ex Libris: library exhibitions

CURRENT:

ex Libris- Welles Turner Library, Glastonbury - September/October

• August 27 - October 29

• Reception September 16 - 6:30pn

• ~10 works

ex Libris is of a series of art exhibitions at public libraries in Connecticut of works by Eddie Hall created using reclaimed windows. The series is a likely never ending project where Eddie plans to hang work at every library in Connecticut. Public libraries are an important space in our communities where people of all ages, backgrounds, and income levels feel welcome. By showing artwork in these spaces, the project allows his artwork to reach an audience who might not otherwise seek it out or see it at a gallery. Additionally, Eddie hopes this project highlights the use of libraries as an exhibition platform to other artists and the value of these exhibition spaces in the community.

In December of 2024, I did my first library show a little less than a mile from my house at the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library. At the time, I just had a larger gallery show and figured it would be something to do with the works instead of putting them back in storage. As a lifelong lover of books and libraries, something about showing at a library resonated with me. Just like I never noticed galleries before I was an artist, I never noticed how many libraries had space to show art until after my show in Berlin. People sometimes enter gallery shows with trepidation, unsure if they were welcome and even asking whether they need to pay to attend. Showing my work at libraries allows it to reach an audience who might not otherwise seek it out, people appreciating my work I would not regularly see at a gallery. There are 169 towns in Connecticut - not all have libraries and not all those libraries have places to display art, but every time I look up where to go next I realize there are even more. I am going to try and display at every library in Connecticut that I can and I probably will not even get close.

exhibition gallery