---

Debra Hoagland art show at library

Debra Hoagland’s eclectic and varied artwork will be on display at the New Woodstock Free Library June 1 through June 30. The exhibit will be open for viewing during all regular library hours.

A reception for the artist will be held Friday June 6 at the library from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The exhibit and the reception are free, and open to the public. New Woodstock resident Patsy Scala will also be present to sign her new book “Weekly Meditations.”

Debra Hoagland’s lively color sense complements her blend of media. Her works assume many forms, from her earliest tapestries, followed by acrylics, multi-media collages, to the passionate watercolors for which she is best known. She has had several exhibits at professional galleries, museums and auctions.

In addition to 13 years of textile design in Manhattan, Debra has created numerous works in both water colors and acrylics. Debra is prolific in working with large textural paintings, and also enjoys weaving tapestries. Lately her talents have also included custom ceramic tile design and production, children’s fantasy furniture, and group wall-sized paintings. Debra attended Philadelphia College of Textiles, where she acquired a B.S. degree in Textile Design. Some of Debra’s paintings have been sold at a Sotheby’s auction to private and institutional collectors. She is the mother of three spirited children and now lives in Cazenovia, NY.

The reception on June 6 also features writer Patsy Scala, who will sign copies of her latest book, “Weekly Mediations.”

Scala is the vice president and a director of the Center for Spiritual and Cultural Unity, currently moving from Syracuse to a new location in Fayetteville. The Center is a not-for-profit organization that is a resource for those in search of a complete life in body, soul and spirit. Formerly a vice president at Merrill Lynch, Patsy recently retired after 27 years with the firm. Her first book, “Seven Steps to Everyday Mysticism,” was published in 2002. She has spoken nationally on Creating Prosperity in Your Life, and on Finding the Sacred in Everyday Life.

Scala enjoys yoga, long walks in nature, gardening, writing, hiking, snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, and reading. She has one daughter, Laura, a wellness counselor in Buffalo. Patsy lives on Mystic Mountain with her artist husband Joseph and their dog Muffin.

The New Woodstock Free Library is open Monday through Friday 1 to 5 p.m., Monday and Wednesday evenings 7 to 9 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 until 1. The library is also open whenever the blue library symbol flag is flying out front. Children’s hour is every Tuesday at 11 a.m. The library phone number is 662-3134.