Library Closed May 3

Both locations of the Cedar Rapids Public Library will be closed on Friday, May 3, for all-staff training.

A painting shows a still life with cakes on a tray, a rabbit, and a vase of dried twigs.
Post Author
Alison Gowans
Post Type

Oct. 9, 2023 – New art exhibits from local artists are up in the library's gallery spaces this fall. Read about them below!

Here are additional upcoming opportunities for local artists:

  • Interested in displaying your art at the library? Visit CRLibrary.org/art-on-exhibit to apply. 
  • The library is also taking applications at the same link for artist-in-residence. Artist-in-residence applications will be accepted through Monday, Nov. 20. The selected artist, chosen by a committee, will work with library staff to provide creative art programming for library patrons and have their work exhibited in at least one library gallery space in the spring of 2024. Local emerging artists, along with local post-secondary students, are encouraged to apply. The selected artist will be notified by Friday, Dec. 1. A monthly stipend will be paid for the time and expertise of the selected artist.
  • Reflections Workshop: Older adults are invited to create a work of art on canvas on Friday, Oct. 20 at 3 pm at Ladd Library to be featured in the upcoming Reflections exhibit in the Ladd Library gallery. Attendees will be provided canvas, paint, painting tools, and other materials for their unique creations. Patrons may also bring their own materials to incorporate into their piece. Patrons wishing to take a kit with basic materials home to complete a piece should return the completed art work by November 3. The exhibit will open Friday, Nov. 17, with a reception 3-5 pm at Ladd Library.

BE SEEN

Downtown Library, Skywalk Gallery, October, & November

Art by young adults at the Linn County Juvenile Detention Center, created as part of the library’s summer outreach program. “Be Seen” is an opportunity to elevate the artwork and voices of incarcerated youth in our community.

BROOKLYN VIALL

Downtown Library, Third Floor Gallery, October & November

Brooklyn Viall is a traditional and digital artist from Cedar Rapids who explores a multitude of mediums for her renditions. Majoring in graphic design, it is important for her to practice traditional applications that can also be rendered through the advancing digital realm.

In a traditional setting, Brooklyn practices multi-media art, often experimenting with a mixture of mediums including colored pencil, marker, and paint, all to create beautiful dreamscapes and schemes of nature.

A drawing shows a statue in the middle of a green floor under columns, next to a green plant.

HELEN HUNTER

Ladd Library, Gallery, August, September, & October

Helen Hunter bloomed late as an artist. She wished she could paint watercolors, but with no training, how could that happen? That wish became reality when Helen read in a painting book that, “You can learn to paint.”

Believing we should continue to learn throughout life, Helen took four watercolor lessons in Florida, and after each, with much laughter, she shared what she had painted with her husband. Determined to improve, she sought a local teacher.

This exhibit is the result of almost 20 years of learning and painting. Helen has received ribbons at art shows and fairs in Iowa and Florida and is a member of Iowa Artists and Creative Artists. She paints with friends on a regular basis.

A painting shows a barn in a snowy field.
A drawing is of a small yellow dog with a red collar