Art at the Library
New Westminster Public Library provides space for art exhibits reflecting the diverse cultural interests of the community. We strive to be an open and inclusive space, showcasing the great work of artists from our city.
Artists in the Gallery
Our rotating exhibit is the heartbeat of our Art at the Library program.
Artists are chosen to display their work through a call for submissions, which is usually open early each calendar year.
Be sure to check out the current exhibit the next time you venture upstairs at Main Branch!
PUBLIC ART
Our Community, Our Way by Rain Pierre
Rain Pierre and his Rain Awakens team have created an artwork that spans both floors of our main branch. It features 19 concrete pillars wrapped with vinyl graphics and a carved maple wood panel with epoxy resin fill. The chance to work with Rain, who hails from Katzie First Nation, was made possible through the City of New Westminster’s Public Art Program.
Alphaball by Tony Bloom
Located outside at the southwest corner of our main branch, this work is comprised of the letters of the alphabet and whole numbers in base ten which, when taken together, form the building blocks of the majority of library materials. The artist, sculptor Tony Bloom, works primarily in metal and has exhibited in North America, Europe, and Japan. Alphaball is part of the City of New Westminster’s Public Art Registry.
Art Donations
From time to time, the library is offered gifts of artwork, including paintings, photography, textiles, and three-dimensional works such as statuary. When considering the suitability of a donation, the library will use the following criteria:
- The artist or the subject of the work has a direct connection to New Westminster.
- The gift is in good condition and does not require any restoration or repair.
- Paintings or other items intended to be hung are framed and suitably prepared for hanging or display.
- The library has space to display or store the work.
When a decision has been made that a work of art is suitable for the library’s collection, the donor must agree to the following conditions:
- Gifts must be unconditional, transferring ownership and all rights of ownership to the library.
- Gifts are accepted only with the understanding that the library has the right to determine retention, location, and other considerations relating to the use of disposition of the donated gift.
- The library may display the gift or not.
- The library may sell the item and use the proceeds for any purpose appropriate to the library’s mission.
- The library may transfer ownership to any other person or agency it deems appropriate.
The library will not supply income tax receipts for donation without appraisal by a recognized art appraiser. Donors are responsible for having their gifts appraised for income tax purposes and the cost of any appraisal must be borne by the donor. Only appraisals that are not more than 12 months old will be accepted. No appraisal is necessary if the donation does not need an income tax receipt.
Before any donation of artwork can be accepted by the library, a donation form must be signed by the donor and the chief librarian or the chairperson of the library board. The donation form transfers ownership of the gift to the library and clarifies the conditions of this policy.
The library reserves the right to refuse a donation that does not meet the collection criteria or the previous conditions.
Arts New West also considers art donations from local artists. Please email them directly with any inquiries at info@artsnewwest.ca.
Questions? Email art@nwpl.ca or message us.