by Elizabeth Connolly
Hometown Weekly Reporter
On a recent frosty Sunday afternoon in early January, a crowd gathered at the warm and cozy Zullo Gallery on Main Street. They were there to hear local author and illustrator David Biedrzycki read from and discuss his latest children’s book “ARTificial Intelligence”. The story is about a robot that feels different from others and therefore struggles to fit in with his fellow robots. After being sent away to be reprogrammed, he accidentally discovers art, music and dancing, finding a place where he belongs in the process.
Engaging, open and likeable, Biedrzycki spent time discussing everything from marrying his kindergarten classmate to his his illustrating process. “I do most of my artwork using a computer or an ipad,” he confided. “The app that I use is called Procreate, which is only about $12. Actually, the pen I use to draw with costs a lot more than the app. What I love most about it is that I can take my ipad anywhere. I travel quite a bit, and sometimes most of my books are done in hotel rooms.”
In addition to sharing his creative process and some personal anecdotes, Biedrzycki also read aloud from two of his books: “SumoKitty” and “ARTificial Intelligence”. Copies of both books, as well as a few of his other titles, were available for purchase, and the author was happy to sign them and pose for pictures after the lecture. Visitors could also spend some time browsing the selection of autographed illustrations that filled the walls, all of which are also available for purchase.
The Zullo Gallery, conveniently located in the heart of downtown Medfield, is a nonprofit organization that is entirely run by volunteers. According to their website, the gallery first opened its doors in 1988 “as a volunteer project of the Medfield Council on the Arts as a way to brig a wide variety of professional art into town for exhibition.” Art classes for both children and adults are also offered throughout the year.
The ARTificial Intelligence display is running through January 12th. The gallery is open Saturdays and Sundays from 12-5 p.m. during an exhibit, and they present five to six exhibits per year. More information on the Zullo Gallery can be found at ZulloGallery.org, and more information about David Biedrzycki can be found at DavidBiedrzycki.com
