Promotion and Presentation of the Arts through Public and
Academic Libraries
Northeast Ohio
Promotion and Presentation of the Arts through Public and
Academic Libraries
Artistic Pursuits
Art in the Libraries
Many libraries have seized upon the chance to help enrich their
environment and their patron's lives by displaying works of art.
These pieces come into the libraries through varied means such as
donation or simply purchasing the piece from the artist. In some
cases public libraries may be the only exposure to arts their
patrons have.
Art in the Libraries
The Akron-Summit County Public Library and its branches is a
prime example of such. This public facility has a long standing
relationship with local artists commissioning them to create works
for permanent display in the building[1].
During its 1999-2004 expansion of their main branch, architect
Gwathmey Siegel of the project actually took into consideration
artworks that would be returning or added[2].
Art at the Library. Retrieved August 8, 2009, from Akron-Summit
County Public Library. Website:
http://www.akronlibrary.org/digital-lib/Library%20History/moreartatthelibrary.htmArt
at the Library. Retrieved August 8, 2009, from Akron-Summit County
Public Library. Website:
http://www.akronlibrary.org/digital-lib/Library%20History/moreartatthelibrary.html
Art in the Library
The Cleveland Public Library has also made efforts to combine
artworks in a visually pleasing manner for their patrons. Through
the efforts of Cleveland Public Art and Philadelphia based
landscape architecture firm Olin Partnership, they were able to
redesign Eastman Reading Garden[3].
To further the artistic experience of the space, Cleveland
Public Art is currently asking for submissions from artist for
pieces to reside within the space[4].
3. Cleveland Public Library Eastman Reading Center. Retrieved
August 9, 2009, from Cleveland Public Art. Website:
http://www.clevelandpublicart.org/projects/completed/cleveland-public-library-eastman-reading-garden4.
Call for Artists. Retrieved August 9, 2009, from Cleveland Public
Art. Website:
http://www.clevelandpublicart.org/artist-resources/competitions/see-also
5
Art Education
Often times when individuals think of artist workshops they
think of universities, museums and independent galleries come to
mind. What may not come to mind is their local public library.
Libraries are there to serve their community in more aspects then
one could fathom. Many libraries have, or have begun, to offer art
workshops for the community.
Art Education
The University Heights Public Library of Cleveland and
University Height has promoted an event put together by another
local organization, HeightsArts[5].
The Joy of Text is a festival sponsored by the HeightsArts art
organization that combines the written word and visual arts[6].
5. The Luminous Page. Retrieved August 3, 2009, from University
Heights Public Library. Website:
http://heightslibrary.org/wordpress/arcanerat/?p=32 6. The Luminous
Page. Retrieved August 3, 2009, from University Heights Public
Library. Website:
http://heightslibrary.org/wordpress/arcanerat/?p=32
Art Education
The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County for their
2009 focused their entire summer reading program around being
creative at the library[7].
With programs like ARRR-tistic Pirates - BLIMEY! and Arts,
Crafts and More, this library has been able to present artistic
pursuits with a sense of fun and whimsy.
7. 2009 Summer Happenings August 3, 2009, from Youngstown
Mahoning County Public Library. Website:
http://www.libraryvisit.org/2009_Summer_Happenings.pdf
Collections
Though people traditionally think of libraries as a deposit of
books, they may not realize that many public and academic libraries
contain special collections and other acquisitions of art and
artifacts.
Collections
Many libraries, like the Cleveland Public Library, were
participants of the first phase of President Roosevelts New Deal
art program, the Public Works of Art Project which allowed them to
acquire works of art to add to their collection.[8]
The Cleveland Public Library was fortunate to obtain art works
that reflected American Culture.[9]
8. New Deal Collection. Retrieved August 4, 2009, from Cleveland
Public Library. Website: http://www.cpl.org/?q=node/23569. New Deal
Collection. Retrieved August 4, 2009, from Cleveland Public
Library. Website: http://www.cpl.org/?q=node/2356
Collections
The Kent State Library is lucky to have the May 4th Resource
Room. Not only does it have educational materials about the events
of May 4th, but also stained glass windows, donated my alumni Ted
Abel[10], and photos taken during the events of May 4th
1971[11].
Artwork pertaining to the events of May 4th are also kept in an
archival setting at Kent State University Library[12]. These works
are housed within the Special Collections and Archives Department
of Kent State University Library and either relate or respond to
this event.
10.Memorials. Retrieved August 4, 2009, from Kent State
University. Website:
http://www.kent.edu/About/History/May4/Memorials.cfm 11. May 4
Resource Room. Retrieved August 4, 2009, from Kent State University
Library Special Collections. Website:
http://speccoll.library.kent.edu/4may70/192.html12. May 4 Art.
Retrieved August 4, 2009, from Kent State University. Website:
http://speccoll.library.kent.edu/4may70/136.html
11
Libraries and the Art Community
Increasingly artist and members of the art community are seeing
the library as a resource for the promotion and advancement of
their careers and the arts in general. Libraries are offering
services to better assist artist in their pursuit of their
career.
Libraries and the Art Community
The Akron-Summit County Public Library offers a resource page
for the Akron area[13].
The Mentor Public Library goes one step further with a page of
links connecting not only to the visual art world but other facets
of arts such as movies or fashion[14].
13. Akron Area Links. Retrieved August 5, 2009, from Akron
Summit Public Library. Website:
http://www.akronlibrary.org/akronlinks/artsandculture.html14.
Database Fine Arts. Retrieved August 6, 2009, from Mentor Public
Library. Website: http://www.mentorpl.org/finearts.html
Libraries and the Art Community
As important as proving information and connections to the art
community, many libraries are beginning to offer services to assist
artist in their careers and pursuits. The Kent State University
Library offers services through their Digital Solutions[15].
Case Western Reserve University Library, offers digital software
and services through their Samuel B. & Marian K. Freedman
Digital Library, Language Learning, and Multimedia Services
Center[16].
15. # Design Solutions Slide Imaging and Scanning . Retrieved
August 5, 2009, from Kent State University Library. Website:
http://www.library.kent.edu/page/10529 16. Untitled Page .
Retrieved August 6, 2009, from Case Western Reserve University
Library. Website: http://library.case.edu/ksl/freedmancenter/
National Efforts
Northeast Ohio libraries have done an excellent job not only
promoting the arts and making them available to their patrons, but
also build a strong relationship with the local art community.
Following are a few efforts from across the country and how these
libraries have chosen to promote the arts in their district.
National Efforts
The Scottsdale Civic Center Library in Scottsdale, AZ with a
partnership with Scottsdale Public Art have established a gallery
located in the library itself[17].
From Portsmouth Public Library in Portsmouth, NH. Woodworker
Jeffrey Cooper created three beautiful wood benches to be placed in
the children's room in the public library[18].
IUPUI University Library's Herron Art Library of Indianapolis,
IN partnered with the Harrison Center for the Arts to sponsor the
art book themed event Bookish[19].
17. The Gallery @ the Library. Retrieved August 10, 2009, from
Scottsdale Public Art. Website:
http://www.scottsdalepublicart.org/ArtSpace.php18. Adam Leech,
"Artist creates hippo, bear and whale benches for library,"
Seacoast, August 07, 2009
(http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20090807-NEWS-908070373]19.
University Library Partners with Local Art Center to Host Artist's
Book Exhibit. Retrieved August 10, 2009, from IUPUI News center:
http://newscenter.iupui.edu/4147/University-Library-Partners-with-Local-Art-Center-to-Host-Artists-Book-Exhibit
Thank You
