I always enjoy seeing art in libraries, especially art produced from local artists. Art provides something additional to view in the library, has the capacity to draw in people who may not typically visit the library for other reasons, and gives local artists a chance to showcase their work to a broader audience. My local library, the Ferndale Public Library in Ferndale, Michigan, displays art in several areas of the library.
I was happy to see that the newly proposed Gratiot Quilt Trail Project intends to include quilt blocks in the county libraries. "The purpose of the Gratiot Quilt Trail project is to promote tourism, the arts, the history of quilting, the history of our local farms and businesses and to better connect our rural areas and the towns of Gratiot County." (Sowle, J. 2014). The quilt blocks will be designed and painted by local artists, with the intention of creating a quilt trail for people to follow throughout the area. The blocks may be displayed on barns, businesses, and township halls as well as the libraries.
This is a great way for the libraries to partner with the community because it allows them to brighten up their space with local art, to be seen as a vital part of the community, and to perhaps attract additional patrons to the library.
Sowle, J. (2014, November 11). Quilt Trail Coming to Gratiot County. Morning Sun News. Retrieved
from http://www.themorningsun.com/general-news/20141111/quilt-trail-coming-to-gratiot-county
I love that Ferndale Public Library displays work from local artists. I am always drawn to the art work when I visit. It seems like a win win situation- the Library gets free artwork to liven up the walls and local artists get a chance to display their work to the community. I haven't seen the Sandy Rice works yet, but I will try to make it there in the next week to check it out!
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