The tents were up on Westport’s Jesup Green today as preparations began for the Friends of the Westport Library summer book sale. It begins Saturday and runs through mid-day Tuesday, July 21. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The tables were up and awaiting books today in tents on Jesup Green for the 23rd annual Westport Library book sale, which begins Saturday. For the first time, items will be offered on eBay in advance of the sale start. They include a first edition of Walt Disney’s “The Adventures of Mickey Mouse.” Published in 1931, it includes a rare dust jacket, and is considered the first appearance of the cartoon character Mickey Mouse, plus Donald Duck’s first mention in print. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The Barons entertained a full house tonight at the Westport Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts. The Barons are best known for their 1963 hits “Pledge of A Fool,” “Remember Rita,” and “Possibility.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Howard Munce, often referred to as the dean of Westport artists, addresses a Westport Historical Society reception marking the opening to its exhibit, “Howard Munce at 100.” First Selectman Jim Marpe presented a special commendation to Munce, whose actual birthday is in November.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

A round of applause greeted Howard Munce as he arrived today at the Westport Historical Society, where many of his friends, family, and fellow artists had gathered in the Betty R. and Ralph Sheffer Gallery to celebrate “Howard Munce at 100: A Centennial Celebration,” an exhibit of 30 of his oil paintings and some of his metal sculptures. Examples of Munce’s sketches and an extended story of his life are on display in the Society’s Molly Donovan Gallery. According to his closest friend and fellow artist, Leonard Evert Fisher, who is also the curator of “Howard Munce at 100: A Centennial Celebration,” for Munce, everything boiled down to that three-letter word, A-R-T. Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

Eric Fischl, one of the most acclaimed American artists of his generation, visited the Westport Arts Center today and Thursday night for a reception, talk, and special preview of the exhibit “Eric Fischl,” featuring 30 photographs, painting, and prints courtesy of the Hall Collection and Eric Fischl Studio. The exhibit runs through Sept. 5.Helen Kisser During for WestportNow.com and contributed photos