The Peterborough Town Library, 2 Concord St., announced they will host Craig Altobello’s exhibit of marquetry.

“Astonishing Moments in Nearby Nature: Marquetry by Craig Altobello” will be on view in the library’s Community Art Gallery from Friday, March 1, through Tuesday, April 30. The opening reception will be held on First Friday, March 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. Additionally, Altobello will be offering an artist talk on Saturday, March 23, at 1 p.m. to discuss his creative process and do a demonstration of how he creates his pieces.

Altobello describes this exhibit as being inspired by his daily walks, as they got him thinking about how he can help bring attention to some of the threats to local flora and fauna. For the exhibit, Altobello worked with Phil Brown of The Harris Center to provide some information on the Monadnock region’s bird population and the conservation projects currently underway at the center. This information will be displayed alongside Altobello’s corresponding artwork and 15% of the sales from the exhibit will benefit the Harris Center’s bird conservation projects.

Altobello was introduced to woodworking in 1978 during a workshop with designer/craftsman Thomas Moser of Maine. His path to marquetry grew out of teaching middle school science, where his students documented their outdoor explorations through art using cut paper collage. He saw the potential to work with the colors and patterns in wood to bring “collage” to his woodworking. He traveled to the College of the Redwoods in California to learn marquetry and the knowledge and skills gained in that course launched him into his current work. He lives in Peterborough.

All are welcome to view the exhibit during regular library hours. The PTL Community Art Gallery is a regional public art space which provides exhibition opportunities for students, emerging artists and the community. The gallery committee works to create experiences that promote learning and growth for artists and develop meaningful connections between the artist and the community.