Black art exhibit, artist talk, song-mixing and tree care at the library

Monroe County Public Library provides opportunities for local residents to read, learn, connect and create. The downtown library is at 303 E. Kirkwood Ave. and the Ellettsville branch is at 600 W. Temperance St. All events are free of charge. Event funding is provided by the Friends of the Library Foundation.

A conversation with an artist

Bloomington's Joel Washington will discuss his artwork, art form and experiences as a Black artist during a talk this weekend, as well as highlight some of the "Our Voice" exhibit art, including a piece of his own. The Indianapolis native is a self-taught artist of one-of-a-kind acrylic paintings showcased internationally. This program will take place in the "Our Voice" exhibit hall, meeting room 1B/C combo at the downtown library. It’s 2-3 p.m. Saturday. Drop in.

'Our Voice: Celebrating the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Awards' exhibit

Curated by the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, this traveling exhibit features 34 illustrations from the award winners since 1973, highlighting stories and figures from Black history, and honoring the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout time. The exhibit runs through March 20 in meeting rooms 1B/C at the downtown library. Exhibit hours are 3-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 1-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Learn more at mcpl.info/ourvoice.

Preschool storytime and discovery

At preschool storytime, stories, songs and rhymes get your preschooler talking, singing and playing with books and words, followed by preschool discovery — fun, open-ended art experiences, STEAM adventures and letter exploration. It’s 10-10:25 a.m. and 10:30-11:15 a.m. Thursday in Ellettsville meeting rooms A and B. For ages 3-6 and caregivers. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.

Tween crafts in the stacks

Come hang out and try new hands-on DIY projects as you learn new crafting skills each month! Supplies are provided. For ages 7-10. It’s 6-7 p.m. Thursday in the Tween Space at the downtown library. Please register at mcpl.info/calendar.

Song mixing workshop

Looking to take your music to the next level? Make your songs sound professional! The library session will cover mixing a song and getting each part sounding just right, then you’ll learn how to turn your audio project into a shareable audio file. Ages 12 and older. It’s 6-7 p.m. Thursday in Level Up digital creativity center at the downtown library. Drop in.

American Sign Language storytime

Learn targeted vocabulary in American Sign Language through stories, songs and games! For ages 3-6 and caregivers, but all are welcome. It’s 10:30-11 a.m. Friday in the children’s program room at the downtown library. Please register at mcpl.info/calendar.

Teen after-hours Nerf battle

Join the library after hours to engage in epic Nerf battles, hang out, watch a movie, craft and eat snacks with friends. This event is limited to 15 people. For ages 12-19. It’s 7-9:30 p.m. Friday in The Ground Floor teen space at the downtown library. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.

Yoga for adults

Discover why yoga is such a powerful tool for keeping you healthy in body, mind and spirit! In this all-level class, beginners safely learn the basics, while more experienced students take their practice to a deeper level. This event is suitable for people of all ages and most physical abilities. Age 16 and up. It’s noon-1 p.m. Saturday in Ellettsville meeting room B. Drop in.

Caring for our tree canopy

Trees improve your quality of life in numerous ways. Learn how to care for your own trees and why it's important to support Bloomington's urban tree canopy in this panel discussion with members of CanopyBloomington. Bring your questions. A limited number of tree seedlings will be available for you to take home. Ages 18 and older. It’s 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday in program room 2C at the downtown library. Drop in.

Fluffy cloud slime

It's slime time! Together, you’ll make a fluffy and fun cloud slime –– the perfect way to kickstart your spring break! Ages 7-12. It’s 2-3 p.m. Saturday in Ellettsville meeting room a/b combo. Please register at mcpl.info/calendar.

All-Ages Day at The Ground Floor

Curious about The Ground Floor teen space, but you aren’t a teen? Patrons of all ages are invited to check it out on the second Sunday of the month –– there's a DIY design studio, video games, virtual reality and more! It’s noon-6 p.m. at the downtown library. Drop in.

Teen Artist Club: clay gnomes

Are you a teen artist looking to hang with others? Join the library to make fun stuff, show off your work, chat and relax. This time, you'll make polymer clay gnomes! Ages 12-19. It’s 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday in The Ground Floor teen space at the downtown library. Drop in.

Remixing memories

The library’s new Memory Preservation Station allows you to convert your treasured home movies from VHS to a digital format! In this workshop, staff will show you how to use the equipment to remix and remaster these copies, giving them a new life of their own. Ages 12 and older. It’s 6-7 p.m. Tuesday in Level Up digital creativity center at the downtown library. Drop in.

Tuesday Night Music Club

Join other music fans to discuss classic albums virtually. This time it's Alanis Morrisette's “Jagged Little Pill.” Listen before the meeting, then come share your reaction. You’ll also listen to select songs as a group. The albums are available for streaming on Hoopla with your library card. Ages 18 and older. It’s 6-7 p.m. Tuesday on Zoom. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.

School's off, movie's on! 'Encanto'

Enjoy a fun kids' movie at the library while school is on break! Parental guidance is recommended. "Encanto" is suggested for ages 5 and older. It’s 2-3:45 p.m. Wednesday in the auditorium at the downtown library. Drop in.

Evening family storytime

Stories, songs, and rhymes get your preschooler talking, singing and playing with books and words! For ages 3-6 and caregivers, but all are welcome. It’s 6-6:30 p.m. Wednesday in Ellettsville meeting room B. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.

Youth Art Contest

Calling all youth artists infants to age 12! For Youth Art Month, the library is challenging you to create and submit an original 2D work of art (3x7 inches) based on the theme of the summer reading games: Oceans of Possibilities! The winning artwork will be made into a collectible summer reading prize bookmark. Drop your entry off at the downtown library children's information desk, the Ellettsville branch, or the bookmobile by March 31. Learn more at mcpl.info/artcontest.

More events online

This is a sampling of this week’s library events. For the full calendar, visit mcpl.info/events.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Black art exhibit, artist talk, song-mixing, tree care at the library