Paint for your valentine at library on Feb. 1

Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14 represents a time to renew relationships or even step out in faith for someone to love. On Feb. 1 at Madison Public Library, a painting class will allow participants to express their feelings for the sentimental day.

“These paintings will make great Valentine’s Day gifts for significant others or for family members,” adult services librarian Rachel Hooper said. “They can also be used to decorate around Valentine’s Day.”

Branch manager Sarah Sledge said celebrating Valentine’s Day “is obviously an ideal time to reconnect with your romantic side through a page-turning romance novel.”

“Whether you opt for the timeless story of the Bennett sisters in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ or the latest from Madison’s very own romance author in residence, Kimberly Lang, Madison Public Library is ready to ‘fix you up’ with books to make your heart flutter,” Sledge said.

Valentine painters can decide on their own image or choose from a group of sample designs that Hooper will assemble. “Each person can choose whether to paint on two canvases that measure 5 by 7 inches or four canvases measuring 4 by 4 inches,” Hooper said.

One of the 5-by-7 examples will feature a dachshund on each canvas, “facing each other so it looks like they are kissing. Hearts will also be painted on the canvas,” Hooper said. Participants will use acrylic paints.

For the 4-by-4 canvases, painters can choose among Valentine’s Day love quotes with a simple heart in the middle of the each canvas.

The class’ $5 supply fee will cover cost of paints and canvases. Individuals who are at least 18 years old are welcome to attend. No painting skills are necessary.

The class will meet from 10 a.m. to noon on Feb. 1. To register, visit hmcpl.org/adultcrafts. For more information, call Hooper at 256-461-0046 or email to rhooper@hmcpl.org.