Permanent Art - A New Collection
The way a perfect pair of earrings can make the outfit or just the right tie can compliment a suit, the Library has begun the process of adding permanent art displays throughout the renovated building. The collection kicked off with the donation of several original works of art.
Installed near the Registration Desk on the first floor is Water Tower by resident Doris Hoyt. The scene of downtown Chicago is a colorful watercolor interpretation of the hustle and bustle of the city streets surrounding the Water Tower, the lone surviving structure from the Chicago Fire.
Many thanks to the Friends for their generous gift of Raku pottery. The hand-thrown and carved pottery, set along the mantle of the main stairs near the Fiction/AV/ Teen Desk, is the work of Wisconsin resident Don Hunt. Hunt, a former high school teacher, has done numerous permanent art installations and renovations. The Raku pottery process is exciting and spontaneous. The unique and unpredictable pattern of color is created in the post-fire reduction process. This process creates various metallic, matte, and crackle-glazed personality for each pot.
With a quack here, a quack there — a few grunts from Building Services staff— the newest member of Youth Services arrived in early December. A 450-pound turquoise bench, with a yet-to-be named male duck, lends a touch of whimsy to the area and a great meeting place for lost parents. Designed and executed out of steel by Albuquerque, NM artist, OK Harris, the bench is already a popular attraction for all ages. Thanks to the Friends of the Library, for this exciting work of art.
