The library hosts art exhibits by local artists of all ages. Exhibits are available to view during library open hours and may include themed activities, artist receptions, music, and demonstrations. Visit the library to view our current exhibits and explore descriptions of current and upcoming exhibits below.
January & February 2023
Michigan Momentos: a Painterly Collection of Memories and Places by Anna Barnhart| Atrium Gallery
This collection of paintings, ranging from vividly impressionistic to nearly abstract, brings a snapshot of some of Michigan’s beloved places, both famous and hidden. Please enjoy the selection of colorful, textured acrylic paintings created by Kalamazoo artist Anna Barnhart and you even may find new places to explore!
Painter Anna Barnhart experiments and applies techniques across various media, but gravitates back towards acrylic and watercolor. Loving colors and texture and the versatility of acrylic paint, she explores the landscapes and moods of the midwest, making paintings like emotional snapshots that reflect both the artist and the location. Anna holds associate degrees in Liberal Arts and Animation from KVCC, but prefers getting her hands messy with paint. Her artwork can be seen in regional art fairs, her website, YouTube channel, or at the occasional farmers market.
Artist Website: annabarnhart.com
Art Inspired by the 2023 CommuniTeen Read | Café Gallery
Beginning in late January, explore art inspired by the 2023 CommuniTeen Read selection The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune. Local teens created all of the featured artworks. The library will host an art reception and hot chocolate bar Thursday, February 2nd, from 5:30 – 6:30 PM.
March & April 2023
A Weaver’s Journal of Endangered Wildflowers by Artist Carol Irving| Atrium Gallery
Michigan is home to many endangered, threatened, and special species of plants, including beautiful wildflowers. Drawing on her roots in botanical studies, artist Carol Irving accepted a unique challenge: Turn woven yarn into soil, forest litter, plants, and leaves. The result is a beautiful series of woven panels entitled “A Weaver’s Journal of Endangered Wildflowers”. On April 22nd, there will be a special presentation at the library about this exhibit. Come and meet artist Carol Irving and hear about her moment of inspiration, how she created these panels, and what the experience taught her about the wildflowers of Michigan.
Artist Statement:
I am a Fiber Artist, weaving large rugs and wall hangings. I began my journey at a young age, learning to knit from my grandmother. Later, working on a degree in Botanical Sciences, weaving as a form of expression, grabbed a hold of me and wouldn’t let go.
Initially, the yarn spoke to me. My early creations were born of long walks in the woods collecting objects and ideas to bring to my work. Employing new techniques my designs, are often drawn from nature using organic images and shapes to express my love and appreciation of nature. I am also drawn to symmetrical and geometric shapes, using bold colors or just dark and light yarns to express my vision.
The process of weaving can be very meditative and grounding. It is very technical and mathematical too, I have to know exactly where I’m going before I get there. Weaving, using the interlacements of yarns, gives me an outlet to express myself that I haven’t been able to find elsewhere.
Artist website: carolirving.com
You can also follow Carol Irving on Facebook and Instagram.
Le Petite Bookshelf by Michele Boudreaux| Café Gallery
Artist Michele Boudreaux specializes in bringing paper to life. Enjoy her special art series Le Petite Bookshelf and marvel at her imaginative mixed media expressions.
Artist Bio: Michele is a Michigan-based paper artist with deep Southern roots. She comes from the bayous of Louisiana where the tea is sweet and the sunshine is ever-present. Art has always been an effective means of bringing happiness to the world and filling it with her own version of joie de vivre.
She began art as a hobby, but since moving to Kalamazoo, Michigan she has pursued art as a full-time occupation. Her mediums of choice are usually acrylic paint and paper but she enjoys experimenting with any medium or style that captures her favorite muse, the often-overlooked subtleties of nature’s creativity.
Her hope for the future is to continue to grow and experiment as an artist, and most importantly, share the love and appreciation of art with her two children, Alison & Christopher.
Follow her on social media! Instagram: @mboudreauxart Facebook: @micheleboudreauxart
Purchasing Local Art
Some of the art displayed in our art exhibits is available for purchase. You can inquire about pricing or artist contact information at the Information Desk on the main level. The library does not handle the sale of artworks. Interested parties must contact the artist directly. Artwork displayed at the library for an exhibit must remain at the library for the duration of the contracted exhibit.
Are You a Local Artist?
We are currently accepting applications to exhibit art in 2023! Please fill out this form. We will notify applicants of our decision sometime in February 2023.
To receive an email notification when we are accepting applications for future exhibits, please fill out the following form: