San Rafael, CA – A new County of Marin program launching this fall will allow card-carrying Marin County Free Library (MCFL) patrons to check out works of art from local artists. Through June 30, those artists may submit their creations.
The library is collaborating with the County’s Department of Cultural Services on the program called On the Wall, a way to support a diverse group of local artists and enhance the library’s collections so that community members may check them out as they do books or other library materials.
“Every Marin County resident should have access to works of art, and few places are more accessible than our County’s public libraries,” said MCFL Director Lana Adlawan. “We think this is an innovative and exciting new way to give library cards new power, expand access to art for Marin residents, and provides direct support for local artists by purchasing and exhibiting their work.”
In preparation for a fall program launch, the call is out for artists 18 years or older who live or work in Marin or have studio space in Marin. The submission form is at www.marinlibrary.org/artist. Artists may submit up to three two-dimensional pieces within the categories of drawing, painting, photography, prints, textiles, and mixed media. Juried works will be selected in September.
In the initial phase of this project, art works will be placed in the South Novato, Point Reyes Station, Inverness, Corte Madera, and Marin City libraries with plans to expand the program to all 10 branches. Artworks will be chosen from artists living or working in each corresponding community.
“The arts are a historic cornerstone of Marin’s identity,” said Director of Cultural Services Gabriella Calicchio. “We loved this idea because the program supports both artists and residents to ensure the continued support of and engagement with the arts in Marin County.”
The On the Wall collection is generously supported by the Marin County Library Foundation, Tomales Bay Library Association, Friends of the Marin City Library, and Friends of the Novato Libraries.
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