Public Art: A Joy For Ever?
Public art can help make libraries into hubs expressing community identity and aspiration but can also create dissention, funding headaches, and architectural and design problems. What are good policies for inviting, evaluating, and accepting submissions? How can buildings be designed around art projects that are mandated through construction funding? What are graceful ways for turning away projects supported by community members that may not suit the library? Should public art be deaccessioned, and if so, how? Join a panel of experienced architects, designers, and librarians for a spirited and informative exploration of practices for implement public art into libraries.
Speakers
-
Donna ZuiderwegChief Community Engagement Officer, Columbus Metropolitan LibraryShe/Her/Hers
Donna is the Chief Community Engagement Officer (CCEO) of Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) in Columbus, Ohio. In her role, Donna leads the Collection Services, Development, Marketing & Communications and Government Relations & Advocacy teams. Previously, Donna served ten years as CML’s Director of Development & Affinity. Donna holds an undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Ohio Dominican University. She is an appointed trustee to the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board of Franklin County, Ohio. In 2019, Donna was honored as Outstanding Professional Fundraiser by the Central Ohio Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. -
Jeff HooverLIbrary Design Director, StudioGHJeffrey specializes in programming, planning, and design of learning environments, with a particular focus on libraries. Mr. Hoover has been actively involved with architectural conferences and symposiums throughout the world, speaking on: future libraries, historic renovations and additions, and the influence of technology on the practice of architecture. He has been an instructor for Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design’s Office of Executive Education, teaching Future Library Design, since 1999. Jeff has recently been Chair of the Architecture for Public Libraries Committee for the American Library Association and is a current committee member.
over the past dozen years Jeffrey has also been an on-site installation coordinator on more that 3 dozen large public art installations across North America. -
Laura McGrathDeputy Director, Skokie Public LibraryShe/Her/Hers
As Deputy Director at the Skokie Public Library, Laura oversees the Access Services, Patron Engagement, Learning Experiences, Teen Services, and Youth Services departments and assists with the administration of the library. She has been involved with committee work for ILA (Illinois Library Association), PLA, and ALA and co-presented “Reinventing the Modern Library” at CORE Forum 2022. Skokie Public Library has a large art collection and the Library Board of Trustees recently adopted an updated Art Acquisitions Policy which includes information about how art will be added as well as deaccessioned. -
Matt McLainAssociate Director of Community Engagement, Salt Lake County LibraryHe/His
Matt McLain is the Associate Director of Community Engagement at the Salt Lake County Library. In addition to the Salt Lake County Library, he has worked at the Utah State Library and the Salt Lake City Public Library. -
Michael SweneyArt in Public Places Program Manager, Washington State Arts CommissionHe/Him
Mike joined ArtsWA in 2007 and has managed the incredible public art team since 2011. One of the country’s oldest statewide public art programs, Art in Public Places has been a leader in developing and administering best practices for art acquisition and collection care. Mike has managed more than 150 public art projects at Washington’s public schools, colleges, universities, and state agencies. Previous positions include the director of Davidson Contemporary in Seattle, director of the Charles Cowles Gallery in New York, board vice president for the Center on Contemporary Art in Seattle, and member of the Tacoma Art Museum’s Collection Committee. Mike recently stepped down as chair of the Tacoma Arts Commission, and currently serves on the Advisory Committee for the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at WSU, in Pullman.