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The woodland scene is complete with trees, a stream, flowers, plants, and wildlife that are realistically portrayed in a fantasized “library in the woods”:
- a parent and baby owl in an oak tree are together reading “Hoot”;
- a turtle is reading “Wind in the Willows”;
- a spider spun a web that says “READ”;
- a fox, bear, and rabbit are gathered around a tree stump enjoying tea; the bear is reading “Winnie the Pooh” and the rabbit is reading “Alice in Wonderland”;
- squirrels, raccoons, frog, deer, skunks, and opossums are also reading;
- other features include ladybugs, snails, birds, dragonfly, and butterflies.
The painting has been introduced to hundreds of children who have already visited the library, and the reaction has been smiling faces and fascinated eyes. The Children’s Librarians take time to show the details of the mural to the children, and many children look at it time and time again. The new Dog River Library will begin Children’s Story Time at the library on Thursday, January 19th, at 10:30 a.m., and will continue each Thursday. Admission is free, and Story Time is open to the Public.
Artist Jamie Guider Howell is a local artist who resides in the Bill Arp community of Douglas County. She graduated from Douglas County High School, attended the Art Institute of Atlanta, and holds a Fine Arts degree from the University of West Georgia. She presently teaches art in the Paulding County School System. The subject matter of the painting was drawn from the natural setting of the library and its interior design. The connection children have to animals and the common thread of animals in children’s literature leant much inspiration to the creation.
The mural will be on permanent display in the Children’s Library, and an acknowledgement plaque will soon be installed adjacent to the painting denoting the commission and generous donation. The Dog River Library is located at 6100 Georgia Highway 5, and is a part of the Douglas County and West Georgia Library Systems.