Little Free Libraries//Brantford

Friends, it's official! Brantford is now the proud owner of ten new (artistic) Little Free Libraries. We wanted to put Brantford on the map and we've more than doubled our Little Free Library collection.

Ten local artists (Aleah Durham, Alex Mikulich, Aliki Mikulich, Arlene Laskey, Cassandra Chambers, Christa Potter, Dave McCreary, Elizabeth Gosse, Heather Vollans, Lizzy Mikulich) worked hard this summer and created the most beautiful little book houses which are now placed around the city.

The official artistic Little Free Library launch was on Friday, so on Thursday I rode around with the hardworking, beautiful and talented Sara to make sure all the libraries were filled with books and to take some photos. Unfortunately two of the little libraries were not yet installed, but we wanted to share photos of the ones which were.....

So many people worked long hours and gave so much to make this little dream come true and we are incredibly humbled and grateful to have been a small part of the bigger whole.

Brantford - we're so proud of you and happy to see our home city growing in a spirit of community and art.

So head out and grab a book today - because Saturdays are for reading.

Artist Spotlight: Aliki Mikulich//Mixed Media Painter

We love featuring various artists on our blog. The world is full of so many talented people and celebrating everyone's gifts is one of our favourite things. If you think of anyone who you think would like to be featured, shoot us a message!

Aliki Mikulich: Like a Fox

Introduce yourself. Where are you from?
My name is Aliki Mikulich and I have been a Brantford resident for over 26 years.

Tell us about your work. How/When did you get started with your art?
Since I can remember I loved to make marks, transform materials and create things from other things.  I eventually attended the University of Toronto and Sheridan College for their Art and Art History program where I learned much about many things.  My long road of art making has led me to experiment with various materials.  I moved from acrylic paint quickly to incorporate collage, fabric, metal, plaster and other found objects into my pieces.  I make sculptures as well but mostly my work goes on a wall.

Why did you choose this career path? What made you interested in painting and sculpting?
I don't really recall choosing this career path so much as following a road that gave me fulfillment.  I believe that we have to do what we feel compelled to do - that is, we have to be true to our callings. It was pretty much a given that I would study art - really, all things benefit from creative thinking and problem solving. I am most comfortable and also most challenged when creating things - whether it is in my studio or in a group situation where I can see inspiration blossom from others. I have a holistic approach to life - I believe that everything can benefit from creativity - gardening, cooking, relationships, so many things.   I do believe that the artist is a problem solver - coming up with non-verbal ways to communicate and get a point across, dealing with new tools and materials, being challenged by the limitations and strengths of a medium;  and that translates into most aspects of life.

Who is your inspiration?
Early on I was inspired by my Mom.  She was always making something or recreating something- she loved when I drew or painted and was very proud of me.  She is the reason that I had the confidence to explore art past high school.  My whole extended family (in Germany) is a group of makers - they never stop to think 'I can't do this and that is the best attitude to have - no hesitation and no fear of making mistakes.  Creativity inspires creativity.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I have learned from the various twists in life that it is not a good idea for me to look too far ahead.  Life has way too many options and paths that I may not even know about yet- I don't want to miss any opportunities by setting myself a path.  I have worked as a stay at home mom, an art educator, a paint associate at Home Depot, a Program Coordinator at the Brantford Arts Block and now I run a small social painting business with my good friend Kim DiFrancesco and all of them have brought knowledge and experiences that have informed the place where I am today..  Whatever the next 10 years brings - who knows - but I do know that there will be joy, fulfillment and art.  I am quite content with where I am.

Aliki Mikulich: Farmland

Aliki Mikulich: Fish Mill

Aliki Mikulich: Winter Field

Check out more of her work at www.alikimikulich.com