Library gallery spaces create a unique opportunity for artists to show their work to a new audience, and for the library to provide an enriching art experience for patrons. Whether it’s a public or academic library, an entire room devoted to show artwork or a small space on one wall — hanging art in the library adds an element of creativity and wonder to an already stimulating place.
We’re working on a kit for starting a gallery space in the library and for using that space to its full potential. In order to do this, we’d love to hear about your library’s gallery space: How did it get started? What kind of hanging system do you have? How do you find artists to show their work? How do you promote exhibits?
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- Artwork hanging at Milwaukee Public Library
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- Gallery at Fitchburg Public Library in Wisconsin
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- Current exhibit at LE Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire, WI
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- The gallery at LE Phillips Memorial Public Library
If you’re interested in sharing the experience you’ve had at your library, please contact us via email (libraryasincubatorproject at gmail dot com), tweet at us, facebook us or tell us in the comments. We’ll follow up to learn more about your gallery however it’s easiest for you – a phone call, email exchange or survey. Your help will help us build an awesome kit to share with other libraries — thank you!
-Christina
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3 comments
Melanie Hovey says:
Jun 3, 2012
Our artist’s collective, Lemon Street Gallery, has partnered for several years now with our Kenosha Public Library. We provide rotating exhibits of original art by our artist members. We change the art every 3 months at two branches.
Very soon we will begin a similar relationship with Carthage College Library.
Hillary Andrlik says:
Jun 10, 2012
The Hinsdale Public Library had a show last year called ARTEACH. They reached out to the local art educators at all levels in the surrounding communities to contribute a piece of personal art to the show. It was wonderful as a contributing art teacher. They also host each local school’s student art on a rotating basis.
libraryasincubatorproject says:
Jun 23, 2012
These are two wonderful examples! We love to hear about art in the library intersecting with community partnerships.
@Melanie, it’s great to hear from you! So excited that you’re expanding your library partnerships to Carthage!