By now you have likely heard a lot about the first annual Plein Air Shorewood event that is taking place this weekend! As you may have noticed, your Shorewood Library is playing a large role in the event by serving as Plein Air Shorewood Headquarters.
You might be wondering: why the library? There are two great reasons that the library is serving as headquarters for Plein Air Shorewood. We have long had a relationship with public art - from the alphabet wall designed by Wisconsin illustrator Lois Ehlert, to the handcrafted wood whirligigs by Shorewood artist Slava Yanovsky, the library is already an art-filled place. In addition, as a public institution, we are also a gathering space for the whole community. It was only natural for Library Director, Beth Carey, to seize the wonderful opportunity presented by the Public Art Committee to partner on creating this community art event.
For one day only, your library will be transformed into a gallery: 54 artists are each creating two paintings over two days which will be hung in the adult area of the library. The work will be on display on Saturday during our open hours (10-3:30). This will be a great opportunity to bring kids - who may not be so excited about the evening gala - to check out the paintings of their hometown and learn more about the Plein Air technique.
If you want a guided showing of the art, plan to come between 10 am and noon on Saturday. Volunteers will be acting as docents for the collector's preview at this time, and members of the public are invited to take part as well.
Want to make it more of an evening affair? Head to the library for the silent auction and gala on Saturday at 6pm. At this time you will be able to see both the two-day paintings, and the two-hour quick paintings each artist will have produced on Saturday afternoon. All the art is for sale by silent auction on Saturday night. Come prepared to vote for your favorite: one people's choice award of $500 will be given, and those who vote are entered to win a door prize.
Library staff have been busy getting our building and collections ready to transform this weekend. We hope to see you there!
