‘My Island’ is chosen as a summer read
“My Island,” a children’s book written and illustrated by Islander Ann Leda Shapiro, was placed at the top of the “Washington Reads Summer 2010” list compiled by state librarian Jan Walsh. Walsh described Leda Shapiro’s book as a “colorful and meaningful picture book that tells the story of one island’s effort to maintain its environmental well being.” The book — which was one of only two children’s books included on the list — tells the story of Vashon and Maury Islands, a place Leda Shapiro calls “Dancing Man.” The book celebrates such local treasures as Strawberry Festival, Pt. Robinson Lighthouse and Fisher Pond, and also tells the story of how the people of the Island have fought to defeat a company intent on shipping gravel through an aquatic reserve.
“I told the story of our favorite places on Vashon because I was afraid this place would be destroyed,” said Leda Shapiro. “But this is the story of so many communities — hopefully we’ll have a happy ending to ours and give inpiration to others.”
Vashon Library will host a celebration of “My Island” from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 28. The author will read her story and sign copies of the book.
Odin Lonning is honored in Tacoma
For the second consecutive year, Tlingit artist Odin Lonning won an award at the June 17 opening of “In the Spirit: Northwest Native Arts Exhibit,” a juried show at the Washington State History Museum in downtown Tacoma. Lonning’s “Natsiclané: Creation of the Killer Whale,” a carved mask-panel created as an homage to the transient orcas who visited Vashon frequently last spring, won the Legacy Gallery LTD prize. View the piece online at www.washingtonhistory.org/artsfestival/artists.aspx. The exhibit runs through Sep. 19. The public can vote on favorite pieces for the People’s Choice award until Aug. 8. A Native arts market and festival is slated for Aug. 7 and 8, outdoors at the history museum. The free festival showcases First Nations dance, music and storytelling. Lonning will have artwork for sale at the market. On Vashon, Lonning has several pieces on display at Heron’s Nest, Valise and the Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie. Visit www.odinlonning.com or call 463-9041 to learn more about his work.
Jessica Maxwell reads at Books by the Way
Former Islander Jessica Maxwell will read from her book, “Roll Around Heaven,” at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 24, at Books by the Way. The book, just released in paperback, tells the story of what its publisher calls “an all-true accidential spiritual adventure.” For more information about the author and the book, visit www.jessicamaxwell.com.
Kara L.C. Jones and KotaPress celebrate
Island author, poet and artist Kara L.C. Jones will celebrate the release of her new book, “1,000 Permissions Granted: a collection of creative permission slips,” at 7 p.m. Friday, July 23, at Vashon Bookshop. The author and her partner, Hawk Jones, will be on hand to share the evolution of their “KOTA: Knowing Ourselves Thru Art” process, and there will be a display of KotaPress imprint books and artwork.
