Live! From the Library

 

California: Of Peril and Stewardship

March 17, 2021
7:00 – 8:30PM

Obi Kaufmann, author of The Forests of California and The California Field Atlas, explores the transformation of California’s resource landscape from its ancient origins through its modern challenges to its future possibilities. Utilizing a unique and exciting brew of convergent ideas between art and science, Obi tells a story of how the road through geographic literacy leads to a new era of conservation, one that we will usher in together. By addressing the profound changes our distinctive landscape has undergone and continues to go through, Obi explores what those experiences might mean for the future of humanity in this most beautiful and perilous of all places, our lovely California.

An avid conservationist and intrepid explorer of California ecology and the natural world, Obi Kaufmann is a native Californian, based in Oakland, who would regularly journey into the mountains, spending more summer nights without a roof than with one. His most recent book is The Forests of California (Heyday/2020), the first volume of his ambitious new California Lands Trilogy. Obi is also the author of the heralded The California Field Atlas (Heyday/2017) and The State of Water: Understanding California’s Most Precious Resource (Heyday/2019). Obi presents his work and vision of ecological preservation and restoration to environmental centers and groups across the state. His artistry, research, and reverence for the natural world have been covered in such publications as the San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Review of Books, and Sunset Magazine. For more information, visit Obi on Instagram: @coyotethunder #trailpaintings.

Through a special partnership with Walnut Creek’s Flashlight Books (flashlightbooks.com), autographed bookplates will be included with every book purchase. The Forests of California can be ordered by using this direct link: https://flashlightbooks.handseller.com/home/bookdetailsin/1597144797. Obi Kaufmann’s other books can also be found on Flashlight Books’ website for purchase.

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Presenting Sponsor:

SIMPSON FAMILY

Masterpiece Sponsor:
Classic Sponsors:
Cindy & Bob Brittain
Cynthia & Mark Jordan
Bestseller Sponsor:	Judy Whelan & Robert Simmons

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Art & Algae: Journey Into The Curious World of Seaweed

April 14, 2021
7:00 – 8:30PM

In an art & science salon, author Josie Iselin will share seaweed stories from her newest book, The Curious World of Seaweed, describing how these foundational organisms succeed in their ocean niche and highlighting some cool women scientists. She explores both the artistic and the biological presence of sixteen seaweeds and kelps that live in the thin region along our Pacific Coast. Historical botanical illustrations and Iselin’s signature portraits of each specimen reveal their vibrant colors—whether rosy, “olivaceous,” or grass-green—and whimsical shapes.

The Curious World of Seaweed (Heyday, 2019), has been shortlisted for both the Northern California Book Awards and the Alice Award honoring illustrated books. Josie holds a BA in Visual and Environmental Studies from Harvard and an MFA from San Francisco State University. Through art, design, and research, Iselin celebrates the marine flora and brings thoughtfulness and stewardship to this realm of our oceans.

Through a partnership with Flashlight Books (flashlightbooks.com), a copy of The Curious World of Seaweed can be ordered on their website or by calling 925-278-1797. Autographed book plates will be included with every book purchase.

Thank you to our sponsors, without whom this event would not be possible. Presenting Sponsor: the Simpson Family. Masterpiece Sponsors: Ray and Kristin Abraham; and Robin Kokemor Rangel and Arthur Rangel. Classic Sponsors: Cindy and Bob Brittain; Lynn and Gregory Nerland; and Lisa Wrenn and Peter Magnani. Bestseller Sponsors: Cindy and Gary Darling. 

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You are invited to receive a free one-year subscription to Diablo magazine, our media sponsor. Subscribe HERE 

 

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