The Reel Life Film Club for tweens and teens returns to Beacon. On Friday, June 7, at 6 pm, the Howland Public Library will present a special test screening of the film Artisans of Beacon, a documentary directed by Michael Gersh.

Artisans of Beacon is a portrait of six artisans based in Beacon, NY. Jon Joseph is a welder, Jessica Wickham is a woodworker, Deb Davidovits is a beekeeper, Lisa Tompkins is a donut maker and owner of Glazed Over Donuts, Eva Gronowitz is a puppet maker, and John Vergara is a luthier. Each artisan describes their art, how they got involved in their field, and why they love doing what they do. They all share a powerful passion for their crafts.

After the film, teens will have an opportunity to meet the filmmaker as well as some of the artisans. The filmmaker, Michael Gersh, is also a technology teacher at Beacon High School, so this is a wonderful opportunity for students interested in filmmaking to ask questions of a local filmmaker and teacher. Terry Nelson, former director of Beacon Independent Film Festival, will moderate the discussion. 

Reel Life Film Club is an opportunity for middle-school students to view documentary films and talk about them with inspiring people. Now in its third year, the film series is a collaboration between the Beacon, Cold Spring and Garrison libraries. A new film is shown each month, rotating between the three locations. 

All students in grades 6 and up are invited to the screening. Pizza will be served at the event and registration is encouraged to ensure there is enough pizza for everyone. To register to attend the Friday, June 7, screening of Artisans of Beacon, email community@beaconlibrary.org.