The newly formed Art Committee of Orcas Island Public Library is excited to announce the creation of a gallery-like space for art exhibits in the much-loved Reading Room. The magazine collection has been moved to the east wall of the original building.

The committee is extending a call-for-artists for temporary exhibits (two months) in the new Reading Room gallery and along the south wall near the service desk. Deadline for submission is Friday, Jan. 26, 2018. The short application form is available at the library or online at http://www.orcaslibrary.org/docs/call4artists.pdf.

Submissions will be reviewed Jan. 30 by the Art Committee, which includes staff and community members with an abiding interest in the arts. Criteria for selection include artistic interest, artistic quality, and appropriateness for a library setting. The Library encourages both emerging and experienced artists to apply—children as well as adults, artist groups as well as individuals.

In addition to coordinating temporary exhibits of island artists, the Library Art Committee hopes to expand the Library’s permanent art collection; enhance the Library’s applied and art-history book collections; work with the Library’s Program Committee to schedule lectures by visual artists; create opportunities for art projects appropriate to the Library’s facilities; and collaborate with visual arts organizations in the community to develop partnership projects and programs where appropriate.

The Library seeks to include the visual arts in its mission to support all learners by maintaining strong collections, resources and services; to serve as a welcoming place for reflection, exploration, discussion and networking; and to reach out effectively to all groups and individuals.