By Kathy L. Collins
The SouthShore Regional Library in Ruskin has issued two Calls to Artists for the Crawford Gallery juried shows. Area artists who are interested in having their artwork featured in the gallery are encouraged to apply.
The first call is for Painting and Mixed Media. Those selected will have their artwork on display in the gallery during the months of September and October. An artists’ reception will be held on Thursday, September 7 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The second call is for Photography. Those selected will have their artwork on display in the gallery during the months of November and December. An artists’ reception will be held on Thursday, November 2 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The Calls to Artists will run through July (for both shows). Interested artists can pick up an application at the Information Desk at the SouthShore Regional Library. Interested artists should complete the application and include a few samples of their artwork on CD or USB drive. Each artist should also include a one page document which includes biographical information with an artist’s statement about their work.
According to Principal Librarian, Cheryl Wolfe, “The library displays art for the purpose of providing the community with an educational, cultural and aesthetic experience. The Crawford Gallery is optimal for two-dimensional media. All art pieces will be hung on carpeted panels. No nudes or controversial subject matter is accepted.”
The current exhibit at the library is the 6×6 Exhibit. The exhibit features the artwork of 20 area artists and features a variety of media including acrylic, oil, watercolor, photography and Zentangle. Wolfe said of the current exhibit, “This generated a lot of interest in part because of the wide array of artists and topics. They include abstracts, nature and animals. A few artists submitted pieces under a theme.”
The current exhibit is an excellent example of the SouthShore Regional Library’s engagement with the community and the arts. Wolfe said, “The library helps connect communities. In our community, there is a strong interest in the arts. The SouthShore Regional Library is delighted to showcase exhibition in the Crawford Art Gallery and to help connect the community with local artists.”
The SouthShore Regional Library is located at 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin. For information, call 273-3652.
