Sunday, 10 July 2011

Libraries as Art Galleries

For studio artists of all kinds, finding opportunities to exhibit their work can sometimes seem like a lifelong quest. The popular and well-trafficked exhibit spaces in local libraries are one way that artists can catch a break and have their worked viewed by the public.

...From an article about an art display over in a Boston library.

I really like this idea. It appeals to me because it aids a sense of community in the library, adds visual appeal, and increases foot traffic. This idea works best in a library that's not essentially a dim concrete bunker, though. It's a little more difficult to search up images of the library I'm more used to on the internet; apparently nobody takes pictures in the bunkers. I think the library's space, its appearance and how jam-packed it is, has a lot to do with the success of programs like this.

4 comments:

  1. Hey now, who are you calling a concrete bunker?

    You should read this: http://archive.ifla.org/VII/s8/pub/Profrep108.pdf

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  2. We have lovely public art permanently installed in our public library branches around town. Your post has me thinking about the possibilities of rotating exhibits, too.

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  3. I'm mainly thinking of one main library as a bunker. Mainly. I do like the museum passes, true - those are really neat and I should use them someday.

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  4. Rotating exhibits would be great, Melanie! I figure if a local coffee shop can show local art for sale, why not a library? ...Or maybe there are laws against that.

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