. We will provide all supplies, including paint, brushes, canvas, water, easel, etc. All you need is your creativity.
• Author Spotlight: Deborah Heiligman, 7 p.m. Thursday, March 30.
Online via Zoom from home or in the Library on the big screen.
Register at batavia.libnet.info/event/7785331
Author Deborah Heiligman has written many books, including Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Winner “Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers.” Heiligman will tell how she meticulously researched Vincent van Gogh’s life, drawing on letters between the brothers, and wove a tale of two lives intertwined and the extraordinary love of these brothers.
• Teeny Art Show, Monday, April 3 – Supply pick up, Friday, April 14 – Art drop off
Teens may channel their inner van Gogh! While supplies last, pick up a tiny canvas and directions in the Teen Space. Then use supplies you have at home to create an Impressionistic masterpiece. Art pieces will be on display at the Library through the end of April. Registration begins March 20. Pick up beginning Monday, April 3. Please drop off your masterpiece by Friday, April 14. One per person, please.
• Tiny Art Show, Monday, April 3 – Supply pick up, Friday, April 14 – Art drop off
Children in kindergarten through eighth grade may channel their inner van Gogh! Register to receive a tiny canvas and directions. Use supplies you have at home to create an Impressionistic masterpiece. Art pieces will be on display at the Library through the end of April. Registration begins March 20.
Visit the Library’s website at BataviaPublicLibrary.org to begin exploring.
The Batavia Public Library is one of the oldest public libraries in the Fox Valley, tracing its beginnings to the 1860s when it was a library association. The Batavia Public Library District formed in 1975. The mission of the Batavia Public Library is to provide and ensure access to materials and services to meet the lifelong learning needs of residents and organizations, as well as to create a welcoming place to gather, exchange ideas, and participate in cultural events.
—Batavia Public Library