Two art exhibits are on display at the Provo City Library through January and February.
"Art as Design as Art" by Ricky Williamson blends graphic design and fine art. "Snippets" by Heidi Prigmore showcases cut-paper collages. Provo community members can skip the raised pinky fingers and enjoy the free, accessible and local scene.
The two art galleries are managed by the library's community relations manager, Erika Hill. Hill believes that beyond books, libraries connect communities through art.
“Libraries are spaces for the community to not only learn things but engage in the art,” Hill said. “Our goal with the art galleries is to have a variety of things to look at and experience.”
The Gene Nelson Attic hosts larger shows and typically features local artists. Docents Leah Kershisnik and Sarah Dibble help manage the rotating exhibits.
Williamson, currently featured, has worked in the graphic design industry for 30 years.
“The show is about his work occupying a space between graphic design as a communication device and art as a method of expression,” Kershisnik said.
Williamson combines functional design with artistic edge.
“A lot of the time we don’t think of graphic design as art,” Hill said. “He’s questioning that assumption and is making pieces heavily based in graphic design that can stand alone as pieces of art.”
The Andersen Art Gallery focuses on a single, and typically local, artist. Prigmore’s vibrant cut-paper collages hang on display.
Prigmore paints paper, cuts shapes and layers pieces to create colorful compositions. The materials blend to form landscapes, animals and stories.
An entire wall in the gallery is flooded with pieces inspired by books, including "Anne of Green Gables" and "Narnia."
Whether students, families or working professionals, the library invites all to be enriched by art in a safe and cozy space.
“Art has always been a big part of my life, but seeing other people experience art is really cool to me,” Dibble, who is also an elementary art teacher, said. “It’s interesting to see how people are affected and have their experience with art.”
Discover how art will impact you, and venture to the Provo City Library.
The Gene Nelson Attic is on the library’s fourth floor and is open Monday through Friday, 3:30 to 8 p.m. The Andersen Art Gallery is open during regular library hours.