On the Same Page
About the Book | Programs | Book Discussions | Brochure
Every October, Bloomingdale Public Library, Itasca Community Library, and Roselle Public Library District hold On the Same Page, a collaborative, annual community reading event that features films, programs, and book discussions around one book. This year’s choice is The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro.
In September, complimentary copies of the book will be available at Bloomingdale Public Library (while supplies last). Roselle and Itasca will also have free books available; please contact them for giveaway details.
On the Same Page is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bloomingdale-Roselle, the Friends of the Bloomingdale Public Library, and Itasca Bank and Trust Co.
About the Book
The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro
On March 18, 1990, thirteen works of art worth today over $500 million were stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. It remains the largest unsolved art heist in history, and Claire Roth, a struggling young artist, is about to discover that there’s more to this crime than meets the eye.
Claire makes her living reproducing famous works of art for a popular online retailer. Desperate to improve her situation, she lets herself be lured into a Faustian bargain with Aiden Markel, a powerful gallery owner. She agrees to forge a painting - one of the Degas masterpieces stolen from the Gardner Museum - in exchange for a one-woman show in his renowned gallery. But when the long-missing Degas painting - the one that had been hanging for one hundred years at the Gardner - is delivered to Claire’s studio, she begins to suspect that it may itself be a forgery.
Claire’s search for the truth about the painting’s origins leads her into a labyrinth of deceit where secrets hidden since the late nineteenth century may be the only evidence that can now save her life. B. A. Shapiro’s razor-sharp writing and rich plot twists make The Art Forger an absorbing literary thriller that treats us to three centuries of forgers, art thieves, and obsessive collectors. It is a dazzling novel about seeing - and not seeing - the secrets that lie beneath the canvas.
Programs - Full Brochure
On the Same Page programs that require registration are noted in the program description.
VIRTUAL: Edgar Degas: The Independent Impressionist
Roselle Public Library District
Thursday, October 3 | 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Zoom Webinar
Register online or call 630-529-1641
Edgar Degas, one of the founding members of Impressionism, explored subjects relating to the dance, the human figure, and horses in paintings, pastels, and sculptures. Degas was the only French Impressionist to visit the United States, as he had family in New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn about some of his most well-known works of art in this program presented by art historian Jeff Mishur.
VIRTUAL: Great Cons & Brilliant Heists in the Movies
Bloomingdale Public Library
Monday, October 7 | 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Zoom Webinar
Register online or call 630-924-2730
Con artists are indeed artists and there will always be clever criminals finding new ways to steal priceless valuables. Join us as we marvel at some of the most daring and innovative heists on film— some of which are based on true stories! We’ll see Robert DeNiro, Tom Cruise, Sean Connery, Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and many more in this thrilling collection of the greatest heists in movie history! Presented by film expert Steven Frenzel.
Drop-In Movie: How to Steal a Million
Bloomingdale Public Library
Wednesday, October 9 | 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
In-Person Event, Drop-In
The daughter of an art forger teams up with a burglar to steal one of her father’s forgeries and protect his secret. Rated: PG
Bad Art Night
Itasca Community Library
Thursday, October 17 | 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
In-Person Event
Register online or call 630-773-1699
Unleash your inner artist at Bad Art Night! Join us for a night of creativity to create “bad art” using random supplies like paint, yarn, markers, crayons, pasta, and more. Art doesn’t have to be stressful. Let’s make it fun together. Anything goes when making art that is intentionally bad.
VIRTUAL: How to Steal a Masterpiece
Bloomingdale Public Library
Monday, October 21 | 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Zoom Webinar
Register online or call 630-924-2730
Enter the underworld of stolen art as we examine the little known stories of some of history’s greatest art heists. This lecture will review some of the most significant art theft in the last century and a half, while also questioning and discussing how the legitimate art market has managed to pique the interest of so many criminals. Presented by Mallory Mortillaro, art historian and educator from New Jersey.
Hooray for Art
Itasca Community Library
Tuesday, October 22 | 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
In-Person Event
Register online or call 630-773-1699
Join Monsieur Henri Palette, a typical French artist, as he tells audiences about his favorite pieces of art and their creators. Artists included in the program are Joseph Cornell, Alexander Calder, Mary Cassatt, Jacob Lawrence, Paul Klee, John Singer Sargent, Diego Rivera, and the art of 6th century China. Presented by Terry Lynch.
Drop-In Movie: The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)
Roselle Public Library District
Wednesday, October 23 | 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
In-Person Event, Drop-In
A very rich and successful playboy amuses himself by stealing artwork but may have met his match in a seductive detective. Rated: R
Drop-In: Maker’s Meetup
Roselle Public Library District
Wednesday, October 30 | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
In-Person Event, Drop-In
Come bring your current project, enjoy music, snacks and socializing. Don’t have a craft you’re working on but want to join in? Coloring pages and supplies will be available. This is a drop-in event, no need to register!
Book Discussions
Between the Covers Book Discussion
Roselle Public Library District
Thursday, October 10 | 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Register online or call 630-529-1641
Beyond the Library Book Discussion
Fox & Turtle Restaurant in Itasca
Monday, October 14 | 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Register online or call 630-773-1699
Evening Book Discussion
Tuesday, October 29 | 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Register online or call 630-773-1699