Larimer teens discover the music of the future: No Generation Podcast

Just down the street from both CLP – East Liberty and CLP – Homewood is the Kingsley Association, a community center extraordinaire. They have a pool, basketball court, yoga classes, community meetings, and a Youth Advisory Council.

An EEYAC meeting

 

I recently went to an unveiling of the Council’s new project: a podcast called No Generation Radio.

Artwork by Blaine Siegel

Teenagers from EEYAC had come together with local artist Blaine Siegel to create the podcast. They interviewed community members of Larimer to find stories from their past and present dealing with music, and then musicians from Larimer and other Pittsburgh neighborhoods imagined what the music of the future in Larimer would be like, based on those stories.

This includes David Bernabo, who said on his blog that his future music piece was created “us[ing] census data and analysis to forecast how Larimer will change in the future. I imagine that gentrification would occur to some extent and the neighborhood will become more racially integrated. From a musical standpoint, I am presenting music that would exist for an educational use. The idea was that music could be encoded in the future to “push” knowledge to the listener.”

All 7 podcasts can be heard on the No Generation tumblr. Check them out!

 

If you’re interested in creating a podcast, you can do it at the library!  The Labs have the equipment and mentors to help you realize your vision and put it out into the world. Come to one of the Labs locations!

Check out these books to get you started:

  

And, don’t forget, the library has many Teen Advisory Councils in its locations – if you want to bring your fun ideas to the library for old and new friends to enjoy, make it happen!

 

-Tessa, CLP – East Liberty

 

Celebrating Black History Month: African Americans and Film

February is Black History Month!  To mark the occasion, every Tuesday in February CLP Carrick’s Teen Thing (our weekly teen activity/chill out time) is going to focus on some remarkable contributions made in the areas of film and technology by African Americans.   Each week we’re going to explore a new pioneer, talk about why they’re important, and create with an art project related to that person!

February 5^th @ 4:30 PM

Duane Jones as Ben in ‘Night of the Living Dead’

On the first Tuesday of the month we’re going to spotlight Duane Jones.  If you’ve ever seen the 1968 local horror classic Night of the Living Dead, then you probably recognize Mr. Jones as Ben – the film’s hero.  What a lot of people don’t know, however, is that his portrayal of Ben was an important milestone in film history, as it marked the first time that an African-American was cast as the lead star in a horror movie.

In homage to Mr. Jones and his classic role, we’re going to be making mini stop-motion zombie movies on our iPads!  Once again, Ben will try and save the day from hordes of undead flesh eaters!  Will he live to tell the tale this time???

 

February 12^th @ 4:30 PM

<3

Frank Braxton is our subject in the second week of February!  Mr. Braxton is largely regarded as the first African-American animator to be offered a position with a major Hollywood studio, Warner Bros. Cartoons.  He drew for a number of classic animated movies and TV shows.  Some of his most enduring works include:  You’re in Love, Charlie Brown; A Boy Named Charlie Brown; and the Mister Magoo, Bullwinkle, and George of the Jungle TV shows of the 1960s.

Since love will be in the air this week, we’re going to watch some of Mr. Braxton’s work and flex our imaginations with some basic animation/flip book techniques!

 

February 19^th @ 4:30 PM

Valerie Thomas’ Illusion Transmitter

On February 19th, we’re going to focus on Valerie Thomas and 3D technology.  Ms. Thomas, a scientist and inventor who worked for NASA, is widely known for her Illusion Transmitter, a device she developed and patented in 1980.  The basic idea behind the Illusion Transmitter was to take the flat image from, say, a TV screen and have it projected into your room in 3D – almost like a hologram in a Sci-Fi movie!  Needless to say, the invention provided some serious upgrades for the existing 3D technology of the day, and is still currently used by NASA.

Look for some red and cyan action going down this week!

 

February  26^th @ 4:30 PM

To close out our month-long celebration, we’re going to have a special screening of an awesome documentary focusing on the vibrant cultural scene of Brooklyn in the 1980s and early 1990s, which launched a number of notable directors, musicians, artists, poets, and comedians.  Popcorn, anyone?

 

All of these events are free and open to anyone in grades 6-12.  Teen Thing is held every Tuesday from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM at CLP Carrick (1811 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh PA 15210).  Hope to see you there!

stuffs and stuffs:

              

Jon : Carrick

Altered Books

A cold, snowy winter’s day is a great time to get crafty and creative!

Sometimes books outlive their usefulness. Why not turn those 1970′s era Britannica Encyclopedias into a work of art?

Altered art or altered books refers to any artful repurposing/crafting/mixing/recycling of books. Best thing about altered books? NO RULES! You can let your creativity run wild: Turn old encyclopedias into bookshelves or a hardback book into a ring box. You don’t have to be an artist to turn an old book into something magical again. You just need unused books, instruction, art supplies and some creativity.

Designs can be simple or intricate. Below are some truly inspirational altered books.

source: andysowards.com

source: art-e-zine.co.uk

source: briandettmer.com

source: briandettmer.com

For the visual learner, there are tons of YouTube videos on how to get started! And, of course, the library has you covered too!

       

Michael @ Hazelwood

500 Years of Almost Touching

You’ve probably seen the image above before, maybe on a coffee mug or t-shirt or something like that.  If you’re like me and somewhat haphephobic, your first thoughts were probably along the lines of: “What’s with all the creepy finger touching merch?” or “Is that like some weird old school handshake… ‘cos it’s all kinds of wrong.”

My assorted neuroses aside, the almost finger touch is actually the most famous part of what is, arguably, the most famous ceiling in the world – that of the Sistine Chapel.  Said ceiling, painted by the Italian master (and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle namesake) Michelangelo, recently turned the big 5-0… 0.  The work was unveiled to the public on November 1, 1512.

The ceiling was completed in a mural style known as fresco, meaning that the scenes were painted directly onto freshly laid plaster and are actually part of the chapel’s structure.  Michelangelo initially rejected the offer to take on the elaborate project, as he saw himself as a sculptor rather than a painter; however, he was persuaded by friends and fellow artists – who secretly wished to see him fail on a grand scale – to take the job.  They must have been some great pals.

After four grueling years of working in all kinds of contorted positions, Michelangelo beat the haters by depicting nine scenes populated with a total of 343 figures; scenes, viewed from 66 feet below, that remain as vivid in presentation and emotion as they did 500 years ago.

TEENS + ART =

                                        

Jon : Carrick

Secret Messages in the Streets

Ten short years ago, I had just moved to Pittsburgh.  I got a job downtown.  Back then I rode the bus to work each morning, getting off at a stop that took me down Smithfield Street.  I’ll never forget the first time I crossed the street at Oliver Avenue and just as I reached the other side I looked down to see a secret message embedded into the street.  Before that I’d never seen or heard of a Toynbee Tile.  That day I kept walking toward work but everytime I happened past that message in the pavement I wondered who had put it there and what it meant.   Five years later I was strolling around New York City  and discovered another tile almost but not quite like the one on Smithfield Street.  I was amazed that there was more than one tile.  Little did I know that hundreds have been discovered in major cities all over North and South America. I wasn’t the only one who was intrigued…Since the early 80’s Toynbee Tiles have been discovered  all over and lots of people’s interest has been piqued.  Many tiles only remain in photos, their originals having been paved over or removed.  The city of Chicago declared Toynbee Tiles graffiti and set forth to remove them from the city.  Documentation of the tiles and investigations into what they may mean, and who created and installed them have been internet fodder for nearly two decades.  Most recently a film, Resurrect Dead: The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles hit the film festivals.  It documents a few Toynbee fanatic’s attempts to discover the identity of the Philadelphia artist.  The Toynbee tiles continue to interest, but they’re far from the only art being created by secret or secretive artist.  Check the library for some books about urban art with a message or just take a walk around town and soak up some of Pittsburgh’s own artistry.

-Brooke, CLP South Side

End of Summer- BOO! End of Summer Party- YAY!

When I was a teenager, I couldn’t stand those back-to-school advertising campaigns that seem to kick in while summer is still in full swing.  And how about the stores that start selling fall jackets when it is still 90 degrees outside?  For me personally, the count down to the new school year was such a drag that even a full scale-gratuitous-shopping-binge didn’t prove therapeutic.  So now that the Teen Department at CLP Main is hosting an End of the Summer Celebration on Friday 8/24 from 2 pm to 5 pm, I feel like such a traitor.

But really- we’re on YOUR side.  We’re not trying to pour salt in the wound, we simply want to reward you all for your participation in this year’s Teen Summer Reading program (which, by the way, it’s not too late to sign up for….).  And the truth is, we’ll use any excuse to throw a party here in the Main Teen Department.  So, come- despite yourself- and just try to enjoy the last sliver of summer….

Friday, August 24

2pm to 5pm

CLP Main- Teens

4400 Forbes Ave.

Pittsburgh, PA

• Video gaming!
• TWO bad movies- one about a crazy summer and one about going back to school!
• Button making!
• iPad photo booth!
• Light snacks!

All teens in middle or high school welcome.  For more information, contact teensmain @ carnegielibrary.org or 412.622.3121.

Indie Animations Worth a Look!

I’m always down for Coraline or the Nightmare Before Christmas, and Up made me cry like a baby (in a good way).  But just because big-name movies are easy to locate doesn’t mean they’re the only ones worth seeing!

There are tons of art house, foreign studio, or amateur “scrapster” animations that are not to be missed. Next time you’re looking for something different to watch, try one of these…they’re all at the library.

Whoa! Sita Sings the Blues weaves together the passion of love, the sadness of breakups, a 3,000 year-old Sanskrit epic story called Ramayana (told in graphic novel here), and the 1920′s blues croonings of Annette Hanshaw. If that sounds confusing, don’t worry. Each narrative is told in a different style of animation–which keeps things clear and interesting. This film is a great example of what novice filmmakers can do with a little passion and time  – filmmaker Nina Paley had never animated anything longer than a few minutes when she started making this one.

Watch as Alice‘s inanimate world comes to life in this quietly bizarre stop-motion film. If you grew up with Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, it may seem twee in comparison with this darker 1988 adaptation. I shiver every time the White Rabbit chomps his teeth. This version of Alice is really faithful to the classic Lewis Carroll, where the world of Alice that you think you know expands. If you’ve participated in QuickFLIX already this summer, you may find inspiration for your next stop-motion creation here!

Mary and Max is an Australian claymation film set in the 1960s that follows the unlikely friendship of two pen-pals. Mary Dinkle is a lonely, homely kid in Melbourne. Her mom is an alchoholic, and her dad just seems not to care – so picks a name out of a phone book and begins writing to Max, who she learns is an obese New Yorker with Asperger’s Syndrome. Over 20 years (don’t worry – they go fast), the quirky duo follows and changes one another’s lives.

The Secret of Kells is the story of the book that “turns darkness into light.” Brendan lives with monks at a remote outpost, Iona, when a visit from a master artist turns everything upside-down. He confronts evil, hidden in a deeply enchanted forest, and his darkest fears. If you like quest stories, faeries, Ireland, or medieval art, this one’s for you.

The stylings throughout this film are a clear homage to the painstakingly elaborate illuminated manuscripts of medieval Ireland–heck, the Book of Kells is one. For you art history buffs (I know you’re out there!), this is icing on an already delicious cake.

Madame Sousa’s grandson is kidnapped while riding the Tour de France, but she’s not just going to sit and watch it happen. She enlists her pooch, Bruno, and a spinster trio of jazz singers (because hey, why not?) to help her find young Champion. The upbeat retro soundtrack of The Triplets of Belleville is a little bit reminiscent of the music from a high-school classic, Ghost World, and the animation – well…watch it and find out!

These are just a handful of what we’ve got at the library, but what do you think? What’s the best animated film for teens?

Whitney, CLP – Main

What are YOU Doing This Summer?

Sun is shining. Weather is sweet. Make you wanna move your dancing feet.” Bob Marley

Only a few days left of school.  The clock is ticking down the minutes until you can rush out those doors; jump on the bus, and say, “Its SUMMER!”  No more school, no more homework, no more nagging voices telling you to stop fooling around and pay attention!

I don’t know about you, but this summer looks like it is jammed packed with so many cool things to do.  Don’t have any money? No special vacations out of the beautiful city of Pittsburgh?  If I were you I wouldn’t worry too much about either one.  Your local Carnegie libraries have been planning round the clock to set up an awesome summer vacation just for you.  Check out this list of things to do for the month of June!

June Events

• Summer Reading Extravaganza |  June 10th, 2012 | 12:00 – 5:00pm
  Did someone say iPad?  Sign up for Teen Summer Reading and find out how you could win an iPad!
• Hip-Hop on L.O.C.K. Music | Starting June 16th, 2012 | 1:00 – 4:00pm
  Sign up fast!  Space is limited!
• QuickFlix Media Arts | Starting June 25th, 2012 | 1:00 – 4:00pm
  Want a chance to make a winning video?  Grand prize $100 iTunes gift card!
• Riddikulus Wizard Rock Concert | June 20th, 2012 | 5:00 – 7:30pm
  Featuring The Whomping Willows, Lauren Fairweather, Tonks and the Aurors, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Snidget, and I Speak Tree

Also check out the Teen events at your local library this month as they will include:  Gaming, Anime clubs, Teen Advisory, Musical workshops, Art clubs, Creative writing, and so much more!  Check out what is happening at your library so you don’t miss out!

Yeah, this is just for the month of June… Come back to check out the month of July and August too!

Tell me, what do you’ve got planned for your awesome summer break????

Hungry? Head to Art Club!

Many of you are already aware of the Main Teen Room‘s AWESOME Art Club which meets every Wednesday from 3 pm to 5 pm.  But did you know that beginning this month, on the second Wednesday of every month we’ll be offering a different food related craft at Art Club?  Instead of getting creative with yarn, glitter, and tissue paper; teens will be making their masterpieces from spaghetti, sprinkles and other edible materials.  Teens- we heard you loud and clear.  You don’t have to say it with your mouths, because we probably wouldn’t be able to hear it over the roaring of your tummies anyway.

 Wednesday, January 11 @ 3pm: Marshmallow Mania

 Wednesday, February 8 @ 3pm: Candy Dynamite

 Wednesday, March 14 @ 3pm: Cookie Decorating

You say you can’t make it to Art Club?  Please, stop crying and check out these books filled with yummy recipes and edible crafts instead.  Just try not to drool all over the library’s copy.

Candy Construction: How to Build Edible Race Cars, Castles, and Other Cool Stuff Out of Store-bought Candy!

by Sharon Bowers

 

Learn how to build a chess board from chocolate kisses, a pirate ship from krispy rice treats, a race car from licorice and more delicious construction projects using just about anything with candy and other goodies.

Cute Yummy Time: 70 Recipes for the Cutest Food You’ll Ever Eat

by La Carmina

Easy instructions for making the most adorable snacks.  The most difficult thing about the recipes in this book is mustering the strength to eat your cute creations.

Face Food: The Visual Creativity of Japanese Bento Boxes

by Christopher D. Sayers

Any die hard manga and anime fan knows what a bento box is.  But do they know how to make the delicious treats that go inside?  Check out this step-by-step guide and interviews with charaben enthusiasts.

Junk Foodie: 51 Delicious Recipes for the Lowbrow Gourmand

by Emilie Balt

Even if you’re not the most impressive chef, you can still make a delicious feast.  Just visit a vending machine and open this inspirational book!

Local Teen Origami Superstar Scott Stern

The first time I tried origami was in March at our Teen Summer Reading training at the spacious Penn Hills Library. I only made a peace crane, but it was still challenging.  Origami requires some seriously tricky creativity, all in the name of beauty. I respect things that are complicated and ultimately impractical, so I was psyched to hear from a colleague that a local high school student and member of the Origami Club of Pittsburgh, Scott Stern, had recently published a book of his own mind-blowing folds, entitled Outside the Box Origami.

If you take a look at the cover, you’ll see that the design in question is actually a box with two arms reaching out of it. Made of one sheet of paper!  It’s the most challenging design in the book, requiring at least 100 folds.

You can check out a video of Scott doing his origami thing in this Post-Gazette article, and please note that Scott began his illustrious career at the Origami Club meetings held at the Squirrel Hill Library!  You see, it pays to pay attention to our library events.

Check out some of the fun, amazing stuff you can make from Scott’s book by clicking on the link below (my favorite is the little skull):

outsidethebox

Kudos, Scott!

If this has piqued your interest, keep your eye out for Teen Summer Reading Origami events.  I know I’m going to be having one at my library…

- Tessa (CLP – East Liberty)