Marine artist and historian James A. Cole will discuss his book "Drawing on Our History: Fishing Vessels of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska" from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, July 30 at The Seattle Public Library, Ballard Branch, 5614 22nd Ave. N.W.

The program is free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Free parking is available in the underground garage beneath the building.

Cole, a Ballard resident, used his background as a naval architect to capture the characteristics of ships in pen and ink drawings and watercolors. Each chapter of "Drawing on Our History" begins with an image of a vessel, followed by the stories of regional fishermen and the boats they sailed.

Born and raised in Tacoma, Cole has been designing, building and repairing fishing vessels in the Pacific Northwest for more than 50 years. He is now semi-retired at the age of 83 and lives in Seattle.
This event is presented in partnership with Secret Garden Books. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

For more information, call the Ballard Branch at 206-684-4089 or Ask a Librarian.