by Miriam Silverberg

I just returned from a wonderful morning at the Morgan Library & Museum. They’ve announced that the exterior renovation of the Library is about to commence. They have just finished the restoration of the interior. The library and museum will remain open while the work is being done and, in fact, they have some wonderful exhibits on display now.

Two that I enjoyed very much are “Tolkien, Maker of Middle-earth” on until May 12 and The Extended Moment, Photographs from the National Gallery of Canada.

The noted Oxford professor, J.R.R.Tolkien has been a favorite of generations of readers. His adventurous tales of hobbits and elves, dwarves and wizards have introduced millions to the rich history of Middle-earth. The exhibit has information on his family, photographs and memorabilia and Tolkien’s original illustrations, maps, draft manuscripts and designs related to The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion.

I love photography so the Photographs from the National Gallery of Canada really appealed to me. Images are drawn from the worlds of art, fashion, journalism, propaganda, scientific research, social activism and beyond.

The “moment” of each photo is extended into collaboration with it immediate neighbors; hence the name, “The Extended Moment.” It’s on until May 26 so do see it.

Miriam Silverberg is the owner of Miriam Silverberg Associates, a boutique publicity agency in Manhattan and may be reached at silverbergm@mindspring.com