LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY — The Catskill Art Society will present local author and artist Helena Clare Pittman for a book signing and memoir experience introducing her newest book “Ruthie Pincus of Brooklyn” at the CAS Arts Center, at 48 Main St. on Friday, October 18 at 7 p.m.

Pittman will talk about her experience of writing from her memories of childhood, and the process of putting them together for this episodic novel that crosses over from children’s to adult reading. Books will be available for sale.

Nine-almost-ten-year-old Ruthie Pincus narrates these family stories, which plumb the depths of relationships among four siblings and their parents living in a Jewish neighborhood in 1950s Brooklyn. Encountering her challenges, conflicts, sorrows and joys, Ruthie finds her courage, her place in her family, and herself. “Ruthie Pincus of Brooklyn” is written for young adults, and for those others who remember their own childhoods. The novel is based on the author’s childhood, and was 25 years in the writing.

Following the reading, Pittman will offer a memoir-writing experience. Pittman’s memoir class, “A Lifetime of Stories,” will take place at the CAS Arts Center over four Friday evening sessions beginning November 1. For more information, or to enroll, call 845/436-4227 or email info@catskillartsociety.org. Visit www.catskillartsociety.org.