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First-time visitors to the Rockport Public Library might expect the usual fare of books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs and free wireless internet.
But the walls and shelves of the library have also become a home for another form of media: the paintings, sculptures and other forms of visual art produced by people in the midcoast.
Two exhibits are currently on display. Downstairs is a set of abstract paintings composed of solid blocks of alternating colors arranged in various patterns. Upstairs are various copper sculptures that depict wildlife including striped bass, great blue heron and a Rhode Island red rooster. Both are by artists who make their work in town.
Since the library moved into a new building four years ago, it has become a hub for local artwork. That has been by design, according to the library’s deputy director, Julia Pierce, who curates the exhibits.
Rockport’s isn’t the only library to move in the direction of sharing more art along its walls. Among the others are the Camden and Blue Hill public libraries.
“It’s really a way to attract people to the library that may have never been here before,” Pierce said. “It’s not just a place you go to check out books; it’s also a place you can go to check out quality art in a gallery setting.”
Generally speaking, the Rockport library rotates its exhibits every month or two. It both looks for artists to feature and welcomes artists who are looking for a venue.
“We try to keep the themes all nice and mixed up,” Pierce said. “We try to find professional artists as well as hobby artists to have a place to show their work.”
In the current exhibit, the eight copper animal sculptures were made by G. Bion Richards. In an interview, he said that he’s retired from a career studying animals and has combined that part of his life into the art he makes in his garage as a hobby.
“It’s such a challenge to take a flat piece of copper, which is not meant to be made into a rooster comb or a feather. Copper has very little forgiveness,” Richards said. “I really gravitate towards trying to interpret the true animal form.”
To help patrons interact with the display, the library is also holding a contest for people to propose names for the rooster sculpture. On April 30, Richards will select a winner — with the prize being the honor of naming the fowl.
Meanwhile, the abstract paintings were made by John Merritt, a longtime professional artist, whose work also incorporates digital techniques such as computer numerical control (CNC) router cutting, as well as more basic carpentry.
According to Pierce, the art displays have been paying off, drawing in some less frequent library users who are interested in them. They are also generating plenty of interest from artists, with exhibits now booked out until October.
“I like to feature up-and-coming artists, people who are not necessarily getting as much attention as they deserve,” Piece said. “And also to expose our community and patrons to the many, many talented people that we have living in the town surrounding the library.”