The Albert Wisner Public Library announces a STEAM Artist-in-Residency program, a Community Fountain Laboratory with local artist Amy Lewis Sweetman. (
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Amy Lewis Sweetman
The Steam Artist-in-Residence program is made possible by a gift to the Albert Wisner Public Library Foundation by Glenn P. and Susan D. Dickes.
The Albert Wisner Public Library announces a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art math) Community Fountain Laboratory with local artist Amy Lewis Sweetman.
The goal of this residency is for participants to create and work with water features.
The program will present public events and activities for all ages at the library from Oct. 19 through Nov. 22.
Meet Amy Lewis Sweetman
Amy Lewis Sweetman is a local visual artist who was born in Newburgh and grew up in Cornwall. She received a B.A. from Cornell University, where she studied architecture.
After graduating from Cornell, Lewis Sweetman worked in a variety of creative fields from construction to freelance film-making, but it is in agrisculpture that she found her true love and art.
Agrisculpture is Lewis Sweetman’s design practice that combines farming, architecture, music and spiritual balance in life and work.
In her practice her sculpture is fashioned and lovingly re-purposed from discarded farm equipment.
Lewis Sweetman describes her residency: “Crafting Agrisculpture-based workshops, studio hours and events will beautifully translate my artistic practice into fabulous community-based art experiences!”
Workshops and events
Crafting a Water Feature, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A hands-on water feature crafting experience, expanding the underground basin of our Library’s Fountain - ASPIRE Agrisculpture.
Guided by its creator Lewis Sweetman, you will learn how the visible and invisible design elements of Fountains align. By renovating and physically expanding the below-grade portion of Fountain ASPIRE Agrisculpture, installed almost five years ago at the library, you will take part in the practical physical aspects of creating a pondless water feature.
This class is open to all adults of all abilities interested in creating and installing a fountain or pond. There are many opportunities for both working and watching. All aspects of water features will be explored from design to cost to physical location.
Wear comfy work clothes and sturdy shoes/boots. Rain or shine.
Community Service hours are available for teens.
Lunch will be served.
Designing with Water, Nov. 1, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m
An evening of exploring the more conceptual side of fountains. In a seminar-style storytelling event led by Lewis Sweetman, explore fountain design through the ages, looking at images of historical, practical and beautiful examples of the world’s water technologies and how they inform today’s water usage, practices and modern water features.
Fountains will also be shared.
Light refreshments will be served.
Fun with Fountain Faces for Kids, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Ages 5 to 11 years with caretaker Create Fountain Face Sculptures with AGRISCULPTURE.
This is a hands-on opportunity for kids 3 to 12 years to come with a caregiver and create faces from natural, recycled and found materials, connect it with water and see it in action on the library's patio.
Fun with Water Wheels for Teens, on Nov. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m.
For ages 12 and older. In bygone eras water wheels were used to power mills and move ships. Create a group water-wheel sculpture on our patio in this hands-on workshop, utilizing recycled bicycle wheels, dowels and cups.
Artist in Residence - Closing Reception for Everyone, Nov. 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Celebrate the library's first STEAM Artist in Residency program with stories and pictures from all events. Participants will have a chance to share what they have learned and discussed in the programs and or the studio hours. Look back with photos of the creations that came to life in Crafting a Water Feature, Fun with Fountain Faces and Fun with Water Wheels.
Artist in Residence – Library Studio Hours
Meet with Amy Lewis Sweetman. Discuss fountains, water, sculpture and design:
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 10 a.m. to noon.
Wednesday, Oct. 30 , 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 3 to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. to noon.
Registration for workshops and events is requested.
No registration is required for Studio hours – the public is encouraged to drop in and meet and talk with Amy Lewis Sweetman.
To register, visit albertwisnerlibrary.org or call the Library at 986-1047 ext. 3 or stop by the library’s Help Desk.
See Amy Lewis Sweetman's work
Agrisculpture Fountain at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Sullivan County
The Healing Stage at the Orange Regional Medical Center
Plant Agrisculpture at the John Mazur Garden in the Orange County Arboretum
Agrisculpture Fountain and Peace Sculptures at the Albert Wisner Public Library
Pitch Fork Fence at Conscious Fork on Railroad Avenue, Warwick