By Kathy L. Collins
While libraries are synonymous with reading, they are also a place for exploration and learning. Libraries are also a place for the community to gather and enjoy, among other things, displays of art.
At the Brandon Regional Library, they have a beautiful, glassed-in exhibit area where artwork can be displayed. The current exhibit is a must-see for all fans of the Harry Potter series. The library is featuring an exhibit by world-renowned illustrator, Mary GrandPre who is best known for her Harry Potter illustrations.
GrandPre is a resident of Sarasota. She started drawing when she was five years old. While in school at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, GrandPre developed her love of pastels and “soft geometry.” She has done illustration work across the spectrum from children’s books to advertising.
GrandPre was featured on the cover of Time Magazine for her work with the Harry Potter series as well as her work as a visionary in the environment/scenery development in Dreamworks animated film Antz. She has done the illustration for six children’s books including Henry Pawl and the Round Yellow Ball and Sweep Dreams.
The illustrations on display at the Brandon Regional Library are stunning, colorful and vibrant. A fan of Harry Potter can instantly recognize the book from which the illustration comes.
The seven illustrations were purchased by the main branch of the Friends of the Library for use by libraries in the county.
The Brandon Regional Library is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr. in Brandon. Local artists are invited to submit an application for exhibition of their work in the display case. Use of the space is free to local artists. For more information, please contact Vicky Rickettes at 273-3652.
