AUBURN — The Auburn Public Library will showcase the Art of the African country of Ethiopia with award-winning artist and Master Artist Iconographer Marina Forbes in a mini-series of special programs made possible by the support of the Camden Conference. A lecture will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, followed the next day by a painting workshop from 10 a.m. to Saturday, Sept. 26.

During the lecture, Forbes will offer a unique interactive and beautifully illustrated presentation on the rich folk tradition of Ethiopian icon painting. Traditional Ethiopian art is characterized by its brilliant colors and childlike directness. The 15th century saw a magnificent flowering of painting in the highlands of central and northern Ethiopia. The results can be seen in paintings on wooden panels and in manuscripts. Many of these works were destroyed during the Muslim invasions of the 1530s. However, in the 17th century a renewed flowering of Ethiopian traditional art took place, drawing much from the earliest painting.

The workshop, “Paint Your Own Traditional African Icon,” will be open to adults, teens and families with children 6 and older. It is a great opportunity for adults and families to work together and learn about Ethiopian crafts and culture. Inspired by spectacular images of Ethiopian art, program participants will have a unique opportunity to use their creativity and imagination to produce their own authentic pieces of collectible folk art.

The goal of the workshop is to produce a finished piece of folk art. Throughout the workshop, students will be listening to traditional music. Paints and brushes will be provided. Students should purchase a pre-designed painting surface (there will be several options: free, $10 and $35).

Space is limited to thirty participants. Reservations can be made by calling 207-333-6640, ext. 4, or use the on-line form in the calendar.

The Camden Conference was founded in 1987 as a nonprofit, non-partisan educational organization whose mission is to foster informed discourse on world issues. The Camden Conference provides grant funds to community organizations to provide both materials and programs on an annually selected world issue.