ART AT THE LIBRARY

New Westminster Public Library provides space for art exhibits reflecting the diverse cultural interests of the community. We currently offer an accessible space for artists working in two-dimensional media, such as painting, drawing or photography on our 2nd floor, Upstairs Art Space.

Artists in the Gallery

Current Exhibit – Tuhma Fretti – November 2023

Tuhma Fretti’s exhibit, Living on the Bright Sight features abstract and colourful ink creations that are playful and reflective. They convey a sense of harmony and balance and in their ephemeral lightness, connect us to the beauty and simplicity of the moment.

Tuhma Fretti – Visual Description

Next Exhibit in January 2024

Call For Artists Now Open!

Submission Deadline is February 11, 2023. See below for important dates.

Are you a New Westminster-based artist with a body of 2D work, who would like an opportunity to have a solo exhibition in New Westminster? We want to hear from you!

In 2023, 11 artists will be chosen to have a month-long exhibit in our upstairs gallery space. Successful applications will have a body of work (small is fine!), a strong artistic eye, and a desire to contribute to the artistic conversation in our community. You are also welcome to make a group submission with artist colleagues, but the group should be sure to consider the cohesion of the proposed exhibit.

A Community Art Selection Committee ensures the community and library’s interests are echoed in the works selected for exhibit. The Committee is comprised of one library trustee, library staff, and members of the community who are active in the creative arts in their personal or professional lives. A set of criteria is used to guide selection of work to exhibit each year.  Our selection process ensures that we represent the varied community interests and artistic talents of New Westminster and beyond. We are especially interested in showcasing the full spectrum of our diverse community so if you are a BIPOC artist, live with a disability, have a different gender expression or are LGBTQ2S (for example), let us know!

Selected artists are given one-month showings. Priority is given to exhibitors who live or work in the City of New Westminster and we encourage any artist or group who exhibited previously to apply.

NOTE: Submissions cannot be for work that has already been showcased in New Westminster in the preceding 12 months, nor (upon acceptance) be displayed in any other New Westminster gallery during the exhibiting year.

Please email art@nwpl.ca if you have questions.

Criteria for Artist Selection

Exhibit space at New Westminster Public forges a creative dialogue with the community, brings attention to local art and creates new opportunities for artists in our city. It is an accessible space and open to artists working in two dimensional media. The Community Art Selection Committee uses the following criteria in the selection and approval of exhibits. All works must be:

  1. responsive to the diverse interests of the entire New Westminster community;
  2. original;
  3. suitable in scale, material, form, subject and content for the library environment;
  4. consistent with the principle of respect for the dignity and worth of all people;
  5. not intended as advertisements or solicitations for recruitment, business, political campaigning or fund-raising; and
  6. ready for display/hanging.

SUBMISSION FORM

Our annual Call for Artists is open. Expressions of interest for any artists interested in exhibiting their work for one month during 2023/2024, can be made by completing all fields in the form below. On receipt of your complete application, an acknowledgement will be sent via email. Artists selected to exhibit will be notified by the end of March, 2023. Successful artists will be required to submit a promotional image and exhibit statement upon notification of acceptance to exhibit.

We are not able to accept paper and in-person submissions.

Estimated Timeline:

December 20, 2022: Call for Artists opens
February 11, 2023: Deadline to submit applications, Call for Artists closes
early March, 2023: Exhibition Selection Committee meets
late March, 2023: Artists notified
April, 2023: Exhibition dates confirmed, contracts signed and returned
May 2023 – March 2024: Monthly exhibits

To ensure exhibitors have a positive experience, we have compiled a list of  Exhibition Guidelines that outline the responsibilities of artists exhibiting at the Library. By accepting a booking to display their work all artists agree to these rules and conditions.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact us at: art@nwpl.ca

CALL FOR 2023 ARTISTS IS OPEN!
PLEASE USE THE FORM BELOW TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: FEBRUARY 11, 2023

Please complete the following submission form

  • Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: jpg, pdf, png, Max. file size: 8 MB, Max. files: 5.

    Gallery Archive

     
    1234567

    George Rammell –  October 25 – November 15

    George Rammell presents “Chambers of Predetermined Outcomes”, Cast acrylic polymer, welded aluminum, wood & mixed media, addresses climate action asking how current structures influence change, or not. CLICK HERE for more information.

    Alyx Essers-Silverman – Collecting – October 2023

    Alyx Essers-Silverman works in mixed media, often incorporating natural materials. The vibrant and expressive pieces in her exhibit, “Collecting”, showcase a rich imagination and strong connection to the land.

    Alyx Essers-Silverman – Visual Description

    What Housing Means To Me – September 2023

    The What Housing Means to Me photovoice exhibit includes photographs and recorded stories of four women experiencing housing precarity and/or homelessness in New Westminster, as part of a project that uses photography and storytelling to highlight the importance of home, belonging, and community while also facilitating dialogues around affordable housing, and misconceptions and stereotypes about those living in poverty and experiencing homelessness.

    Visual Description – What Housing Means To Me

    Robert Bell – My Blended World – August 2023

    Robert Bell’s work in My Blended World is a multi-media approach to form and colour. He uses pastels, acrylic paint and epoxy resin to achieve these colourful, layered works, which often feature architectural black lines bisecting the pieces.

    Karryn Ransom – Animals – July 2023 

    Local French teacher (and former Degrassi High cast member!) Karryn Ransom, showcases her soulful watercolours in Animals. Karryn’s pet portraits capture a depth of personality, especially through exquisitely layered eyes.

    Aidan Michael – Chromatic Expressions – June 2023

    Aidan Michael’s exhibit, Chromatic Expressions, reflects the vibrant and diverse range of emotions that can be conveyed through the use of color, while also keeping a sense of movement and fluidity in the brushstrokes. Michael’s portraits combine abstract and impressionistic elements that reflect his love of people, structure, and the beauty of simplicity.

    Aidan Michael – Visual Description

    Linda Raudonus – It’s a Thin Line – May 2023

    It’s a Thin Line is Linda Raudonus’ first solo exhibition. The abstract, colourist and highly textured works have a palpable energy that radiates out to the viewer. Linda works through the Pottery Works Collective.

    Linda Raudonus – Visual Description

    DISPLAY GUIDELINES

    Art must be display ready in order for works to be protected and well-cared for in the Library:

    • Paper pieces framed;
    • Canvases, if unframed, have finished edges;
    • If artwork is in a non-traditional format or left unframed/unfinished by design, the artist must present ideas on how to display on the art wall;
    • Each piece should be labeled on the back with name of artist and title of piece for easy identification: and
    • Exhibitors are responsible for the delivery, installation and removal of their exhibits, as well as the means for hanging their work (picture hooks, chains, etc).

    Works are hung by the artist on the burlap area of the 4 Double-sided 53″ wide x 67″ high panels in the Gallery area. Works must be hung during the first two days of the month and taken down by end of day on the last day of the month or before if the last day falls on a statutory holiday.

    Works of art may be offered for sale, with prices established by the artist. The Library will not serve as a liaison for selling exhibited art or collect commission. The artist is responsible for providing contact information to communicate with the public for any sale. Works that are not available for purchase must be designated “NFS” (Not for Sale). Works sold must remain on exhibit throughout the designated period.

    The artist will display an exhibition statement and labels for each work. The labels will include the name, medium and price (if applicable). The exhibition statement may include a brief biography of the artist, a description of the artistic process, inspiration and influences, or other information to guide the audience.

    New Westminster Public Library, the City of New Westminster and the New Westminster Public Library Board and employees have no responsibility for any loss, theft or damage to works while they are being displayed in the library. We strongly suggest that you insure your work for any loss, theft or damage during your exhibit at the library.

    The Library reserves the right to cancel or change show dates for any reason and has sole and final choice of artist’s works for hanging based on space considerations and the appropriateness of works for display in a public building. Exhibits will be evaluated within the context of the public space and its users. The Library may require the removal of any item during the period of the exhibit. To avoid potential issues, artists are encouraged to share the work they plan to hang in advance.

    The Library will issue press releases and promote art displayed at the library on our website and through our social media channels.  Any information and images provided by the artist in their art submission may be used for the promotion of the exhibit.

    The Library cannot accommodate exhibit openings.

    ART DONATION POLICY

    The New Westminster Public Library currently owns artwork that may be displayed in the Library or be stored for future use. 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 on 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.

    Please note: The Arts Council of New Westminster also considers art donations from local artists. More information can be found here: https://artscouncilnewwest.org/gallery/art-donation/