Art in the Library an imaginative way for words and images to share space

Art stimulates the imagination in much the same way as books, so it makes sense for the two to come together in the same space.

In 2012, Sue Morris and Mary Rashleigh both had the idea to display art at Huntsville Public Library (HPL). They wanted to showcase what local students were creating, and also give local artists an area to display their work.

At first, Rashleigh coordinated the artists but she passed that role to Anne MacDonald at the Huntsville Art Society in the spring of 2015. Morris’s daughter initially coordinated the schools for the children’s art display; that’s now the role of Amber McNair, HPL’s Youth Services Librarian.

“To me, books and art go together,” said Morris. “Art lends visual interest. It’s restful and adds culture. And it’s a way (for the library) to support the visual arts community by giving them an exhibit space.”

Artists display their works around the library for a two-month period. Many of Huntsville’s talented locals have already had an exhibit, including Elizabeth Johnson, Anna Gaby-Trotz, Janine Marson, Janet Stahle, Kate Brown, Natalie Bertin, Pam Carnochan, Sandy McLellan, Wendy Moses, Robert Winter, Linda Harti, Margot Snow, Marilyn Smith, Nalini Almas, and Pat Whittle. Tyler Ayles just finished an exhibit; now on display for March and April are the works of Catherine Luce.

The art is often, though not always, for sale but the prices are never displayed at the library. That information can be found on the library’s Art in the Library web page.

The children’s art isn’t for sale, however – those priceless pieces are returned to the students. But while they are on display, McNair often sees the kids stopping by with parents in tow, proudly showing off their hard work.

Eight local schools participate – Spruce Glen, Pine Glen, Huntsville Public, Riverside, VK Greer, Tawingo, Montessori, and Muskoka Christian School – each displaying their art for a month at a time. “When I invite the schools to participate, I tell them they can fill the space however they want to, by class or theme or medium,” said McNair. The current school, Riverside, chose a winter theme and have displayed painting and drawings of kindergarten through grade four students along with some molded sculptures from grade six students.

In the summer months, the library’s homeschool program and the Town of Huntsville’s day camps fill the space with colour.

“When the library does surveys, we always get comments about the art in the library even though we don’t ask for it,” said Morris. “Library patrons really appreciate it and they love to see the children’s art. If any of it is gone for a day or two between artists, they really miss it. What a great thing to be able to do – to sit down and read a book and enjoy art at the same time.”

In another books and art initiative, the library also has the Vicki Dodds Memorial Art Book Collection, originated by Kate Brown in memory of her friend who was both a local artist and a supporter of the library. The program allows patrons to donate art books or money in kind to the collection.