On Sunday, Sep. 16, 3:00 p.m., the Pawlet Public Library hosts Vermont Humanities Council Speaker William Hosley, whose talk explores New England Impressions: Art and the Making of Regional Identity, 1885-1950. An exhibit of paintings, prints and photography of Pawlet and the region from the library's permanent collection complements his presentation.

Hosley, a collector, photographer and preservationist, talks about generations of aspiring New England artists who applied history, landscape, environment and traditional industries as subject matter and muse. By drawing inspiration from their environment, the artists helped shape New England's image at home and abroad.

The exhibit of the library's art collection includes works by artists Bill Graveline, Eva Bowker, Dean Fausett, Janice Goehz, J. P. Jensen, and M. Brown and by photographers Peter Miller, Neil Rappaport, Stephen M. Schaub, and Glen Munson. "The artwork has been display on various walls of the library for several years. This program presented the opportunity to display it as a whole collection with more interpretation about regional identity," says library director Mary Lou Willits.

Hosley's Vermont Humanities Council program will be presented on the handicapped accessible main floor of the library. The exhibit, which runs through December, will be on display downstairs in the Waite Room.

For a full schedule of public programs through December, updates and suggested reading lists, visit www.pawletpubliclibrary.wordpress.com or call 802-325-3123.