Burton Barr Central Library will host "Beneath the Ice: The Folk Art of Robert A. Schwartz" February 1 - 28, 2013. 

Located in the second floor reading room, the exhibit features:

more than 60 hand-crafted ice spearfishing decoys,
and a life-size ice spearfishing house.

Events
First Friday Family Fishing Fun - Exhibit Opening
6 to 8 p.m. - Friday, February 1
Meet the artist and watch a live demonstration of his hand-carving techniques.
Make fish prints from real fish and play fish-themed games.

Fishing in Arizona
6:15 to 7 p.m. - Friday, February 1
Learn about the native and sport fish of Arizona from an Arizona Game and Fish Department expert.  Also learn basic fishing techniques, fishing safety and current Arizona fishing regulations.  This presentation is part of the exhibit opening festivities.

The Art of Fishing: Learn How to Cast
9 to 10 a.m. - Saturday, February 2
Cast your line and catch a fish. Learn how to cast with a fishing pole (plastic practice rod and fish provided).  Taught by an Arizona Game and Fish Department expert, the class will also provide basic information about the variety of Arizona fish.  Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.  Space for this event is limited.  Registration required.  Contact Laura at 602-262-3424 to make a reservation.

Flycasting with Sisters on the Fly
12 to 2 p.m. - Saturday, February 16
Sisters on the Fly will present a free flycasting demonstration in Hance Park (adjacent to Burton Barr Central Library) for women interested in learning the art of flycasting. Children age 12 and up may partcipate with a parent.  Meet in front of the main entrance (east side) of Central Library at noon.  Sisters on the Fly is a group of women, "offering empowerment and sisterhood through exceptional outdoor adventures."

Fish Decoy Artist Demo
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. - select Saturdays (February 2, 9 and 16)
Watch a folk artist at work!  Robert A. Schwartz will demonstrate how he carves and paints his fish decoys.

Please note:  all events are at Burton Barr Central Library.

About the Artist
Robert A. Schwartz was born in New Ulm, Minnesota in 1945 and grew up just one block from the banks of the Minnesota River.  He learned to whittle, but did not begin carving fish decoys until the age of 48.  Since then, Schwartz has carved more than 350 decoys and has been featured in the book, Fish Decoy Makers Past and Present by Donald J. Petersen.  Schwartz is a member of the National Fish Decoy Association.